Luke 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?

Consider {G2657} the ravens {G2876}: for {G3754} they neither {G3756} sow {G4687} nor {G3761} reap {G2325}; which {G3739} neither {G3756} have {G2076} storehouse {G5009} nor {G3761} barn {G596}; and {G2532} God {G2316} feedeth {G5142} them {G846}: how much {G4214} more {G3123} are {G1308} ye {G5210} better than {G1308} the fowls {G4071}?

Think about the ravens! They neither plant nor harvest, they have neither storerooms nor barns, yet God feeds them. You are worth much more than the birds!

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!

Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds!

Commentary

Luke 12:24 is a profound teaching from Jesus, encouraging His disciples to trust in God's unfailing provision and to overcome anxiety about material needs. It uses the humble raven as a powerful example of divine care, contrasting its lack of human systems for provision with God's consistent feeding of it.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' broader discourse to His disciples and the multitude regarding materialism, hypocrisy, and fear. Immediately preceding this verse, in Luke 12:22-23, Jesus directly addresses the issue of worry, telling His followers not to be anxious about food or clothing, as life is more than these necessities. The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) also sets the stage, highlighting the folly of storing up earthly treasures without being rich toward God. Luke 12:24 serves as a practical illustration and a logical argument against such worry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The primary message is God's active and consistent care for His creation. If God sustains creatures like ravens, which are often considered unclean and insignificant, He will surely provide for humanity.
  • Human Value: Jesus emphasizes the immense value of human beings in God's eyes. The rhetorical question, "how much more are ye better than the fowls?", underscores that humans, made in God's image, are of far greater worth than any animal, thus deserving of greater divine attention and care.
  • Trust Over Worry: The verse is a direct call to release anxious thoughts and cultivate faith in God's providence. It encourages a shift from self-reliance and material accumulation to a reliance on God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "Consider" translates the Greek verb katanoēsate (κατανοήσατε), which means to "observe carefully," "perceive," or "understand fully." It's not a casual glance but a deep, contemplative observation meant to lead to a profound realization. This implies that truly understanding how God feeds the ravens should transform one's perspective on personal provision. The word "feedeth" (τρέφει - trephei) signifies nourishing, sustaining, or bringing up, implying ongoing, active care rather than a one-time act.

Related Scriptures

This teaching has a parallel in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He similarly points to the "birds of the air" as examples of God's provision. The principle of God supplying all needs is echoed throughout Scripture, providing assurance that God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. For further teaching on seeking God's kingdom first, see Matthew 6:33.

Practical Application

In a world often driven by economic uncertainty and the pursuit of material security, Luke 12:24 offers a timeless antidote to anxiety. It challenges believers to re-evaluate their priorities, shifting focus from accumulating earthly possessions to trusting in God's daily faithfulness. This verse encourages a lifestyle of faith, where one works diligently but rests in the confidence that God, who cares even for the ravens, will surely provide for His children. It calls us to live with gratitude and to seek God's kingdom and righteousness above all else, knowing that all necessary things will be added.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 10:31 (9 votes)

    Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

  • Psalms 147:9 (9 votes)

    He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.

  • Job 38:41 (8 votes)

    Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

  • Luke 12:7 (8 votes)

    But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

  • Psalms 145:15 (7 votes)

    The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

  • Psalms 145:16 (7 votes)

    Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

  • Job 35:11 (5 votes)

    Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?