Birds are mentioned many times throughout the Bible. While the specific species of birds are often not identified, there are 6 distinct types of birds that are directly referenced by name in the scriptures.
The 6 Birds of the Bible
The 6 birds that are specifically mentioned by name in the Bible are:
- Dove
- Raven
- Quail
- Ostrich
- Sparrow
- Eagle
Each of these birds holds symbolic significance and is featured in various stories and passages throughout the Old and New Testaments. Let’s take a closer look at each of the 6 birds of the Bible.
1. Dove
The dove is mentioned over 50 times throughout the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for dove is “yonah.” Doves were used as sacrificial birds in various rituals and ceremonies dictated in the Law of Moses.
Here are some key references to doves in the Bible:
- After the flood, Noah sends out a dove to check if the waters have receded – Genesis 8:8-12
- Doves were used as burnt offerings according to Mosaic Law – Leviticus 1:14
- The dove is listed as an acceptable sacrificial bird in Leviticus 5:7 and Leviticus 12:6
- Doves symbolized hope and marked the end of God’s wrath after the flood – Genesis 8:11
- A dove is one of the sacrifices offered by Joseph and Mary at the temple – Luke 2:24
- Jesus instructs his disciples to be “as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves” – Matthew 10:16
- The Holy Spirit descends like a dove at Jesus’ baptism – Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10
The dove often represents purity, hope, innocence, and peace in the Bible. It was used ceremonially by the ancient Israelites, and symbolically marks fresh beginnings and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
2. Raven
Ravens are mentioned 6 times in the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for raven is “oreb.” Here are some significant biblical references to ravens:
- Ravens were sent by God to bring bread and meat to Elijah when he was hiding by the brook of Cherith – 1 Kings 17:4-6
- Noah sends out a raven from the ark before sending the dove – Genesis 8:7
- Ravens are listed as unclean birds that the ancient Israelites were forbidden to eat – Leviticus 11:15
- Ravens are depicted as completely black birds – Song of Songs 5:11
- Jesus references how ravens neither sow nor reap but are fed by God – Luke 12:24
- Ravens are scavenger birds – Proverbs 30:17
Ravens were seen as wise birds and served as messengers and providers of sustenance in key biblical stories. But they were also considered ceremonially unclean scavengers under Mosaic Law.
3. Quail
Quail are mentioned 11 times throughout the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for quail is “slav.” Here are some important biblical references to quails:
- God provided quails as meat for the Israelites in the desert – Exodus 16:11-13
- The Israelites were malcontent about only having manna and desired quails – Numbers 11:31-35
- God sent vast numbers of quails that covered the Israelite camp – Psalms 105:40
- The New Testament confirms that God provided quails to the ancient Israelites – Hebrews 12:12-15
The provision of quails was seen as miraculous and they served as food sustenance for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt.
4. Ostrich
The ostrich is mentioned 3 times in the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for ostrich is “renen.” Here are the biblical references to ostriches:
- Ostriches are listed as unclean birds forbidden to eat in Leviticus 11:16
- God describes the ostrich’s wings and how it abandons its eggs – Job 39:13-18
- The ostrich who deals cruelly with her young is contrasted to God’s faithfulness – Lamentations 4:3
The ostrich was known as a desert bird associated with abandonment and uncleanliness in the Bible.
5. Sparrow
Sparrows are mentioned 5 times in the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for sparrow is “tzippor.” Here are the biblical references to sparrows:
- Sparrows were considered very inexpensive birds that could be used for sacrificial offerings – Leviticus 12:8
- Two sparrows were sold for a copper coin – Matthew 10:29
- God cares for and protects even the smallest sparrows – Matthew 10:29-31
- Jesus references five sparrows sold for two pennies – Luke 12:1-7
Sparrows symbolized insignificance and cheapness, but Jesus used them to teach that even seemingly unimportant living things matter profoundly to God.
