If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

LUKE 12:28KJV
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Luke 12:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:28 mean?

Luke 12:28 says that if God takes care to clothe the grass—which is only temporary—He will certainly provide clothing for people, even if their faith is small. The verse uses the example of grass, which is here today and gone tomorrow, to show how much more God cares for human needs.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, encouraging them not to worry about material needs like clothing. He points out that God provides even for things as fleeting as grass, which is soon thrown away, so His care for people is even greater. The verse highlights God’s attention to everyday needs and gently challenges listeners to trust Him rather than be anxious.

The Greek behind Luke 12:28

  • "ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ" (en tō agrō, "in the field"): The Greek phrase refers to wild grass growing in open fields, not cultivated crops. This detail emphasizes how God cares for even the most ordinary, overlooked parts of creation.
  • "κλίβανον" (klibanon, "oven"): This word means a clay oven used for baking. Grass was often used as quick-burning fuel, showing how short-lived and seemingly insignificant it was. The comparison highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of grass and the lasting value of people.
  • "ὀλιγόπιστοι" (oligopistoi, "of little faith"): This term gently calls out the disciples for their small trust in God’s care. It’s not a harsh rebuke, but a reminder that worry often comes from underestimating God’s willingness to provide.

Why Luke 12:28 matters

  • Luke 12:28 clarifies that God’s care is not just for spiritual needs but also for practical, everyday concerns like clothing.
  • The verse challenges the common worry about material provision by pointing to God’s faithfulness in even the smallest details of creation.
  • This verse fits into a larger teaching where Jesus encourages trust in God over anxiety, helping readers see the consistency of God’s character throughout the passage.

Where else these words appear

“oven” Greek G2823 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

“clothe” Greek G294 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

“faith” Greek G3640 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

“grass” Greek G5528 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
  • James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.