The Meaning of Flowers in the Bible

Flowers are often mentioned in the Bible. They are used in many ways, from symbolizing the temporariness of human life on Earth, to symbolizing God’s spiritual truth, to representing beauty and growth.

The Bible teaches us that humans and nature are in perfect synergy, and just like how a flower grows, so will we when we accept and commit to the Lord as our savior. Let’s explore flowers in the Bible.

Flowers and Symbolism in Christianity

If you notice Christian churches and religious artifacts, you will recognize that flowers are often used as details surrounding saints, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. Flowers are also often used in Christian ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and many other occasions.

This goes to show that flowers have always been a presence in the life of a Christian, from the garden of Eden to the bitter herbs of the Passover, to the lilies of the field in the New Testament.

The passionflower, for instance, is associated with Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. Each part of this flower symbolizes different parts of the Passion of Christ.

The lily, on the other hand, is closely associated with the Virgin Mary. It is the quintessential flower that represents purity, innocence, and virtue. In many paintings of the Virign Mary, you will often see added details of the white lily.

Flowers as Symbols of Earthly Beauty and Possessions

In James 1:10-11, it says, “But the rich should take pride in their humiliation – since they will pass away like a wildflower. In the same way, the rich will fade away, even when they have many possessions in their lifetime. When they pass on, they cannot take their money, their businesses, and their properties with them. While their heirs may inherit these material things, they themselves cannot bring these possessions with them when it’s their time to leave this Earth.

This verse teaches us that we should not give our lives to Earthly things, but we must devote them to God. Psalm 103:14-15, says, “For he knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower in the field; the wind blows over it, and it is gone. In its place, remembers it no more.”

Like flowers that need water, sunlight, and the Earth, we can also devote our time, energy, and our lives to something or someone. We can devote our lives to a business, or our spouse or children, but just like flowers, eventually, these things and these people will fade away. Therefore, we must not give these things and people 100% of your minds, bodies, and spirit, because they will soon be gone from us. But the spirit and love of the Lord never will. God will always be with you and never leave your side.

In Isaiah 40:8, it says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever.”

Flowers are mentioned everywhere in the Bible and they represent God’s love for His creation. Such beauty is evidence of God’s perfection, and it shows us how much love God can give to plants. If He has so much love for flowers to bloom with so much beauty, it also goes to show how much He can help you bloom and flourish in your life here on Earth as well.

Bible Verses About Flowers

Flowers Symbolize the Presence of Christ

“His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh.”

Song of Solomon 5:13 New International Version (NIV)

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.

Song of Solomon 2:13 New International Version (NIV)

Flowers Symbolize Growth

I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily.

Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.

Hosea 14:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

God Cares for Flowers

I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily.

Like a cedar of Lebanon, he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow.

His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.

Luke 12:27-2 New International Version (NIV)

Flowers Don’t Last Forever

But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

James 1:10-11 New International Version (NIV)

for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;

Psalm 103:14-15 New International Version (NIV)

Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty set on the head of a fertile valley—to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!

Isaiah 28:1 New International Version (NIV)

For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

1 Peter 1:24 New International Version (NIV)

Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 5:24 New International Version (NIV)