Owls have been viewed with wonder, fear, and respect in various cultures, but what does the Bible say about these mysterious birds? Do they carry any symbolic or spiritual significance within the pages of scripture? Let’s explore the mention of owls and what they might represent in a biblical context.
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What Does The Bible Say About What Does The Bible Say About Owls
Job 30:29
“I am a brother to owls and a companion to desert-dwelling ostriches.”
In this verse, Job is referring to himself as being like an owl. The owl is known for its association with darkness and solitude, and Job is expressing his feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Isaiah 34:11-15
“But the hawk and the porcupine shall possess it, the owl and the raven shall dwell in it.”
In this passage, Isaiah is describing the desolation of Edom, and mentions that it will be inhabited by various creatures, including owls. This serves as a metaphor for the destruction and abandonment of a place.
Psalm 102:6-7
“I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake, I have become like a bird alone on a roof.”
Here, the psalmist is using the imagery of an owl to convey a sense of desolation and loneliness. The owl’s nocturnal nature and solitary behavior symbolize the psalmist’s feelings of isolation and despair.
Leviticus 11:17
“The little owl, the short-eared owl, the long-eared owl, the barn owl.”
In this verse, owls are listed among the unclean birds, indicating that they should not be eaten. This is part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites in Leviticus.
Deuteronomy 14:16
“The little owl, the short-eared owl, the long-eared owl, the barn owl, the tawny owl, the carrion vulture.”
Similar to Leviticus, this verse reiterates the prohibition on eating owls, emphasizing their unclean status among birds.
Isaiah 13:21
“But wild animals will lie down there, and their houses will be full of howling creatures; there ostriches will live, and there owls will dwell”
Isaiah is prophesying about the destruction of Babylon and predicts that it will become a desolate place, inhabited by owls among other creatures. This emphasizes the concept of desolation and abandonment.
Leviticus 11:16
“The ostrich, the short-eared owl, the sea gull, and the hawk after its kind.”
This verse lists the short-eared owl among the birds that are prohibited for consumption according to the dietary laws of the Israelites.
Isaiah 14:23
“I will also make it a possession for the hedgehog and pools of water, and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,”
Isaiah is describing the downfall of Babylon and how it will become a place of desolation, inhabited by creatures like the hedgehog. This verse indirectly portrays the owl as one of the inhabitants of the ruined city.
Micah 1:8
“Because of this, I will mourn and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl.”
In this verse, the prophet Micah uses the image of an owl’s mournful cry to express his grief and lamentation over the impending judgment upon Israel.
Zephaniah 2:14
“Herds will lie down in her midst, all the wild beasts of the nations. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in the tops of her pillars; birds will sing in the window, desolation will be on the threshold; for her cedar work will be laid bare.”
Here, Zephaniah is describing the downfall of the city of Nineveh, and mentions that it will become a place of desolation, inhabited by various creatures, including owls. This serves as a metaphor for the destruction and abandonment of the city.
Isaiah 43:20
“The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen.”
In this verse, God is portrayed as the provider of water and sustenance, even in the wilderness and wasteland. The inclusion of owls in this list of creatures that honor God emphasizes their dependence on His provisions.
Jeremiah 50:39
“Therefore desert creatures and hyenas will live there, and there the owl will dwell. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation.”
Jeremiah prophesies about the desolation and abandonment of Babylon, which will be inhabited by creatures such as owls. The perpetual emptiness of the city signifies its irreversible destruction.
Psalm 102:6
“I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places.”
Here, the psalmist is expressing a sense of loneliness and alienation, likening himself to an owl dwelling in desolate and barren spaces. This verse captures the psalmist’s feelings of isolation and longing for God’s presence.
Job 39:29
“From there it spies out the prey; its eyes observe from afar.”
Job is describing the keen eyesight and hunting abilities of an unknown bird, which some interpretations suggest could be an owl. This verse highlights the owl’s ability to observe its prey from a distance and wait for the opportune moment to strike.
Psalm 104:17
“Where the birds make their nests; as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.”
In this verse, the psalmist refers to the nesting places of birds, mentioning the stork’s habitation in the fir trees. Although not specifically mentioning owls, it reflects the diversity of bird habitats and their unique dwellings.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures.”
In this proverb, the mentioning of ravens and vultures highlights the consequences of disrespect and disobedience. While not directly mentioning owls, it illustrates the idea of divine judgment through the creatures present in the verse.
Job 38:41
“Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?”
In this verse, God’s provision for the raven’s young is emphasized. Although not specifically referencing owls, it showcases God’s care and attention towards the needs of all His creatures.
Psalm 148:9
“Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!”
While not directly mentioning owls, this verse highlights the diversity of creation and the praise that is to be given to God from every aspect of nature, including mountains, hills, fruit trees, and cedars.
Psalm 91:13
“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”
In this verse, the psalmist expresses confidence in God’s protection and deliverance. Although not referencing owls specifically, it highlights the power and authority that God grants to His people over dangerous creatures.
Psalm 84:3
“Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.”
Although not mentioning owls, this verse praises God for providing a home and nesting place for various bird species, emphasizing His care for all creatures, regardless of their size or significance.
Hosea 13:8
“Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder…”
In this verse, Hosea uses the image of a bear as a metaphor for God’s judgment against those who have turned away from Him. While not directly mentioning owls, it portrays the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God.
Proverbs 30:26
“The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags.”
While not referencing owls, this proverb highlights the resourcefulness of the rock badgers, which find refuge in the rugged and narrow crevices of rocks. It conveys the idea of finding safety and shelter in unexpected places.
Psalms 12:8
“The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.”
While not mentioning owls directly, this verse speaks to the prevalence of wickedness and the disregard for godly values in society. It serves as a reminder of the need for God’s righteous judgment.
1 Kings 19:5
“Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’
While not specifically addressing owls, this verse depicts the angelic provision of food and rest to Elijah in his time of weakness and discouragement. It highlights God’s care for His servants.