Matthew 6 28

Matthew 6:28 kjv

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Matthew 6:28 nkjv

"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;

Matthew 6:28 niv

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

Matthew 6:28 esv

And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,

Matthew 6:28 nlt

"And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing,

Matthew 6 verses

Matthew 6 28 Meaning

This verse presents a profound teaching from Jesus, urging His disciples to cast aside anxious worry concerning material provisions, specifically clothing. He draws a vivid and compelling analogy from the natural world: wildflowers, commonly referred to as "lilies of the field." These flowers flourish and attain remarkable beauty without any human-like toil, laboring, or spinning threads to produce their exquisite covering. The implicit message is that if God meticulously adorns the temporary flora of the field with such splendor, He will assuredly provide for His human creations, who are of far greater eternal value. Thus, anxiety over material needs demonstrates a lack of faith in God's caring providence and is rendered illogical by observing His effortless provision in creation.

Matthew 6 28 Context

Matthew 6:28 is an integral part of Jesus's pivotal Sermon on the Mount, found in chapters 5-7 of the Gospel of Matthew. Within this larger discourse, chapter 6 specifically addresses the nature of true righteousness and piety, cautioning against external displays of devotion for human praise (almsgiving, prayer, fasting) and then transitioning into a profound teaching on material possessions and worldly anxieties. Verses 25-34, the section in which verse 28 appears, form a cohesive unit titled "Do Not Worry." Jesus initially warns against worrying about life (food and drink) and the body (clothing) in verse 25, followed by the logical conclusion that such worry is futile (v. 27). Verse 28 specifically zeroes in on the concern for clothing, employing a relatable example from the common Palestinian landscape to illustrate God's boundless care. This teaching stands in direct contrast to the cultural norms of the day, which often dictated security and social standing by the abundance of one's material possessions. Jesus's words redirect His followers' focus from earthly anxieties to unwavering trust in their heavenly Father's provision and a primary pursuit of His kingdom and righteousness.

Matthew 6 28 Word analysis

• And why: A rhetorical interrogative, inviting introspection. It challenges the listener's reasoning for engaging in the very behavior (worry) Jesus is addressing, implying it is irrational and unnecessary.
• take ye thought: (Greek: merimnaō, μεριμνάω). This is the key verb, often translated as "to worry" or "to be anxious." It denotes a deep, distracting, and burdensome preoccupation of the mind, a state of gnawing concern that produces distress and saps spiritual vitality. It is not merely thoughtful consideration or responsible planning, but an ungodly anxiety stemming from a lack of trust in God.
• for raiment?: (Greek: endyma, ἔνδυμα). Refers to clothing or apparel. In the agrarian society of Jesus's time, securing adequate clothing was a genuine, daily concern for many, especially those with limited means. Clothing served not only as protection but also as a sign of social status and honor, making worry over it particularly prevalent.
• Consider: (Greek: katamathete, καταμάθετε). An imperative command meaning "to observe carefully," "to learn thoroughly," or "to understand fully." It's an invitation to a thoughtful, sustained, and attentive examination, not a superficial glance. Jesus directs their attention to draw a profound spiritual lesson.
• the lilies: (Greek: krina, κρίνα). While "lilies" can conjure images of specific white flowers, in ancient Palestine, this term broadly referred to a variety of abundant, brilliantly colored wildflowers (such as anemones, gladioli, irises, cyclamen, or scarlet poppies) that carpeted the fields in spring. Their transient but intense beauty serves as the object lesson.
• of the field: (Greek: agrou, ἀγροῦ). Designates open, uncultivated, wild ground where these flowers grew freely, without human cultivation or effort, highlighting their spontaneous and effortless flourishing.
• how they grow;: (Greek: auxanousin, αὐξάνουσιν). Describes a process of organic, natural, and effortless growth. This passive growth occurs by the inherent design and power of God within creation, without conscious exertion or self-manufacture from the plant itself. This is the very essence of the contrast Jesus draws.
• they toil not,: (Greek: kopiōsin, κοπιῶσιν). Refers to laborious exertion, hard work to the point of weariness or fatigue. This verb denotes the strenuous, sweat-inducing effort required for human labor, such as farming or providing for a livelihood. The flowers undertake no such strenuous labor.
• neither do they spin: (Greek: nēthousin, νήθουσιν). Describes the specific manual labor of preparing threads from raw fibers (like wool or flax) for weaving into cloth. This was a common and essential domestic task, typically performed by women, and represents the diligent human effort involved in producing clothing. The flowers possess beauty without performing any of this labor.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And why take ye thought for raiment?": This introductory question immediately challenges the very common human inclination towards material worry. It sets up the illogicality of such anxiety by implying there is no good reason for it when considered against divine providence. It exposes anxiety as a faithless preoccupation with the temporary rather than trusting in eternal care.
• "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;": This phrase directs attention from human anxiety to God's natural artistry. The command to "consider" emphasizes active, thoughtful observation. "The lilies of the field" represent commonplace, ephemeral natural beauty, but "how they grow" points to their growth being divinely initiated and sustained, independent of human effort or worry.
• "they toil not, neither do they spin:": This powerful parallelism draws a stark contrast between the natural, effortless provision by God and the often anxious, strenuous labor of humanity. It specifically highlights the absence of human-like labor (toiling for sustenance) and domestic work (spinning for clothing) in the process by which flowers achieve their exquisite beauty, thereby underscoring God's direct, sufficient, and unburdened provision for His creation.

Matthew 6 28 Bonus section

• The Brevity of the Flowers: While the lilies exhibit glorious beauty, they are also ephemeral, existing only for a season. Yet, even in their transience, God ensures their splendor. This further amplifies the point: if God adorns what is here today and gone tomorrow, how much more will He clothe and care for His eternal human creation? This underscores the permanence of God's care versus the fleeting nature of worldly anxieties.
• God's Efficiency vs. Human Struggle: The verse implicitly teaches about the divine economy of provision. God achieves immense beauty and functionality in nature with effortless growth, contrasting sharply with humanity's often strained, anxious efforts to secure basic needs. This highlights that true sufficiency and peace are found in alignment with God's design, not in frantic striving apart from Him.
• The Uniqueness of God's Artistic Design: The natural, unmanufactured beauty of a simple field flower, orchestrated by God, is presented as surpassing the most elaborate human creations, even King Solomon's glorious attire. This not only challenges human pride in wealth and adornment but also elevates God's creative power and inherent beauty over all earthly achievements.

Matthew 6 28 Commentary

Matthew 6:28 provides a powerful biblical antidote to worry, particularly regarding material needs like clothing. Jesus invites a deep observation of wildflowers ("lilies"), demonstrating that their astonishing beauty and sustenance are entirely God-given, without any self-effort on their part. This visual parable exposes the folly and unfaithfulness of human anxiety. While it does not negate the necessity of work or planning (as labor is often enjoined elsewhere in Scripture, and work emerged from the fall of man as a means of provision, Gen 3:19, 2 Thes 3:10), it unequivocally condemns the anxious preoccupation (merimnaō) that consumes thought and steals joy, indicating a lack of trust in God's fatherly care. The underlying message is simple: if God lavishes such intricate detail and provision on ephemeral plant life, His love and care for His children, who are immeasurably more valuable, are utterly dependable. The call is to prioritize faith and trust in God's comprehensive provision, rather than succumbing to the burdensome futility of worry.