We must look beyond just the beauty of flowers. Many gardeners, including my husband, spend a great deal of time making their gardens beautiful. I am in awe of how beautiful my husband’s garden is each year. However, it does not just happen. He spends time irrigating and fertilizing the soil, growing seeds, buying plants, and planting in the right location. A lot of time is spent watering and pruning each plant. The results are open flowers that are spectacular. I believe flowers are God’s gift to humanity. They not only look beautiful but they are also filled with God’s purpose and love. However, there are many deeper meanings for mentioning many of the flowers in Bible verses.
I must admit of have learned a great deal about flowers from my husband and the various YouTube videos we watch together. However, I failed to understand the significance of flowers in the Bible. Nevertheless, God and Jesus interlaced many lessons with flowers to teach many messages within the Word of our God. Let’s delve into what flowers in Bible verses should mean to us.
Various Flowers In Bible Verses
I love flowers. Spring is the season of singing for flowers. Their color and fragrance make me feel good. It is like music for my eyes. I would love to fill the walls of the house with flowers to enjoy them and smell their sweet fragrance. I am sure this was one of the reasons God created them. For us to look upon their beauty and see God’s love. Consequently, through their beauty, we can see God’s majesty. We also see His creativity and so much more about God.
Let’s talk about a few flowers that are more than their beauty in the Bible. They are used to paint a bigger picture, teach us, and edify our hearts. We can learn much from every flower of the field or flower of grass that is written about in the Word of our Lord.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.Song of Songs 2:12 NIV
“the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.”Isaiah 40:7 KJV
Rose of Sharon / Lily of The Valleys
Husbands and Wives
The Rose of Sharon could have been any flower in the Bible. Many different plants were called the Rose of Sharon. However, during biblical times, Solomon used the Rose of Sharon and the lilies of the field to describe his beloved. He used it to express that his beloved outshone all others.
All couples in love should use this as an example of how their attitude should be towards their spouses. Spouses should not compare each other to those outside of their marriage. This will lead to each of them feeling inadequate or unworthy of love. Every husband should see his wife as his lily of the valley. Every wife should see her husband as the cedar of Lebanon.
“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women.”Song of Songs 2:1-2 NIV
His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. Song of Songs 5:15 NIV
Jesus The Bridegroom
In the same way, we are Jesus’ beloved, and He is our bridegroom. In the New Testament, there will be great joy when the bridegroom returns because He will be returning for His bride, the church. We as Christians will live in eternity with the Lord upon His return.
The Lily of the Valleys are white flowers shaped in the form of a bell. The white color represents purity. Their appearance and fragrance are considered perfect. Like Jesus, this flower is beautiful with the sweetest of fragrances. The beauty of Jesus emits the smell of salvation. Hence, we should all breathe deeply into this fragrance.
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.John 3:29 NIV
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV
Crocus or Meadow Saffron
The Rose of Sharon may have been a crocus or hibiscus and not actually a rose. There are footnotes in the NIV to suggest the flower in question is possibly a member of the crocus family. The crocus or meadow saffron was used to make dye in ancient times. Most importantly, the crocus is considered a symbol of joy for the redeemed.
One day soon we will once again walk side by side with the Lord. That is to say, God will rescue his people from their sins. We will be filled with gladness and joy. There will be singing and rejoicing. No more sorrow, pain, or fear. It will be as the Word of the Lord has told us.
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.”Isaiah 35:1-2 NIV
“No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”Isaiah 35:9-10 NIV
Wildflowers
There are various wildflowers. All a different array of colors. They grow in abundance and are breathtaking in their beauty. My husband started a wildflower garden last spring. It was a beautiful pollinator garden. In addition to the variety of flowers, it also attracted beautiful butterflies and bees.
Wildflowers are used to symbolize that God can provide for our needs. Therefore, we should not worry about how we will feed and clothe our bodies. However, the rich men in their pride do not feel that they need God to supply their needs. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ declares it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. They simply do not believe that they need God or God’s provision.
“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.Luke 12:27 NIV
But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.James 1:10 NIV
Trees, Fruits, and Herbs Have Flowers Too
Myrtle Tree
The myrtle is one of the tree branches Israelites used to make booths. Booths were temporary shelters. It is a tree that blossoms white flowers. In the Bible, the Myrtle tree is a symbol of being transformed. It is the ability to change from a wasteland to fertile and rich land. Land that is no longer barren but becomes good for growing the fruit of the land. This is a land that is at peace. This demonstrates God’s promises of restoration, abundance, and peace. One day this promise will endure forever.
and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: “Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms, and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written.Nehemiah 8:15
“Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the Lord has sent to go throughout the earth.” And they reported to the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, “We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace.”Zechariah 1:10-11 NIV
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers, the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”Isaiah 55:13
Olive Tree
The olive tree blossoms pretty little white flowers with four petals that form a cross. The first mention of the Olive tree was after the Great Flood. A dove brought back an olive leaf to Noah indicating that it was safe to venture out from the Ark. The waters had receded enough for man to begin to habitat on the Earth again. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf.
Olive trees symbolize endurance and resilience. With God’s help, we can endure anything for we are protected by God’s grace and mercy. Noah trusted the Lord to protect the Earth, his family, and various animals to survive the great flood. It was by God’s unfailing love.
When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.Genesis 8:11
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever. Psalm 52:8 NIV
Willow Tree
The willow tree blossoms flowers that are white with a hint of purple. It symbolizes mourning, sorrow, and exile. The Israelites hung their harps in the willow trees as they mourned for their homeland after being exiled. There was a great deal of mourning for their circ*mstances. However, God told them to live while they were in exile. He did not want them to waste their time in sorrow for what they had lost. God knew one day in would restore his people, so they were to live productive lives while they waited. Therefore, the Israelites were told to build houses and plant gardens.
