Luke 12:28

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?

If {G1487} then {G1161} God {G2316} so {G3779} clothe {G294} the grass {G5528}, which {G5607} is to day {G4594} in {G1722} the field {G68}, and {G2532} to morrow {G839} is cast {G906} into {G1519} the oven {G2823}; how much {G4214} more {G3123} will he clothe you {G5209}, O ye of little faith {G3640}?

If this is how God clothes grass, which is alive in the field today and thrown in the oven tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you! What little trust you have!

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!

But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Commentary

Luke 12:28 (KJV) is a profound statement from Jesus, serving as a powerful reassurance against anxiety and worry. It highlights God's meticulous care for even the most fleeting aspects of creation, drawing a stark contrast to His much greater concern for humanity.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extended discourse to His disciples and a large crowd, addressing issues of materialism, trust, and the pursuit of God's kingdom. Immediately preceding Luke 12:28, Jesus uses the examples of ravens, which neither sow nor reap but are fed by God (Luke 12:24), and lilies, which neither toil nor spin yet are arrayed in glory surpassing Solomon (Luke 12:27). The "grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven" refers to wild vegetation, often dried and used as fuel for baking bread in ancient Israelite homes. This imagery emphasizes the transient and seemingly insignificant nature of such flora. Jesus uses these illustrations to underscore His teaching on trusting God for daily provisions rather than succumbing to worry about life's necessities.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Care: The verse powerfully conveys God's active involvement in sustaining His creation. If He attends to the needs of temporary grass, His care for His human children is infinitely greater.
  • The Value of Human Life: Jesus implicitly teaches that human beings, made in God's image, hold immeasurable value in His sight, far surpassing that of transient plant life.
  • The Folly of Worry: Worry is presented as a manifestation of "little faith," suggesting a lack of trust in God's benevolent provision. It's a misplaced concern that overlooks God's consistent faithfulness.
  • Faith Over Fear: The passage calls believers to cultivate a deeper and more robust faith that rests securely in God's unfailing love and provision, freeing them from the grip of anxiety.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "O ye of little faith" translates the Greek word oligopistos (ὀλιγόπιστος). This term, frequently used by Jesus (e.g., Matthew 6:30, Matthew 8:26), does not imply a complete absence of faith, but rather an insufficient or underdeveloped faith, particularly in moments of doubt or amidst life's challenges. It's a gentle rebuke intended to encourage growth in trust, not condemnation.

Practical Application

Luke 12:28 serves as a timeless reminder for believers to surrender their anxieties about material needs and future uncertainties to God. In a world often consumed by financial worries, career pressures, and security concerns, this verse encourages a radical dependence on divine providence. It prompts us to reflect on what truly holds our trust and to realign our priorities, seeking first God's kingdom and righteousness (Luke 12:31) with the assurance that all necessary things will be provided. It challenges us to move from a state of "little faith" to a deeper, more confident trust in the Heavenly Father's unfailing care.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 14:31 (5 votes)

    And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

  • Isaiah 40:6 (4 votes)

    The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

  • Matthew 6:30 (3 votes)

    Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?

  • Matthew 17:20 (3 votes)

    And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

  • 1 Peter 1:24 (2 votes)

    ¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

  • Matthew 17:17 (2 votes)

    Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

  • Matthew 16:8 (2 votes)

    [Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?