King James Version

What Does Luke 12:27 Mean?

Luke 12:27 in the King James Version says “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory w...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

25

And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

26

If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

27

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.

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?

29

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. neither: or, live not in careful suspense

Read Luke 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Jesus commands Consider (katanoesate, κατανοήσατε)—observe carefully, study attentively, examine thoroughly. The imperative calls for more than casual glancing; disciples must meditate on the lilies (ta krina, τὰ κρίνα), likely referring to various wildflowers carpeting Galilean hillsides in spring—anemones, poppies, irises—rather than cultivated garden flowers.

The observation: they toil not, they spin not (ou kopiai oude nethei, οὐ κοπιᾷ οὐδὲ νήθει). The verb kopiao (κοπιάω) means to labor to the point of exhaustion, while netho (νήθω) specifically refers to spinning thread—women's work essential for producing clothing. Wildflowers neither engage in hard agricultural labor nor textile production, yet they are magnificently clothed by God's creative provision.

The stunning comparison: Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. King Solomon epitomized wealth, wisdom, and splendor (1 Kings 10:4-7, 14-23)—his throne, temple, and robes were legendary. Yet oude Solomōn en pase te doxe autou periebaleto hos hen touton (οὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων)—not even Solomon in all his doxa (δόξα, glory/splendor) was clothed (periebaleto, περιεβάλετο) as one of these. God's artistry in nature surpasses human magnificence. If God clothes ephemeral wildflowers with such beauty, He will certainly clothe His children (v. 28).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's wealth was proverbial in Jewish tradition—the temple's gold, his 1,000 garments, his legendary wisdom and prosperity made him the standard for regal splendor. Yet Palestinian wildflowers, though beautiful, lasted only days before withering in the intense sun or being gathered for oven fuel (v. 28). Jesus uses creation's beauty as evidence of the Creator's generous provision. First-century hearers would immediately grasp the comparison: if God lavishes such care on transient flowers, how much more will He provide for His image-bearers? This teaching contrasts sharply with Roman and Hellenistic emphasis on self-sufficiency and displays of wealth as social power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's meticulous care in adorning temporary wildflowers reveal about His character and priorities?
  2. How does contemplating God's provision in creation reduce anxiety about His provision for your needs?
  3. In what ways does consumer culture tempt you to pursue 'Solomon's glory' rather than trusting God's simple, sufficient provision?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
κατανοήσατε1 of 23

“Consider”

G2657

to observe fully

τὰ2 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρίνα3 of 23

“the lilies”

G2918

a lily

πῶς4 of 23

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

αὐξάνει·5 of 23

“they grow”

G837

to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)

οὐ6 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κοπιᾷ7 of 23

“they toil”

G2872

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

οὐδὲ8 of 23

“not”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

νήθει·9 of 23

“they spin”

G3514

to spin yarn

λέγω10 of 23

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ11 of 23

“and yet”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν12 of 23

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

οὐδὲ13 of 23

“not”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

Σολομὼν14 of 23

“that Solomon”

G4672

solomon (i.e., shelomoh), the son of david

ἐν15 of 23

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάσῃ16 of 23

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ17 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δόξῃ18 of 23

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

αὐτοῦ19 of 23
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

περιεβάλετο20 of 23

“arrayed”

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

ὡς21 of 23

“like”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἓν22 of 23

“one”

G1520

one

τούτων23 of 23

“of these”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:28-30Luke 12:241 Kings 10:1-132 Chronicles 9:1-12James 1:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 12 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes