Lilies
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Lilies are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing beauty, purity, and God's provision. These flowers are noted for their elegance and are used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and divine care.

Biblical References:

1. Song of Solomon 2:1-2 · "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley. Like a lily among the thorns is my darling among the maidens." In this poetic book, the lily is used to describe the beauty and purity of the beloved. The imagery of the lily among thorns highlights the contrast between purity and the surrounding world, emphasizing the beloved's unique and cherished nature.

2. Song of Solomon 5:13 · "His cheeks are like beds of spice, towers of perfume. His lips are lilies, dripping with flowing myrrh." Here, the lily is used to describe the beloved's lips, suggesting sweetness and desirability. The association with myrrh, a costly perfume, further enhances the image of preciousness and allure.

3. Hosea 14:5 · "I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon." In this prophetic book, the lily symbolizes the flourishing and restoration of Israel under God's blessing. The imagery of blossoming like a lily conveys renewal, growth, and divine favor.

4. Matthew 6:28-29 · "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these." Jesus uses the lilies of the field to teach about God's provision and care. The lilies, effortlessly clothed in beauty, serve as a reminder of God's ability to provide for His creation, encouraging believers to trust in His provision rather than worry about material needs.

5. Luke 12:27 · "Consider how the lilies grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these." This parallel passage to Matthew 6:28-29 reinforces the message of divine provision and the futility of anxiety over material concerns. The lilies exemplify the natural beauty and care that God bestows upon His creation.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, lilies often symbolize purity, beauty, and divine care. They are frequently associated with the beloved in the Song of Solomon, representing the purity and beauty of love. In the teachings of Jesus, lilies serve as a powerful illustration of God's provision, encouraging believers to trust in His care and not be consumed by worry.

The lily's ability to thrive without human effort underscores the theme of reliance on God's grace and provision. This imagery is particularly poignant in the context of Jesus' teachings, where the natural beauty of the lilies surpasses even the splendor of Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest king of Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Lilies were well-known in the ancient Near East and were likely a common sight in the regions where biblical events took place. The specific type of lily referred to in the Bible is not always clear, but it is generally believed to include various species native to the area, such as the Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) or other wildflowers with similar characteristics.

In biblical times, lilies were appreciated for their beauty and fragrance, making them a fitting symbol in poetic and didactic literature. Their presence in the Bible reflects both their physical attributes and their deeper spiritual significance as a testament to God's creative power and care for His creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) Plural of Lily.
Greek
2918. krinon -- a lily
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition a lily NASB Word Usage lilies (2). lily. Perhaps
a prim word; a lily -- lily. (krina) -- 2 Occurrences. 2917, 2918. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2918.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
7799. shushan -- probably lily (or any lily-like flower)
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition probably lily (or any lily-like
flower) NASB Word Usage lilies (6), lily (7). Showshan, shoshan. ...
/hebrew/7799.htm - 6k
Library

Water-Lilies
... FOR THE CHILDREN WATER-LILIES. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899. Who are like
the lilies white,. With their crowns all golden bright,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/water-lilies.htm

"Consider the Lilies. "
... "CONSIDER THE LILIES.". What a beautiful lesson Jesus has taught us of rest
and quietness from the lilies! "Consider the lilies of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/consider the lilies.htm

Consider the Lilies of the Field
... SERMON XIV."CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD. (Preached on Easter Day, 1867.) ... Consider,
again, the lilies of the field. We must take our Lord's words exactly. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xiv consider the lilies of.htm

November 21. "Consider the Lilies How they Grow" (Matt. vi. 28).
... NOVEMBER 21. "Consider the lilies how they grow" (Matt. vi. 28). "Consider
the lilies how they grow" (Matthew 6:28). It is said ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /november 21 consider the lilies.htm

"Consider the Lilies of the Field; --Behold the Fowls of the Air. ...
... 179. " "Consider the lilies of the field;"behold the fowls of the air.". 179. ... M.
Heber. "Consider the lilies of the field;"behold the fowls of the air.". ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/179 consider the lilies.htm

