Yes, the lily is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is often used as a symbol of beauty, purity, and God’s provision.
And now in more detail
Yes, the lily is indeed mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is not only an aromatic flower but also carries deep symbolic meaning. Interestingly, the word “lily” is derived from the Hebrew word “Shoshanah,” which denotes a beautiful, trumpet-like flower. Let’s explore some fascinating facts and biblical references regarding the lily:
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Symbolism of Beauty and Purity: In the Bible, the lily is often used as a symbol of beauty, purity, and grace. One of the most popular references can be found in the book of Solomon’s Song of Songs (2:1-2): “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.”
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Representation of God’s Provision: Lilies are also associated with God’s provision and care for His creation. In the book of Matthew (6:28-30), Jesus spoke of the lilies of the field, saying, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.”
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Lilies in the Temple: Intriguingly, lily motifs adorned various aspects of the temple in Jerusalem. The tops of the pillars in the Temple were designed with lily-shaped capitals, as described in 1 Kings (7:19,22): “He set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. He made the Sea of cast metal, circular in shape and measuring ten cubits from rim to rim. It…was encircled by a band of lilies. It held two thousand baths.”
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Parallelism with Figurative Language: The use of lilies in biblical texts is often intertwined with poetic imagery and metaphors. For instance, in the book of Hosea (14:5), repentant Israel is encouraged: “I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon.”
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Jesus’ Reference to Lily-like Clothing: In the Gospel of Luke (12:27-28), Jesus referred to the lilies as an example of God’s provision and emphasized the futility of worry: “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Renowned theologian Matthew Henry beautifully summarizes the spiritual significance of lilies: “The flower of the lily, which flowers without care and spins not, is here to introduce the argument…lilies and ravens have their support from God…If we make our duty our main care, we shall be supplied with what is fit for us.”
Here is a table summarizing the biblical references to lilies:
| Verse | Biblical Reference |
|---|---|
| Song of Songs | “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” |
| Matthew | “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow… Solomon…not clothed…” |
| 1 Kings | “The Sea…was encircled by a band of lilies.” |
| Hosea | “He shall blossom like the lily.” |
| Luke | “Consider how the wild flowers grow…” |
In conclusion, the lily holds a special place in the Bible as a symbol of beauty, purity, and God’s provision. Its mentions throughout the Old Testament reflect its significance and convey meaningful messages through poetic imagery and metaphors. Through the lily, believers are reminded of God’s care and the importance of focusing on one’s spiritual duties rather than being consumed by worry. As theologian Matthew Henry suggests, lilies serve as a divine reminder of God’s provision and sustenance for His creation.
See the answer to “Is there a lily in the Bible?” in this video
In this section of the video, the speaker emphasizes the idea that God has a unique plan and purpose for every individual, with different names and titles. They discuss how Jesus transformed from being known as the son of Mary and Joseph into someone who bore witness to the word of God. The speaker highlights the importance of following one’s own path and journey, even when faced with questions and restrictions. They also emphasize Jesus’s ability to exceed expectations and challenge limited perceptions. The speaker further discusses the distinction between worldly good deeds and spiritual actions, emphasizing the need to follow God’s instructions without making excuses. Ultimately, they encourage believers to strive for perfection and be like Jesus.
Other approaches of answering your query
Lilies are mentioned or alluded to several times in the Bible. Some think that it was white lilies that sprouted in the Garden of Eden as Eve’s remorseful tears fell to the ground.
The lily is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible. It is referred to as shoshan, shushan, or shoshanan. The lilies spoken of in the New Testament were probably the scarlet martagon or "red Turk’s-cap lily". Lilies in the Bible represent different meanings, such as beauty, purity, and renewal. The flower is mentioned numerous times in the Old and New Testaments, with specific references to the lily’s beauty in Song of Solomon and the importance of trusting in God’s provision in Matthew.
The lily is mentioned thirteen times, eight times as shoshan, once as shushan in 1 Kings 7:19, and four times as shoshanan. “With flowers of lilies” ( 2 Chron 4:5 ); “the lily of the valleys…among brambles” ( Song of Solomon 2:1, 2 ); “he shall blossom as the lily” ( Hos 14:5 ).
The lilies (Gr. krinia) spoken of in the New Testament ( Matthew 6:28 ; Luke 12:27 ) were probably the scarlet martagon (Lilium Chalcedonicum) or "red Turk’s-cap lily", which "comes into flower at the season of the year when our Lord’s sermon on the mount is supposed to have been delivered.
Lilies in the Bible Meaning – Lilies in the Bible represent different meanings, such as beauty, purity, and renewal. The flower is mentioned numerous times in the Old and New Testaments, with specific references to the lily’s beauty in Song of Solomon and the importance of trusting in God’s provision in Matthew.
More interesting questions on the topic
Who is lily in Bible?
The reply will be: Lily is an English name used in reference to the popular white, showy flower. It signifies purity and innocence. Although it isn’t derived directly from the Bible, it does have Biblical connections: lilies are often used to represent the Virgin Mary’s purity, and St.
What does the Bible say about a lily?
A similar passage appears in Luke 12:27, which in the King James Version reads: 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.
Similar
What does the lily represent in Christianity?
Response: Mentioned many times in the Bible, the white lily symbolizes purity, rebirth, new beginnings and hope and is most often associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ as observed on Easter. In Pagan traditions, the Easter lily is associated with motherhood and is often gifted to mothers as a symbol of gratitude.
What kind of lily is in the Bible?
Response: The white lily is found eight times in the Song of Solomon, it is the most mentioned flower in the Bible. King Solomon (10th century BCE) referred to the lily of the valleys, shoshanat haa’maqim, in his Song of Songs 2:1.
What does the Bible say about flowers of lilies?
Response: “With flowers of lilies” ( 2 Chron 4:5 ); “the lily of the valleys…among brambles” ( Song of Solomon 2:1, 2 ); “he shall blossom as the lily” ( Hos 14:5 ). Perhaps there is no flower about which more has been written or more conjectures made than the lily.
How many times is a lily mentioned in the Bible?
The answer is: LILY ( שׁוּשַׁנ֒, H8808 ). The lily is mentioned thirteen times, eight times as shoshan, once as shushan in 1 Kings 7:19, and four times as shoshanan. “With flowers of lilies” ( 2 Chron 4:5 ); “the lily of the valleys…among brambles” ( Song of Solomon 2:1, 2 ); “he shall blossom as the lily” ( Hos 14:5 ).
What does Solomon say about lilies?
Response to this: Song of Solomon 6:3 “I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies. Young Man.” The lilies of the field look to God to provide and care for them. As believers, we should be doing the same. Why do we doubt the love of God for us? God loves you so much and He hasn’t forgotten you.
Was my beloved feeding off lilies?
It could therefore easily be that “my beloved” was feeding off lily bulbs, and if this is so, then the lily referred to was prob. the tiger lily, Lilium tigrinum. In the case of lilies of the valley ( Song of Solomon 2:1 ), the plant may well be the Hyacinthus orientalis.