Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus points to the ravens, not just as any birds, but specifically as creatures known for being somewhat outcast and overlooked. This highlights God's extravagant care, providing for even those who might be considered least valuable, underscoring how much more He values and will provide for His children.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about the dangers of greed and the anxiety it breeds, contrasting it with trust in God's provision. Immediately before this, he tells the parable of the rich fool whose life is cut short, highlighting the futility of accumulating earthly wealth. This verse, along with the subsequent one about lilies, serves as a direct illustration of how God cares for even the smallest creatures, urging his followers to value life and trust in their heavenly Father's abundant provision over worldly anxieties.
Jesus points to the most unlikely creatures – ravens – to teach us about trusting God. What can these 'unclean' birds show us about overcoming anxiety?
Jesus uses the raven as a striking example in His teaching against anxious worry. Notice what the ravens don't do:
In essence, they live entirely day by day, without the means or foresight that humans typically rely on for survival. Yet, the verse states, 'God feeds them.' This isn't just a casual observation; it's a profound theological point. These birds, considered unclean in the Old Testament and not particularly helpful to humans, are still fully provided for by God's providential care.
If God cares so much for a raven, how much more does He care for you? This verse dramatically shifts focus from birds to people.
The verse doesn't just stop at the ravens; it makes a crucial comparison. Jesus emphatically declares, 'Of how much more value are you than the birds!' This highlights a staggering theological truth:
Therefore, if God's providential care extends even to the least of creatures, how much more can His children, whom He loves infinitely and has purchased with the blood of His Son, expect His loving care and provision?
Understand the original words
diapherete · Greek Verb
A term denoting importance, worth, or weight. Biblically, it affirms that human beings are uniquely created in the image of God, possess an eternal soul, and are the objects of God's redemptive love.
Jesus uses the example of ravens, creatures often seen as common and lowly, to illustrate God's providential care. This teaching resonates deeply in a context where many Jews were experiencing or had recently experienced the trauma of exile, economic hardship, and political oppression, reminding them that God's care extends even to the seemingly insignificant.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following the death of King Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division led to political instability and, at times, conflict between the two.
c. 875-853 BC
Reign of Ahab and Jezebel
This era in the Northern Kingdom was marked by significant religious upheaval, with King Ahab and his Phoenician wife Jezebel promoting the worship of Baal and persecuting prophets of Yahweh.
c. 740-722 BC
Assyrian Expansion and Northern Kingdom's Fall
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire began its major expansion. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was eventually conquered and its people deported in 722 BC.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria campaigned in the southern Kingdom of Judah and besieged Jerusalem. While Jerusalem was not captured, the event instilled fear and demonstrated the vulnerability of the kingdom.
This passage directly parallels Luke's teaching by also pointing to the birds of the air and reminding us that God feeds them, reinforcing the same message of divine providence and human value.
Psalm 147:9This verse speaks of God providing food for the ravens, which directly echoes Luke's imagery and emphasizes that God's care extends even to these seemingly insignificant creatures.
Job 38:41Here, God questions Job about providing food for the ravens, highlighting God's sovereign power and intimate knowledge of the needs of His creation, which underpins Jesus' argument in Luke.
Matthew 6:28-30This passage connects by using the lilies of the field as an example of God's provision and beauty, similar to how Jesus uses the ravens, contrasting nature's simple trust with human anxiety.
1 Kings 17:4-6This Old Testament account of Elijah being fed by ravens miraculously illustrates the very principle Jesus highlights in Luke 12:24, showing God's power to sustain life through unconventional means.
vincentLuke 12:24: "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?"
ConsiderSee on Matthew 7:3.Storehouse (ταμεῖον)See on Luke 12:3.
jfbLuke 12:13-53: "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me."
Lu 12:13-53. Covetousness—Watchfulness—Superiority to Earthly Ties.13. Master, &c.—that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the sole…
Jesus points to the ravens, not just as any birds, but specifically as creatures known for being somewhat outcast and overlooked. This highlights God's extravagant care, providing for even those who might be considered least valuable, underscoring how much more He values and will provide for His children.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about the dangers of greed and the anxiety it breeds, contrasting it with trust in God's provision. Immediately before this, he tells the parable of the rich fool whose life is cut short, highlighting the futility of accumulating earthly wealth. This verse, along with the subsequent one about lilies, serves as a direct illustration of how God cares for even the smallest creatures, urging his followers to value life and trust in their heavenly Father's abundant provision over worldly anxieties.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about the dangers of greed and the anxiety it breeds, contrasting it with trust in God's provision. Immediately before this, he tells the parable of the rich fool whose life is cut short, highlighting the futility of accumulating earthly wealth. This verse, along with the subsequent one about lilies, serves as a direct illustration of how God cares for even the smallest creatures, urging his followers to value life and trust in their heavenly Father's abundant provision over worldly anxieties.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 12:24 is available in the Sola app.
597-586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered Judah. Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed, and a significant portion of the Jewish population was exiled to Babylon.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period culminates in his crucifixion and resurrection.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys, establishing churches across Asia Minor and Greece. His letters often address practical issues faced by these early Christian communities.
"Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!" — Jesus points to the ravens, not just as any birds, but specifically as creatures known for being somewhat outcast and overlooked. This highlights God's extravagant care, providing for even those who…
