But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice the contrast Jesus draws: the grass "is alive in the field today," a vibrant display of God's provision, yet its fate is to be swiftly discarded. This highlights that even the most temporary and seemingly insignificant aspects of creation are clothed by God, underscoring the profound inadequacy of human faith that struggles to trust His care for us.
But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is directly addressing his disciples' anxieties about daily needs after a man interrupts his teaching to demand a share of his inheritance. He uses the temporary beauty of field grass, which quickly withers and is used for fuel, as an illustration of God's care. This contrasts with the disciples' lack of faith in God's provision for them.
Jesus points to something beautiful, yet utterly temporary. It's alive today, but gone tomorrow. What's the point of all this beauty if it's so fleeting?
Jesus uses the "grass of the field" as a powerful illustration. This isn't just any grass; it's the vibrant, living vegetation that graces the landscape for a brief season.
A Moment's Glory
If God goes to such lengths for something as temporary as grass, what does that say about His care for you? It's a radical invitation to rethink your anxieties.
The core of Jesus' argument rests on a comparison, moving from the less significant to the infinitely more valuable:
The Divine Scale
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Understand the original words
amphiennysin · Greek Verb
A theological term describing the active, caring oversight of God over His creation. It signifies that God is intimately involved in sustaining the universe and providing for the needs of His children.
oligopistoi · Greek Adjective (plural)
A condition of trust that is insufficient or stunted. Jesus uses this phrase to gently rebuke followers whose reliance on God is overwhelmed by their immediate circumstances or physical needs.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels and teaches throughout the region of Galilee, attracting large crowds and disciples.
c. 27-30 AD
Sermon on the Mount Teachings
Jesus delivers significant ethical and theological teachings, including warnings against anxiety and the importance of trusting God's provision.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples' Inquiries
Disciples and crowds ask Jesus questions related to his teachings, including practical matters like inheritance disputes.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Teaches on Worry and Provision
Jesus addresses concerns about food, drink, and clothing, using parables and natural examples to illustrate God's care.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching on not worrying about provision, using the same imagery of God clothing the wildflowers, underscoring the consistent message across the Gospels.
Psalm 103:15-16It echoes the theme of human life's transience, comparing us to grass that flourishes briefly but fades, emphasizing our need for God's care amidst our fleeting existence.
Isaiah 40:6-7This prophetic passage uses the imagery of grass withering and flowers falling to illustrate the fragility of human glory, a concept Jesus builds upon to point to God's enduring care for His people.
1 Peter 1:24-25Peter directly quotes Isaiah 40:6-7, reinforcing the idea that all human splendor is like the grass of the field, and urging believers to hold onto God's unfading word and promises.
jfbLuke 12:13-53: "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me."
Lu 12:13-53. Covetousness—Watchfulness—Superiority to Earthly Ties.13. Master, &c.—that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the sole…
clarkeLuke 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?"
Into the oven - See the note on Matthew 6:30 .
Notice the contrast Jesus draws: the grass "is alive in the field today," a vibrant display of God's provision, yet its fate is to be swiftly discarded. This highlights that even the most temporary and seemingly insignificant aspects of creation are clothed by God, underscoring the profound inadequacy of human faith that struggles to trust His care for us.
Jesus is directly addressing his disciples' anxieties about daily needs after a man interrupts his teaching to demand a share of his inheritance. He uses the temporary beauty of field grass, which quickly withers and is used for fuel, as an illustration of God's care. This contrasts with the disciples' lack of faith in God's provision for them.
Jesus is directly addressing his disciples' anxieties about daily needs after a man interrupts his teaching to demand a share of his inheritance. He uses the temporary beauty of field grass, which quickly withers and is used for fuel, as an illustration of God's care. This contrasts with the disciples' lack of faith in God's provision for them.
"But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" — Notice the contrast Jesus draws: the grass "is alive in the field today," a vibrant display of God's provision, yet its fate is to be swiftly discarded. This highlights that even the most temporary a…
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Last reviewed October 2026