The Raven in the Bible
God's provision through unlikely means.
The raven in the Bible is the bird Noah first sent from the ark and the creature God used to feed Elijah — a witness that the Lord provides through the most unlikely of servants.
Key KJV Verses
"And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth."
"And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening..."
"Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them..."
Unclean yet useful
The raven was unclean under the Law, yet God commanded ravens to feed His prophet by the brook Cherith. The Lord is sovereign over every creature, and uses what we despise to sustain His own.
A lesson in trust
Christ pointed to the ravens to teach His disciples not to be anxious — the heavenly Father feeds them, and how much more shall He care for His children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the raven symbolize in the Bible?
God's provision through unlikely means and His care for every creature.
Why did God use ravens to feed Elijah?
To prove that His provision does not depend on customary or even ceremonially clean channels.
Related Bible Symbols
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Elijah Fed by Ravens
During a drought, ravens brought bread and meat to Elijah morning and evening by
Miracles of Elijah Quiz
Drought, fire from heaven, ravens, and a chariot of fire (1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings
Brook Cherith in the Bible
Hidden ravine where God fed Elijah by ravens during the drought.
Noah in the Bible
The Ark Builder
Noah's Ark Quiz for Kids
The big boat, the animals two by two, and the rainbow promise.
Who Was Noah in the Bible? (For Kids)
Noah was a man who obeyed God when nobody else did. God told him to build a huge