And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus highlights that the lilies' stunning beauty and growth require no effort from them—they simply are, receiving their splendor directly from God. This points to a profound truth: God's provision isn't earned through our anxious striving, but freely given to those who trust Him.
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is shifting from discussing food to clothing, addressing the disciples' anxieties about having enough to wear. He points them to the wild flowers, emphasizing their effortless beauty and God’s provision for them, even though they are fleeting. This contrasts with the disciples' worries, urging them to trust God’s greater care for them as His children.
You might think you need to hustle and spin your way to looking good. But Jesus points us to a wild flower that does neither, yet is stunningly adorned.
Jesus challenges our anxiety about clothing by drawing our attention to the lilies of the field.
A Contrast in Effort
We often strive to outdo others with our possessions and appearance. But Jesus drops a bombshell: even the richest king couldn't compete with a wildflower.
Jesus escalates His argument by comparing the beauty of the lily to the magnificence of King Solomon.
Beyond Human Riches
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This passage directly parallels Matthew 6:28, also urging believers to consider how the lilies are clothed by God without labor, reinforcing the point about divine provision.
Job 38:41This verse questions who provides for the raven, another example from nature that highlights God's care for His creatures, even those seemingly insignificant.
Psalm 91:10-11This Psalm speaks of God's protection and angelic care for those who dwell in His presence, offering a spiritual parallel to the physical provision illustrated by the lilies.
Philippians 4:6This verse directly instructs believers not to be anxious about anything but to bring their requests to God, offering a command that complements Jesus' illustration from nature about not worrying.
1 Peter 5:7This passage explicitly tells believers to cast their anxieties on God because He cares for them, echoing the sentiment behind Jesus' teaching and the example of the lilies.
barnesMatthew 6:28: "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:"
Consider the lilies of the field - The fourth consideration is taken from the care which God bestows on lilies. Watch the growing of the lily. It toils not, and it spins not; yet night and day it grows. With a beauty with which the most splendid monarch of the East was never adorned. it expands its blossom and fills the air with fragrance. Yet this beauty is…
pulpitMatthew 6:28: "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:"
Verse 28. - Parallel passage: Luke 12:26, 27. Luke's is longer and seemingly more original. But in the absence of external evidence, it must always be a matter of opinion whether Matthew has compressed the longer form of the words, or vice versa. And why take ye thought for raiment? In vers. 25-27 our Lord had spoken of food; in vers. 28-30 he speaks of dres…
Jesus highlights that the lilies' stunning beauty and growth require no effort from them—they simply are, receiving their splendor directly from God. This points to a profound truth: God's provision isn't earned through our anxious striving, but freely given to those who trust Him.
Jesus is shifting from discussing food to clothing, addressing the disciples' anxieties about having enough to wear. He points them to the wild flowers, emphasizing their effortless beauty and God’s provision for them, even though they are fleeting. This contrasts with the disciples' worries, urging them to trust God’s greater care for them as His children.
Jesus is shifting from discussing food to clothing, addressing the disciples' anxieties about having enough to wear. He points them to the wild flowers, emphasizing their effortless beauty and God’s provision for them, even though they are fleeting. This contrasts with the disciples' worries, urging them to trust God’s greater care for them as His children.
"And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin," — Jesus highlights that the lilies' stunning beauty and growth require no effort from them—they simply are, receiving their splendor directly from God. This points to a profound truth: God's provisio…
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Last reviewed October 2026