For centuries, chickens have played a significant role in various cultures and societies, including in the Bible. The Bible Verse About Chicken underscores the importance of these humble creatures and their symbolism in guiding our daily lives. In the book of Matthew 23:37, Jesus compares himself to a mother hen, expressing his desire to protect and gather his people under his wings, much like a hen gathers her chicks.
“Matthew 23:37 – ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.'”
Moreover, in Deuteronomy 22:6-7, there is a commandment to show mercy to a mother hen with her chicks by allowing her to escape before taking the chicks for oneself. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy, even towards the seemingly insignificant creatures of the earth, like chickens. By reflecting on these biblical verses about chickens, we can find guidance on how to lead a life filled with love, protection, and kindness towards others, just as Jesus and the Bible instruct us to do.
“Deuteronomy 22:6-7 – ‘If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.'”
The Significance of Chicken in the Bible
Chickens have been mentioned in the Bible in various contexts, symbolizing different things. Let’s explore through these verses:
1. Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
2. Leviticus 11:19
“the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.”
3. Deuteronomy 14:11
“You may eat any clean bird.”
4. Luke 13:34
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
5. Genesis 15:9
“He said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.”
6. Job 39:13
“The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork.”
7. Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.”
8. Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
9. Mark 7:28
“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
10. Acts 10:12
“It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.”
11. Luke 12:24
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
12. Deuteronomy 22:6
“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young.”
13. Genesis 7:14
“they and every wild animal according to its kind, and all livestock according to their kinds, and every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind, and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings.”
14. Revelation 19:17
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God.”
15. 1 Kings 17:6
“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”
Chickens and other birds mentioned in the Bible hold various symbolic meanings and teachings for believers to reflect upon. Through these verses, we can deepen our understanding of the significance of chickens in the Bible.
How Biblical Verses about Chicken Can Guide Our Daily Lives
1. Genesis 1:20 – “And God said, ‘Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.’”
2. Deuteronomy 22:6-7 – “If you come across a bird’s nest in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young. You shall let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it may go well with you, and that you may live long.”
3. Proverbs 27:23-27 – “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.”
4. Matthew 23:37 – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
5. Luke 12:6 – “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.”
6. Luke 13:34 – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
7. Acts 10:13 – “Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'”
8. Romans 12:11 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
9. 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
10. Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
11. Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
12. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
13. Titus 2:7-8 – “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech.”
In conclusion, the Bible offers us wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives, even when it comes to something as seemingly mundane as chicken. By reflecting on the teachings of scripture and understanding the significance of the verses that mention this humble bird, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate and thoughtful messages that God has woven into every aspect of creation. So next time you enjoy a delicious roast chicken dinner, remember to give thanks for the sustenance that God provides, and the lessons that can be found even in the simplest of creatures.