M. Heber. Consider the Lilies.
... VI. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 267. 7s. M. Heber. Consider the Lilies. 1 Lo,
the lilies of the field! How their leaves instruction yield! ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/267 7s m heber consider.htm

A Song among the Lilies
... A Song Among the Lilies. A Sermon (No.1190). ... "My beloved is mine, and I am
his: he feedeth among the lilies.""Song of Solomon 2:16. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a song among the lilies.htm

And that which Follows Concerning Birds of the Air and Lilies of ...
... Section 35. And that which follows concerning birds of the air and lilies
of the field? 35. And that which follows concerning ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 35 and that which.htm

His Cheeks are as a Bed of Spices, Prepared by the Perfumers; his ...
... CHAPTER V. 13. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, prepared by the perfumers;
His lips like lilies, dropping choice myrrh. The cheeks ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/13 his cheeks are as.htm

Thy Navel is Like a Round Goblet which Wanteth not Liquor; Thy ...
... CHAPTER VII. 2. Thy navel is like a round goblet which wanteth not liquor;
thy belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/2 thy navel is like.htm

Thesaurus
Lilies (15 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lilies (15 Occurrences). Matthew 6:28 Why are you anxious
about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. ...
/l/lilies.htm - 10k

Lily (9 Occurrences)
... is "large, vigorous, elegant in form, and gorgeous in colouring.". The lilies
(Gr. krinia) spoken of in the New Testament (Matthew 6 ...
/l/lily.htm - 15k

Tune (15 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 45:1 For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A contemplation
by the sons of Korah. A wedding song. ... To the tune of "Lilies." By David. ...
/t/tune.htm - 12k

Flowers (42 Occurrences)
... our Lord's reference to the flowers ("lilies") is well known (Matthew 6:28 Luke
12:27). For details of the flowers of modern Palestine, see BOTANY. ...
/f/flowers.htm - 22k

Labor (181 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:28 and about clothing why are ye anxious? consider well the lilies of
the field; how do they grow? ... Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies, how do they grow? ...
/l/labor.htm - 38k

Labour (119 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:28 and about clothing why are ye anxious? consider well the lilies of
the field; how do they grow? ... Luke 12:27 Observe the lilies, how they grow. ...
/l/labour.htm - 35k

Grow (139 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field,
how they grow. ... (WEY BBE). Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. ...
/g/grow.htm - 34k

Feedeth (11 Occurrences)
... foolishness. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Song of Songs 2:16 My beloved is mine, and
I am his: he feedeth among the lilies. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/f/feedeth.htm - 9k

Toil (66 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field,
how they grow. ... Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. ...
/t/toil.htm - 25k

Delighting (9 Occurrences)
... of men. (See RSV NIV). Song of Songs 2:16 My beloved 'is' mine, and I 'am'
his, Who is delighting among the lilies, (YLT). Song of ...
/d/delighting.htm - 9k

Resources
Summary of the Song of Solomon - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What are Jachin and Boaz? | GotQuestions.org

What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 1) | GotQuestions.org

Lilies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Lilies (15 Occurrences)

Matthew 6:28
Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin,
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 12:27
Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 7:19
And the capitals that were upon the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily-work, four cubits.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 7:22
And upon the top of the pillars was lily-work; so was the work of the pillars finished.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 7:26
And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.
(KJV WBS YLT)

2 Chronicles 4:5
And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Psalms 45:1
For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A contemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song. My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
(WEB YLT RSV NIV)

Psalms 69:1
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Lilies." By David. Save me, God, for the waters have come up to my neck!
(WEB YLT RSV NIV)

Psalms 80:1
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lilies of the Covenant." A Psalm by Asaph. Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock, you who sit above the cherubim, shine forth.
(WEB YLT RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 4:5
Your two breasts are like two fawns that are twins of a roe, which feed among the lilies.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 5:13
His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 6:2
My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 6:3
I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. He browses among the lilies,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 7:2
Your body is like a round goblet, no mixed wine is wanting. Your waist is like a heap of wheat, set about with lilies.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Lilies

Related Terms

Nightmonster

Night-monster

Satyr

Owl (11 Occurrences)

Lilies (15 Occurrences)

Lily (9 Occurrences)

Likings
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