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)
Jesus uses ravens, not just generic birds, because they were seen as particularly neglected and even cast off by their parents, yet God still provides for them. This highlights that God's care extends to the most overlooked creatures, making the argument for His care of humanity, especially His followers, even more profound.
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)
Jesus is teaching his followers not to worry about material needs, just after a man interrupted Him to settle an inheritance dispute. He uses the example of the ravens, who diligently work to survive but don't plan or store, to illustrate that God provides for His creatures. The point is that if God cares for birds, He will surely care for His human children who are of far greater value.
Jesus points to the humble raven, a bird not exactly known for its industriousness. What can this seemingly insignificant creature teach us about God's provision?
Jesus challenges us to consider the ravens. These birds don't plant seeds, harvest crops, or build barns. They don't store food for the future. Yet, Scripture tells us God feeds them.
This isn't about encouraging idleness! Instead, Jesus highlights that God's care extends to creatures who don't contribute to their own sustenance in the way humans do. He provides for them daily, directly, and without their
After pointing to the ravens, Jesus makes a direct comparison. Why is humanity so much more precious to God than a bird?
The powerful conclusion Jesus draws is that if God so faithfully provides for ravens, how much more will He provide for His own children! He explicitly states, 'Of how much more value are you than the birds!'
This isn't just about basic needs; it's about our inherent worth to God. We are made in His image, capable of relationship with Him. While ravens are simply creatures, we are His beloved, adopted sons and daughters. When we trust in God's provision for the ravens, we are being reminded not to doubt His even greater commitment to us.
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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 insignificant or even unclean, to powerfully contrast God's providential care for all creation with the anxious materialism of humanity. The context of exile and return from Babylon would have made the idea of God's reliable provision resonate deeply with His audience.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united Israelite kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division leads to prolonged political instability and conflict between the two states.
c. 8th Century BC
Assyrian Raids and Captivity
The Assyrian Empire begins to exert increasing pressure on the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to multiple raids and eventual deportation of its people, weakening the nation and scattering its population.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, falls to the Assyrians, marking the end of the northern kingdom and further dismembering the land. Many Israelites are exiled and replaced by foreign settlers.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting segments of the Judean population, including some of the elite and skilled workers, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. This is a catastrophic event for Judean identity and religious life.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers the Babylonian Empire. He issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
During His public ministry, Jesus teaches extensively on discipleship, the Kingdom of God, and the dangers of materialism. He uses parables and direct instructions to illustrate these themes.
This passage directly parallels Luke's teaching by using birds of the air as an example of God's provision, emphasizing that believers are of far greater value than these creatures.
Psalm 147:9This verse speaks of God providing food for the ravens, which is a clear Old Testament precursor to Jesus' specific example in Luke, highlighting God's care for even the least of creatures.
1 Kings 17:4-6This account shows God directly using ravens to provide food for Elijah during a drought, demonstrating a tangible instance of ravens being fed by divine means, reinforcing the concept in Luke.
Philippians 4:6This New Testament passage offers a practical instruction for dealing with anxiety, urging believers to bring their requests to God, which aligns with Jesus' encouragement in Luke not to worry about material needs.
Matthew 6:33This verse is a direct follow-up to the discussion on birds and lilies, commanding believers to seek God's kingdom first, with the assurance that all these necessary things will be provided, reinforcing the theme of divine providence.
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 uses ravens, not just generic birds, because they were seen as particularly neglected and even cast off by their parents, yet God still provides for them. This highlights that God's care extends to the most overlooked creatures, making the argument for His care of humanity, especially His followers, even more profound.
Jesus is teaching his followers not to worry about material needs, just after a man interrupted Him to settle an inheritance dispute. He uses the example of the ravens, who diligently work to survive but don't plan or store, to illustrate that God provides for His creatures. The point is that if God cares for birds, He will surely care for His human children who are of far greater value.
Jesus is teaching his followers not to worry about material needs, just after a man interrupted Him to settle an inheritance dispute. He uses the example of the ravens, who diligently work to survive but don't plan or store, to illustrate that God provides for His creatures. The point is that if God cares for birds, He will surely care for His human children who are of far greater value.
"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 uses ravens, not just generic birds, because they were seen as particularly neglected and even cast off by their parents, yet God still provides for them. This highlights that God's care extend…
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Last reviewed October 2026