📖 Biblical Definition
The lily is a wildflower of Galilee’s hillsides — and in Scripture, the figure of three things. First, God’s effortless provision: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin" (Matthew 6:28; Luke 12:27). Second, God’s glory in design: "yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:29). Third, Christ Himself in the Song of Solomon: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters" (Song 2:1-2). The hillside lily preaches: dressed lavishly without effort, replaced quickly, every wildflower a small sermon.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
LIL'Y, n.
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A plant and flower of the genus Lilium, of many species. It is sometimes the emblem of purity and beauty.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 6:28 — "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin."
Matthew 6:29 — "Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Song of Solomon 2:1 — "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."
Hosea 14:5 — "I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Anxiety is paganism; the lilies preach a better gospel.
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Christ's lily-sermon (Matt 6:28-30) is the simplest and severest cure for anxiety in the Bible. The lilies do not labor and yet outshine Solomon. The Father clothes the grass that lasts a day; He will surely clothe the saint who is destined for glory. Worry, in this light, is not a personality quirk — it is theological insolence.
The Song of Solomon raises the lily higher: Christ Himself is the lily of the valleys. The Bridegroom grows in the lowest places. He is not found by climbing; He is found by stooping. Consider the lilies, and consider the Lily; both will free a frantic soul.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew shoshan (H7799); Greek krinon (G2918).
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H7799 — shoshan — lily; lotus; six-petaled flower
G2918 — krinon — lily; wildflower of Galilee
Usage
"The lilies are a sermon — they preach against anxiety without saying a word."
"If God paints a lily that lasts six days, He will clothe a saint who lasts forever."
"The Lily of the valleys grows in the lowlands — that is where you will find Him."