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?
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἷς
which
G3739
οἷς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὐκ
neither
G3756
οὐκ
neither
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
10 of 25
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ταμεῖον
storehouse
G5009
ταμεῖον
storehouse
Strong's:
G5009
Word #:
12 of 25
a dispensary or magazine, i.e., a chamber on the ground-floor or interior of a middle eastern house (generally used for storage or privacy, a spot for
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τρέφει
feedeth
G5142
τρέφει
feedeth
Strong's:
G5142
Word #:
18 of 25
but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with
αὐτούς·
them
G846
αὐτούς·
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πόσῳ
how much
G4214
πόσῳ
how much
Strong's:
G4214
Word #:
20 of 25
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
διαφέρετε
are
G1308
διαφέρετε
are
Strong's:
G1308
Word #:
23 of 25
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
Cross References
Psalms 147:9He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.Job 38:41Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.Matthew 10:31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.Luke 12:7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.Job 35:11Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
Historical Context
Luke 12:22-34 records Jesus' Sermon on Worry, delivered during His journey to Jerusalem (likely AD 29-30). Ravens were common scavengers in Palestine, known for resourcefulness yet lacking human agricultural systems. The Jewish audience would recognize the irony: God feeds even tamei (unclean) birds forbidden for consumption.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific anxieties in your life reveal functional atheism—living as if God's providence doesn't extend to your circumstances?
- How does Jesus' choice of ravens (unclean birds) rather than sparrows (12:6) intensify His argument about God's comprehensive care?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them (κατανοήσατε τοὺς κόρακας, katanoēsate tous korakas)—Jesus commands intense observation of ravens, birds deemed ritually unclean (Leviticus 11:15) yet sustained by divine providence. The verb katanoeō means "perceive fully, contemplate," not casual glancing. Ravens neither speirō (sow) nor therizō (reap)—agricultural terms emphasizing human labor and planning—yet ho theos trephei autous (God feeds them).
How much more are ye better than the fowls? (posō mallon hymeis diapherete tōn peteinōn)—The qal wahomer argument (light to heavy): if God cares for unclean birds with no eternal souls, how infinitely more will He sustain His image-bearers? This rhetorical question assumes human superiority in God's creative hierarchy (Genesis 1:26-28), challenging anxiety as practical atheism that denies providential care.