Matthew Chapter 6 · Verse 28
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καταμάθετε
Consider
G2648
καταμάθετε
Consider
Strong's:
G2648
Word #:
6 of 16
to learn thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to note carefully
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγροῦ
of the field
G68
ἀγροῦ
of the field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
10 of 16
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
11 of 16
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
αὐξάνει·
they grow
G837
αὐξάνει·
they grow
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
12 of 16
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
Cross References
Matthew 6:25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.Luke 12:27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Matthew 6:31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?Luke 3:11He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
Historical Context
Galilee was famous for wildflowers, particularly in spring when hillsides blazed with color. Women spent significant time spinning thread and weaving cloth - textile production was major household industry. Jesus' audience would immediately understand the labor involved in clothing production. The lilies' effortless beauty versus human toil highlights grace versus works, trust versus anxiety. Solomon's temple splendor (referenced in next verse) provides comparison point his audience would know from Scripture and tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- What does nature's beauty and provision teach us about God's character and care?
- How does God's clothing of flowers challenge our anxiety about basic provisions?
- In what ways do we exhaust ourselves through anxious striving rather than trusting God's provision?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus continues with botanical illustration: 'And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin' (Greek: καταμάθετε τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ, 'learn thoroughly from the lilies of the field'). 'Consider' (καταμάθετε) means 'observe carefully, learn from.' Lilies (exact species debated - possibly anemones, poppies, or general wildflowers) don't labor (textile production) yet flourish. The contrast is between human anxious striving and nature's receptive trust in God's provision. This echoes Genesis creation where vegetation grows naturally under God's ordering. The point isn't anti-work but anti-anxiety.