Yet I tell youThis phrase emphasizes the authority of Jesus as He speaks. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus often uses "I tell you" to introduce teachings that deepen or fulfill the Law and the Prophets. It underscores His role as a teacher with divine authority, echoing the prophetic tradition where God speaks directly to His people.
that not even Solomon
Solomon, the son of David, was the third king of Israel and is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often considered the pinnacle of Israel's earthly glory. Referencing Solomon highlights the contrast between human splendor and divine provision. Solomon's story is found in1 Kings 1-11 and2 Chronicles 1-9.
in all his glory
Solomon's glory refers to his immense wealth, wisdom, and the splendor of his kingdom.1 Kings 10:14-29 describes the opulence of Solomon's court, including his vast wealth and the grandeur of his possessions. This phrase serves to remind the audience of the highest human achievements in terms of material wealth and splendor.
was adorned
The term "adorned" suggests being clothed or decorated, often used in the context of preparing for a special occasion or to signify status. In biblical times, clothing was a significant indicator of wealth and position. The adornment of Solomon would have included luxurious garments and precious jewels, symbolizing the height of human achievement in appearance.
like one of these
"These" refers to the lilies of the field mentioned in the preceding verses (Matthew 6:28). Jesus uses the lilies as a metaphor for God's provision and care in nature, which surpasses human efforts. The lilies, effortlessly beautiful and provided for by God, serve as a reminder of divine care and the futility of human anxiety over material needs. This imagery connects to the broader biblical theme of God's provision, as seen in passages likePsalm 104:24-28 andLuke 12:27-28.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, teaching about trust in God's provision.
2.
SolomonThe son of King David, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the splendor of his kingdom, often seen as a symbol of earthly glory and success.
3.
The Sermon on the MountA collection of teachings by Jesus found in Matthew chapters 5-7, addressing various aspects of righteous living and faith.
4.
The Lilies of the FieldUsed by Jesus as an example of God's provision and care, illustrating the beauty and simplicity of God's creation.
5.
The Kingdom of GodThe central theme of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing spiritual values over material wealth and earthly concerns.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's ProvisionJesus emphasizes that God's care for His creation surpasses even the greatest human achievements. Believers are called to trust in God's provision rather than being consumed by worry over material needs.
Value of SimplicityThe beauty of the lilies, which surpasses Solomon's glory, highlights the value of simplicity and contentment in God's creation. Christians are encouraged to find joy and satisfaction in the simple blessings of life.
Spiritual Over MaterialThe comparison between Solomon's glory and the lilies underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions. Believers are reminded to seek first the Kingdom of God.
God's Sovereignty and CareThis passage reassures believers of God's sovereignty and intimate care for His creation. It invites Christians to rest in the knowledge that God is aware of their needs and is faithful to provide.
Living by FaithThe teaching encourages a lifestyle of faith, where believers rely on God's promises and live with the assurance that He will meet their needs according to His riches in glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 6:29?
2.How does Matthew 6:29 illustrate God's provision compared to human efforts?
3.What does Solomon's splendor teach about God's priorities versus worldly wealth?
4.How can Matthew 6:29 deepen our trust in God's provision today?
5.How does this verse connect with Philippians 4:19 on God's provision?
6.How can we apply Matthew 6:29 to reduce anxiety about material needs?
7.How does Matthew 6:29 challenge materialism in today's society?
8.What does Matthew 6:29 reveal about God's provision versus human effort?
9.How does Solomon's glory compare to the lilies, according to Matthew 6:29?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 6?
11.Is the Kingdom, Power, and Glory Thine forever?
12.What are the main themes of the Bible's books?
13.Why does the biblical description of Solomon’s wealth and empire lack external corroboration?
14.Why is there no broader historical record of the forced labor Solomon imposes on foreigners in 2 Chronicles 2:17–18?What Does Matthew 6:29 Mean
Yet I tell youJesus begins with a personal assurance: “I tell you.”
• He speaks with divine authority, echoing the pattern “Truly, truly, I say to you” (John 5:24).
• His words invite immediate trust, just as the Father’s voice at the transfiguration commands, “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5).
• Because Christ is the living Word (John 1:1 – 3), His statements carry the full weight of God’s promise.
that not even SolomonThe Lord selects Solomon, Israel’s wisest and richest king.
• Solomon’s reign symbolizes unmatched wealth and wisdom (1 Kings 10:23 – 25).
• His temple dedication prayer shows deep spiritual insight (1 Kings 8:22 – 53).
• By invoking Solomon, Jesus points to the highest human standard of material splendor before revealing a greater divine standard.
in all his gloryEvery facet of Solomon’s magnificence is in view.
• The Queen of Sheba exclaimed, “The half was not told me!” (1 Kings 10:7).
• Silver was considered of little value in Solomon’s days (2 Chronicles 9:20).
• Yet earthly glory, even at its peak, is temporary (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
was adorned like one of these“One of these” refers to the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28).
• God clothes wildflowers with effortless beauty, illustrating His providence (Psalm 104:24 – 28).
• The contrast underscores that divine craftsmanship surpasses human achievement (Job 38:4 – 11).
• If God lavishes such detail on fleeting flowers that are “here today and tomorrow thrown into the furnace” (Matthew 6:30), how much more will He care for people made in His image (Genesis 1:27)?
summaryJesus’ statement dismantles anxiety by comparing God’s simple, daily work in nature with the finest human splendor. If Solomon’s peak opulence cannot rival a single wildflower dressed by God, then His children can rest in the Father’s faithful provision. Faith looks at lilies, remembers Solomon, and chooses trust over worry.
(29)
I say unto you.--The formula of emphasis is not without a special force here (comp.
Matthew 18:10;
Matthew 18:19). Man's gaze was drawn to the "gorgeous apparel," the gold-embroidered robes of kings and emperors. Jewish traditions as to the glory of Solomon represented even his attendants as clothed in purple, and with hair glittering with gold-dust. He, the true Son of David, saw in the simplest flower that grows a glory above them all. "The lily shames the king."
Verse 29. -
Luke 12:27b almost verbally.
Even Solomon... was not. The Greek lays still more stress: "not even Solomon."
Arrayed. The idea of splendour, which in modern usage is often attached to "array," is wanting in
περιεβάλετο. The simple rendering in Wickliffe, "was covered" (Vulgate,
coopertus est), is less misleading. And so in ver. 31. Perhaps (
vide Cart) the middle voice has its full reflexive meaning: Solomon with all his efforts failed.
Like one of these. Even one, much less like all taken together. "Horum, demonstrativum" (Bengel).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Yetδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.I tellλέγω(legō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.not evenοὐδὲ(oude)Adverb
Strong's 3761:Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.SolomonΣολομὼν(Solomōn)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4672:Solomon, son of David King of Israel, and Bathsheba. Of Hebrew origin; Solomon, the son of David.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.allπάσῃ(pasē)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.gloryδόξῃ(doxē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.was adornedπεριεβάλετο(periebaleto)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4016:From peri and ballo; to throw all around, i.e. Invest.likeὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.oneἓν(hen)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.of these.τούτων(toutōn)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 6:29 Yet I tell you that even Solomon (Matt. Mat Mt) 