We can all learn from this. We should be working for the Lord while we are waiting for our blessings.
“By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres.”Psalm 137:1-2 ESV
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.Jeremiah 29:5 NIV
They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.Isaiah 65:21 NIV
Almond Trees
Almond Trees produce almond blossoms that symbolize that God’s word would come to pass. The almond tree also symbolizes hope, resurrection, and God’s presence. God is ever present watching over His people. Hence, guiding, directing, and correcting them by the Word of God. This is the life of mortals, that we learn the lessons of the Old Testament and follow the Word of the New Testament while we live out our 70 or so years.
God’s presence made itself known when the authority of God was tested. When the Israelites rebelled against God once again. Each man was to present an almond branch to God. God would choose the man whose branch blossomed. That man was Aaron. God’s Word will always be fulfilled and this is where we should place our hope.
“The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”Jeremiah 1:11-12 NIV
“And Moses deposited the staffs before the Lord in the tent of the testimony. On the next day, Moses went into the tent of the testimony, and behold, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds.”Numbers 17:7-8 ESV
“Then Moses brought out all the staffs from before the Lord to all the people of Israel. And they looked, and each man took his staff. And the Lord said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.”Numbers 17:9-10 ESV
Fig Tree
The Fig tree is a fruit tree that symbolizes prosperity and spiritual growth. It is the only plant Jesus cursed when it did not produce fruit. Jesus also uses the fig tree in His teachings to reveal that He found the worship unacceptable because it did not produce fruit. The fig tree had leaves which meant it should also have had fruit. The fruit grows first and then blends in with the leaves. However, this fig tree was cursed by Jesus because it produced no fruit. The same will happen to Christians or people who profess to be Christians if there is no evidence of bearing fruit. Consequently, there is no evidence of having a relationship with Jesus. Hence, Jesus will not know you.
Jesus also uses the fig tree as a symbol that as you see the fig tree leaves turn, the season is about to change. Hence, as you see the world turn you will know that this generation is about to pass away. Human life as we know it will one day change over to a spiritual life.
Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.Matthew 21:19
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’Matthew 25:12
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”Matthew 24:32-34 NIV
Pomegranate
The pomegranates are fruit trees that bloom flowers that are red or orange from spring to summer. The pomegranate was looked upon as a promised blessing for the new land. It was the symbol of fertility, abundance, and blessings. Aaron and his son decorated the hems of their robes with pomegranates to demonstrate God’s blessings were upon them. Solomon used pomegranate to describe the abundance of beauty of his beloved.
Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them.Exodus 28:33
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ” Zechariah 8:23 NIV
Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.Song of Solomon 6:7
Mustard
The herb mustard being of the smallest seed was used by Jesus to represent faith. We only need a little faith in order to do great things. A mustard seed will eventually grow into a very large shrub of yellow flowers.
Christ Jesus encourages us to have faith even if it is the size of a mustard seed. Jesus knew that a little faith over time could produce great faith that would allow us to do mighty things. We can overcome any obstacles, pain, or troubles as long we have faith. Therefore, we should be reading the Holy Bible daily to grow in our faith, trust, and love in God. Then we can find rest in the pastures by still waters and find God’s peace amongst the flowers.
He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.Luke 17:6 NIV
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,Psalms 23:2 NIV
Hyssop
Hyssop is an aromatic herb that produces blue fragrant flowers. It symbolizes purification and spiritual cleansing. God will make us white as snow when we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is always about Jesus and the forgiveness of sin. Only Jesus can save. Therefore, we should proclaim with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe He was raised from the dead, so we can be saved.
Spiritual cleansing requires that we confess our sins and Jesus will forgive us. He wants to forgive us because He does not wish to lose any that the Father has given him.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.Psalm 51:7
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.Romans 10:9 NIV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9 NIV
What Do Flowers In Bible Verses Mean
Besides beauty and a lovely fragrance, the flowers, herbs, and tree blossoms mean so much more. They represent the inner beauty of purity, salvation, Joy, redemption, and hope within us.
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.1 Peter 3:4 NIV
Some flowers symbolize our purification, spiritual cleansing, faith, and peace through seeking God.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.Psalms 139:23 NIV
They express our transformation through spiritual growth, endurance, resilience, and resurrection.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
They amplify God’s provision through abundance, restoration, prosperity, fertility, blessings, and God’s presence.
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.Proverbs 11:28 NIV
Mortality comes with many pains in the form of sorrow, mourning, or being exiled. However, with the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have overcome all of these. The victory belongs to God.
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”1 Corinthians 15:54 NIV
Recap Of Flowers In Bible Verses
Like flowers, we are more than our beauty. Beauty fades and so do the flowers in our gardens. However, we are all in a season of growth. Spend time in the Bible learning how God wants to transform you in His garden. We are like the grass of the field; however, God wants us to be glorified like the flower of the field. Even though grass withers and flowers fall the word of the lord will stand forever.
God wants to provide for our every need we just need to trust in Him and have faith. God promises us that one day, we will live with Him in eternity. Mortality will pass away because it has been conquered by the death of Jesus. Therefore, we should be encouraged that God wants to teach us that even though we may change God remains the same. The God of ancient times. I hope the explanations for the flowers in Bible verses encourage you to read the Bible more.
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 NIV
but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.1 Peter 1:25 NIV
God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them because they have no fear of God.Psalms 55:19 NIV
Additional Reading:
The Bible Is About Redemption
Why Jesus Is Important
Faith, Hope, And Trust
