κρίνον (krinon)
krinon
lily
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun krinon refers simply to a lily, appearing in Scripture only twice within the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 6:28 and Luke 12:27). Both passages feature Jesus using the flower as a natural illustration of divine provision, contrasting human anxiety with the effortless beauty found in nature.
Lexical sources suggest the term likely denotes a wild lily, though its exact botanical identity remains debated. Scholars have proposed various candidates, including the red anemone, the white lily, or the sword lily, reflecting the diverse flora of the region rather than a single specific species.
The word’s etymology is uncertain, with some noting it may be a primitive term without clear Greek roots. Its primary theological weight lies in its use as a symbol of transient yet exquisite beauty, reminding readers that if such flowers are cared for by God, human needs are certainly met.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word krinon simply means lily, appearing only twice in the Gospels when Jesus points to nature as a teacher. He uses this flower to show how God cares for creation without human effort or worry. When you see these blooms, remember that the same Father who clothes them also sees your needs.
Anxiety often makes us feel we must control everything to be safe. But Jesus invites us to look at the lilies and trust that God provides what is truly necessary. This does not mean we are lazy; it means we release the heavy burden of trying to earn our security through endless striving.
Your worth is far greater than a flower, yet you are held by the same gentle hand. Let this truth bring peace to your heart today, knowing you are deeply loved and provided for.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lilies2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κρίνα2×
Key Verses
-
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,
This verse introduces the lily as a direct counterpoint to human anxiety about basic needs like clothing.
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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.
Here the comparison extends to Solomon’s glory, emphasizing that divine provision surpasses even the highest human wealth.