They toil not, neither do they spin— The expression ου κοπια, they toil not, denotes rural labour, and therefore is beautifully used in a discourse of clothing, the materials of which are produced by agriculture. As the Eastern princes were often clothed in white robes (and they were generally accounted a magnificent apparel, compare Esther 8:15.Daniel 7:9.), Calmet properly refers this dress of Solomon to the whiteness of the lilies; and, following him, Dr. Doddridge paraphrases the passage very well thus: "Even the magnificent Solomon, in all his royal glory, when sitting on his throne of ivory and gold (1 Kings 10:18.), was not arrayed in garments of so pure a white, and of such curious workmanship, as one of these lilies presents to your view." Mr. Ray thinks that the original word κρινα signifies tulips of various colours, or a purple kind of lily. See his "Wisdom of God in Creation," p. 107. In which view the passage might be paraphrased, "Solomon himself, in all his magnificence, was but poorly arrayed in comparison of the flowers of the field, whose beautiful forms, lively colours, and fragrant smell, far exceed the most perfect productions of art."
Related Commentaries of Matthew 6:28
Matthew 6:28-29
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.