### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κρίνον (krínon, `{{G2918}}`) designates a "lily." As noted in its etymology, it is likely a primary word, suggesting a fundamental and un-derived term for this specific type of flowering plant. Semantically, κρίνον refers to a genus of beautiful, often fragrant flowers, typically characterized by large, showy blooms. In the ancient Near East, various species of lilies, including true lilies, irises, or even gladioli, might have been encompassed by this term, all sharing the common characteristic of striking beauty and often a short lifespan. The word evokes images of natural splendor, purity, and the delicate, transient nature of flora.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κρίνον (`{{G2918}}`) appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically in two parallel passages within the Synoptic Gospels, both recounting Jesus' teaching on anxiety:
* [[Matthew 6:28]]: "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,"
* [[Luke 12:27]]: "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
In both instances, the "lilies of the field" serve as a central object lesson in Jesus' discourse against worry (μέριμνα, `{{G3308}}`) and for trusting in divine providence. Jesus points to the effortless beauty and sustenance of these flowers, which do not engage in human labor ("toil nor spin"), yet are clothed by God in a splendor that surpasses even the magnificent attire of King Solomon (a figure renowned for his wealth and glory, cf. [[1 Kings 10:4-7]]). The immediate context in both Gospels is Jesus' admonition to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all necessary material provisions will be added. The lilies stand as a vivid, tangible example of God's meticulous care for His creation, even for things as seemingly insignificant and ephemeral as wild flowers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of κρίνον (`{{G2918}}`) naturally connects with several theological and conceptual themes:
* **Creation and Providence:** The lilies are part of God's created order, sustained by His ongoing care. This relates to concepts of God as Creator and Sustainer (e.g., [[Psalm 104]]).
* **Trust and Faith:** The primary purpose of the lily illustration is to encourage believers to trust God completely for their needs, contrasting with anxiety (μέριμνα, `{{G3308}}`) and lack of faith (ὀλιγοπιστία, `{{G3640}}`, "little faith").
* **Glory and Beauty:** The splendor of the lilies (δόξα, `{{G1391}}`) is presented as a divine gift, surpassing human-made glory, which is transient. This subtly highlights the true source of beauty and value.
* **Human Labor and Divine Provision:** The contrast between human "toiling" and "spinning" versus the lilies' effortless growth underscores the difference between human striving and divine provision.
* **Ephemeral Nature of Life:** While not explicitly stated, flowers are inherently transient, blooming for a season and then fading. This subtly reinforces the fleeting nature of earthly life and possessions compared to eternal realities (cf. [[Isaiah 40:6-8]]).
* **Nature as Teacher:** The use of natural elements (lilies, birds of the air, grass) as pedagogical tools is characteristic of Jesus' teaching, drawing spiritual lessons from the observable world.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κρίνον (`{{G2918}}`) lies profoundly in its role as a powerful metaphor for divine providence and a call to radical trust.
1. **God's Meticulous Care:** The unparalleled beauty with which God clothes the lilies demonstrates His attention to detail and lavish care for even the most transient aspects of His creation. This serves as an *a fortiori* argument: if God so beautifully cares for a flower that is here today and gone tomorrow, how much more will He care for His human children, who are of greater value and eternal destiny?
2. **Challenge to Anxiety:** The lilies directly confront human anxiety over material needs. Jesus uses them to expose the futility and faithlessness of worry, urging His disciples to relinquish their grip on self-reliance and embrace dependence on God.
3. **Redefinition of True Glory:** By comparing the lilies' adornment to Solomon's glory and finding the former superior, Jesus subtly redefines what constitutes true splendor and value. It is not human accumulation or achievement, but God's intrinsic provision and beauty, which is freely given and surpasses all earthly display. This calls believers to humility and a re-evaluation of their priorities.
4. **Kingdom Priorities:** The teaching associated with the lilies (e.g., [[Matthew 6:33]]) directs believers to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all necessary provisions will follow. The lilies embody the principle of God's faithful provision for those who align their lives with His purposes.
### Summary
The Greek word κρίνον (krínon, `{{G2918}}`), meaning "lily," is a simple yet profoundly significant term in the New Testament. Appearing exclusively in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount/Plain ([[Matthew 6:28]], [[Luke 12:27]]), the "lilies of the field" serve as a central object lesson against anxiety and a vivid illustration of divine providence. Jesus uses their effortless beauty, surpassing even the glory of Solomon, to underscore God's meticulous and abundant care for His creation. The theological import of κρίνον lies in its powerful call to unwavering trust in God, a challenge to the futility of human worry, and a reorientation towards Kingdom priorities, reminding believers that if God so lavishly provides for a transient flower, He will surely care for His beloved children.
TRV