6. Eagle
The eagle is referenced over 30 times in the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for eagle is “nesher.” Here are some significant biblical references to eagles:
- Eagles represent strength, speed, and power – 2 Samuel 1:23
- God describes how he protected Israel like an eagle guards its nest – Exodus 19:4
- Eagles molt and renew their youth like the righteous who hope in God – Psalm 103:5
- A gentile woman converts to Judaism as rapidly as an eagle swoops – Deuteronomy 28:49
- An eagle carries someone’s seed to plant and grow – 2 Kings 14:28-29
- Jesus describes how eagles gather around dead bodies – Matthew 24:28
Eagles were admired for their swift flight, strength, and majesty throughout the scriptures and served as metaphors for renewal, power, and God’s divine protection.
Significance of Birds in the Bible
Why are birds referenced so often in the Bible? Here are some of the reasons birds hold significance in scripture:
- Symbols of hope and new beginnings – Birds like doves and ravens were sent out after the flood representing hope and God’s mercy.
- Sources of sustenance – God supernaturally provided birds like quails and ravens as food for the Israelites and prophets.
- Objects of sacrifice – Doves were the most commonly used ceremonial birds of sacrifice.
- Symbols of insignificance – Tiny sparrows represented what was common and overlooked.
- Symbols of power and nobility – Eagles were admired for their majesty and predatory dominance of the skies.
- Unclean scavengers – Ravens and ostriches were considered unclean under the Law of Moses.
- Creatures cared for by God – Jesus emphasizes that God protects even the most common birds like sparrows.
List of Bible Verses that Mention Birds
Here is a table listing many of the most significant verses that mention birds throughout the Bible:
| Reference | Bird Mentioned | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 1:20 | Generic birds | God creates birds on the 5th day |
| Genesis 7:14 | Generic birds | Birds enter Noah’s ark |
| Genesis 8:7 | Raven | Noah sends out a raven after the flood |
| Genesis 15:9 | Dove, pigeon | God instructs Abraham to offer sacrificial birds |
| Leviticus 1:14 | Dove | Burnt dove offering |
| Leviticus 12:6 | Dove, pigeon | Birds offered after childbirth |
| Deuteronomy 14:11 | Eagle | List of clean birds |
| 1 Kings 17:4 | Ravens | Ravens feed Elijah by the brook |
| Psalm 84:3 | Sparrow, swallow | Even the birds have nests near God’s altar |
| Isaiah 16:2 | Dove | Like fluttering doves, the daughters of Moab weep |
| Jeremiah 48:28 | Dove | Moab’s pride is like a nesting dove |
| Ezekiel 39:4 | Eagle | Enemies devoured like food for eagles |
| Daniel 4:33 | Birds | Nebuchadnezzar eats grass like cattle and birds |
| Hosea 11:11 | Dove | God will protect Israel as a dove |
| Matthew 3:16 | Dove | The Holy Spirit descends like a dove |
| Luke 2:24 | Dove, pigeon | Sacrifice of Joseph and Mary at the temple |
| Acts 10:12 | Birds | Sheet full of clean and unclean birds |
Significance of the Number Six
It’s interesting to note that there are exactly 6 birds directly named in the Bible. The number 6 holds symbolic meaning in scripture:
- God created the world in 6 days – Genesis 1
- Esther had 6 maidens accompany her – Esther 2:9
- Solomon had 6 steps to his throne – 1 Kings 10:19-20
- Joshua’s army marched around Jericho 6 times on the 7th day – Joshua 6
- There are 6 sixes in the number of the beast – Revelation 13:18
The number 6 often represents incompleteness or imperfection in the Bible. So it’s fascinating that there were only 6 distinctly named birds in all of scripture. This could symbolize the fact that the 6 birds point to a greater hope and deliverance that was to come through the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
While the Bible references many generic birds, there are only 6 that are specifically named in the scriptures. These 6 significant birds are the dove, raven, quail, ostrich, sparrow, and eagle. Each bird serves as an important symbol and prophetic picture that conveys theological meaning and insight into biblical history. The dove represents hope, the eagle represents power, and the ostrich represents cruelty and abandonment. Jesus used tiny sparrows to teach that God cares for all his creation. The number 6 itself conveys meaning as symbolic of incompleteness and imperfection. God’s provision of birds for food and sacrifice display his mercy and sovereignty. The many references to birds throughout the Bible remind us of God’s active involvement in creation and his desire for relationship with humanity.
