Luke 12 27

Luke 12:27 kjv

Consider 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.

Luke 12:27 nkjv

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Luke 12:27 niv

"Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Luke 12:27 esv

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.

Luke 12:27 nlt

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

Luke 12 verses

Luke 12 27 Meaning

Luke 12:27 conveys a powerful lesson about God's provision and calls for an abandonment of anxiety concerning material needs like clothing. It instructs believers to observe the simple, ephemeral beauty of nature—specifically wild flowers—and consider that even the renowned splendor of King Solomon, with all his vast wealth, could not compare to the inherent glory God bestows upon them without their effort. This comparison highlights God's magnificent care for His creation, implicitly assuring His followers that He will certainly provide for their needs.

Luke 12 27 Context

Luke 12:27 is part of a broader discourse by Jesus on seeking God's kingdom rather than earthly possessions and worrying about future needs. Preceding this verse, Jesus has warned against covetousness using the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) and has directly addressed anxiety about life's necessities like food and clothing (Luke 12:22-26). He uses the example of ravens being fed by God to illustrate His provision for even "worthless" creatures, arguing that humans, being of far greater worth, should not doubt God's care. Verse 27 extends this logic to clothing, contrasting God's adornment of nature with Solomon's human-made grandeur, serving as a climactic point in the argument for trust over anxiety. The overall context urges disciples to orient their hearts towards spiritual realities and God's dependable provision. Historically, anxiety over food and clothing was a common plight for the majority, and this teaching profoundly challenged their ingrained struggles and societal norms centered on accumulating wealth and display.

Luke 12 27 Word Analysis

• Consider (κατανοήσατε - katanōēsate): This is more than a casual glance. It means to "observe intently," "to perceive clearly," "to comprehend fully," or "to fix one's mind upon." Jesus urges a thoughtful, deliberate understanding, inviting deep contemplation of God's work in nature. It's a call to profound spiritual insight through observing the physical world.
• Lilies (κρίνα - krina): In this context, it refers not to a specific type of modern "lily" but to a general category of wild flowers, likely the common, often brightly colored, field flowers such as anemones, gladioli, or irises abundant in the Palestinian landscape. They bloom profusely and vividly, but only for a short season. Their fleeting nature highlights the power of God's ephemeral adornment.
• How they grow (πῶς αὐξάνει - pōs auxanei): Emphasizes the natural, effortless process by which they receive their beauty. They do not strive or labor for their form; it is intrinsically given by their Creator.
• They toil not (οὐ κοπιᾷ - ou kopia): "Toil" refers to arduous labor, wearisome work, or effort expended. Flowers do not engage in the human act of preparing the soil, planting, or harvesting, yet they achieve such beauty.
• Neither do they spin (οὐ νήθει - ou nēthei): "Spin" refers specifically to the labor of processing fibers into thread for weaving clothing, a quintessential female task of the era. This highlights the complete absence of human-like manufacturing or self-preparation in their natural process. The contrast is sharp with human efforts to produce garments.
• Solomon (Σολομών - Solomōn): The most renowned king of Israel, legendary for his immense wealth, wisdom, and the opulence of his reign, particularly the temple he built and his royal palace (1 Kings 10). He represents the pinnacle of human-achieved splendor and material glory in biblical tradition.
• In all his glory (πᾶσαν αὐτοῦ τὴν δόξαν - pasan autou tēn doxan): "Glory" (doxan) here signifies regal splendor, magnificence, and impressive outward appearance, associated with earthly power and riches. The phrase emphasizes the totality of his impressive array and outward display, covering everything he was known for.
• Was not arrayed (οὐ περιεβάλετο - ou periebaleto): "Arrayed" implies being clothed or adorned with magnificence. The passive voice indicates an action done to Solomon, dressing him in his finest. The negation signifies that even in his zenith, with all his efforts and wealth, he was outshone by God's simple handiwork.
• Like one of these (ὡς ἓν τούτων - hōs hen toutōn): This direct comparison starkly contrasts the greatest human splendor with the effortless beauty of a single common wild flower. It underscores God's immeasurable superiority in design and provision, and challenges human pride in material achievements.

Luke 12 27 Bonus section

The lesson about the "lilies of the field" likely carries an implicit challenge to the societal preoccupation with status and outward display prevalent in Jesus' time. Much like today, external appearance, clothing, and accumulated wealth often determined a person's perceived standing. By contrasting Solomon's famed glory with a common flower, Jesus underscores the superficiality and inferiority of human-derived splendor compared to God's inherent, effortless, and pervasive beauty. This teaching indirectly criticizes reliance on visible indicators of wealth and shifts the focus to God's ultimate source of sustenance and beauty. It teaches contentment and priorities, stressing that God's faithful provision for even the least of creation should give His valued children full assurance regarding their sustenance.

Luke 12 27 Commentary

Luke 12:27 serves as a profound call to radical trust in God's providence, directly confronting the human inclination towards anxiety and materialism. Jesus draws a striking comparison between the fleeting, wild flowers—adorned by God without any effort of their own—and the legendary King Solomon, who represented the zenith of human-achieved splendor. The core message is that if God so lavishly beautifies transient nature, how much more will He care for His children, who are of infinite value to Him. This is not an encouragement to idleness but a command to prioritize the kingdom of God over the obsessive pursuit of worldly security and status. The beauty of the lily (or wild flower) is intrinsic, gifted by divine hand, surpassing any human-made glory that is obtained through toil and resources. Therefore, rather than focusing on external possessions or self-provision, believers are urged to observe God's handiwork, derive confidence from His boundless care, and rest in His sovereign plan for their lives. The practicality lies in a reorientation of one's anxieties and efforts away from the earthly and towards seeking God's reign and righteousness.