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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words provides a richer and more nuanced comprehension of the texts. The Greek word κρίνον (krinon), appearing in Matthew 6:28, is particularly significant as it symbolizes beauty, simplicity, and the provision of God in creation. Its usage in the New Testament is often associated with Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing the divine care and aesthetic order of the natural world. In ancient Greek culture, flowers such as the lily were symbols of purity, grace, and even divine favor, making this word relevant for both theological interpretation and cultural understanding.

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Greek Word: κρίνον (krinon) [KREE-non]

Etymology: The word κρίνον is derived from ancient Greek, generally used to refer to a “lily” or, more broadly, to any type of flower. The term does not appear to have evolved from a specific root word but instead stands alone as a noun denoting a particular kind of plant.

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Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter). κρίνον is a neuter noun that follows the second declension pattern in Greek. It is used to represent a flower, typically a lily, and does not have variations in verb or adjective forms. Its grammatical usage remains straightforward in Greek syntax, often serving as a direct or indirect object in a sentence.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Lily (Flower): The primary meaning of κρίνον is “lily,” a type of flowering plant often noted for its elegance and simplicity. In the New Testament, the word is used metaphorically to signify beauty, purity, and God’s provision, as in the famous passage where Jesus encourages his followers to consider the lilies of the field.

Metaphor for Simplicity and Divine Provision: Beyond its literal meaning, κρίνον metaphorically conveys simplicity and trust in divine provision. Jesus uses the term to illustrate how God provides for all of creation, encouraging his followers to trust in God’s care rather than worry about material needs.

Exploring Similar Words

ἄνθος (anthos) [AN-thos]: This word also means “flower” but is a more general term, referring to any blossom or bloom rather than specifically a lily. It carries a broader botanical sense.

ἀκανθίς (akanthis) [a-KAN-this]: Refers to a “thorn” or “thorny plant.” Unlike κρίνον, which denotes a delicate and beautiful flower, ἀκανθίς conveys something painful and rugged, often used in negative contexts.

ῥόδον (rhodon) [RO-don]: This word means “rose.” While both a rose and a lily are flowers, a rose often symbolizes passion, love, and sometimes martyrdom, compared to the lily’s purity and divine provision.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: κρίνον is a neuter noun and follows the second declension pattern in Greek. Its forms change based on case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural). For example, the nominative singular is κρίνον, while the plural is κρίνα.

Declension:

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	κρίνον	κρίνα
Genitive	κρίνου	κρίνων
Dative	κρίνῳ	κρίνοις
Accusative	κρίνον	κρίνα

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In examining κρίνον across various lexicons, its use in the New Testament and other literature reflects themes of divine care and natural beauty. In Matthew 6:28, Jesus uses the term to describe how God clothes the lilies of the field more splendidly than Solomon in all his glory, highlighting the natural grace and provision God bestows on His creation. Classical literature also mentions lilies, often symbolizing beauty, purity, and even fleetingness, indicating their ephemeral nature and the value placed on natural simplicity. This word, therefore, becomes a profound metaphor for reliance on divine care and the intrinsic value found in God’s creation.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 6:28: “And why do you worry about clothes? Consider the lilies (κρίνα) of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.”

Luke 12:27: “Consider the lilies (κρίνα), how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text with Greek Word
Homer	Iliad	“The meadows bloomed with lilies (κρίνα) among the grasses.”
Theocritus	Idylls	“He offered a wreath of lilies (κρίνα) to the nymphs by the stream.”
Septuagint	Song of Songs (LXX)	“Like a lily (κρίνον) among thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κρίνον (krinon), often translated as “lily,” carries significant metaphorical weight in biblical texts, symbolizing beauty, simplicity, and divine care. Its usage in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature reflects an appreciation for the natural world and serves as a powerful reminder of God’s providence. Understanding this term enhances our comprehension of key biblical teachings, particularly those encouraging trust in God rather than in material concerns.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The lily, or κρίνον, is one of the oldest known cultivated flowers, revered in both ancient Greek and Jewish cultures.

Did you know? In ancient Greece, lilies were often associated with Hera, the queen of the gods, and were symbols of purity and motherhood.

Did you know? The mention of lilies in the Bible highlights their natural beauty and serves as a metaphor for God’s grace and provision, illustrating theological truths in a simple yet profound way.