Flying might not be a common biblical topic, but the Bible does talk about the skies, birds, and the heavens. Today we will take a look at these references, drawing spiritual lessons and inspiration from the freedom and wonder of flight.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Family Conflict
Bible Verses About Flying
Isaiah 40:31
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse encourages us to put our hope and trust in the Lord. When we rely on Him, He renews our strength and allows us to soar above our circumstances. Just like eagles gracefully glide through the sky, those who put their hope in the Lord can navigate through life’s challenges without growing weary or faint.
Psalm 55:6
“Oh, that I had wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.”
In times of trouble or distress, this verse expresses the desire for escape and finding peace. It reminds us that true rest can only be found in God, who provides refuge and comfort for our weary souls.
Exodus 19:4
“I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
God’s faithfulness and deliverance are depicted in this verse. He is depicted as lifting His people on eagle’s wings, symbolizing His protection, guidance, and provision. Just as eagles take their young on their wings and carry them to safety, God carries His children closer to Himself, ensuring their safety and bringing them into a deeper relationship with Him.
Job 39:26-27
“Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread its wings toward the south? Does the eagle soar at your command and build its nest on high?”
In these verses, God reminds Job of His sovereignty and power over creation. He points out the majestic flight of the hawk and eagle, emphasizing that these creatures follow their instincts and His command. It serves as a reminder that God is in control and has authority over all things, including the flights of birds.
Proverbs 23:5
“Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
This verse warns about the fleeting nature of earthly riches. It likens wealth to wings that can suddenly disappear, emphasizing the importance of focusing on eternal treasures rather than chasing after temporary ones that can easily vanish.
Psalm 139:9-10
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
These verses highlight the omnipresence and care of God. No matter how far we may go, even if we were to rise on the wings of the dawn or settle on the farthest side of the sea, God’s guiding hand will be with us, ensuring our safety and holding us securely.
Proverbs 26:2
“Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.”
This verse speaks of the futility of a curse that is not deserved. Just as a bird in flight swiftly moves and cannot be easily caught, an undeserved curse will not find a resting place and will be rendered ineffective. It reminds us of God’s protection against baseless accusations or curses.
Isaiah 60:8
“Who are these that fly along like clouds, like doves to their nests?”
This verse portrays the gathering and return of God’s people to Him. The image of flying along like clouds and doves to their nests evokes a sense of joy and freedom as God’s people are reunited with Him. It symbolizes the restoration and reunion between God and His beloved ones.
Proverbs 30:18-19
“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.”
This passage highlights the mysterious and awe-inspiring nature of certain phenomena. It includes the way of an eagle soaring in the sky as one of the things that are beyond human comprehension. It reminds us of God’s wisdom and the vastness of His creation, prompting us to humbly acknowledge our limited understanding compared to His infinite knowledge.
Zechariah 5:9
“Then I looked up – and there before me were two women, with the wind in their wings! They had wings like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth.”
In this vision, Zechariah sees two women with wings like a stork, carrying a basket between heaven and earth. This imagery depicts a supernatural event, demonstrating God’s power and the mysterious ways He works. It reminds us that God can use various means and messengers to accomplish His purposes, even if they seem beyond our understanding.
Revelation 8:13
“As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: ‘Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!'”
This verse portrays an eagle in midair warning of impending judgment. It serves as a reminder of God’s justice and the consequences that await those who reject Him. The eagle’s loud cry emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the impending judgment, calling people to repentance and turning to God.
Jeremiah 48:40
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Look! An eagle is swooping down, spreading its wings over Moab.
This verse depicts an eagle swooping down and spreading its wings over Moab, a region associated with pride and arrogance. The image of the eagle symbolizes God’s judgment and His sovereignty over nations. It reminds us that nobody can escape God’s watchful eye or evade His justice.
Matthew 24:28
“Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.”
This verse uses the analogy of vultures gathering around a carcass to describe the inevitable coming of judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder that just as vultures are drawn to the scent of death, so will judgment inevitably come to those who reject God. It urges us to be prepared and alert, living in righteousness and seeking the salvation found in Christ.
Hosea 8:1
“Put the trumpet to your lips! An eagle is over the house of the Lord because the people have broken my covenant and rebelled against my law.”
This verse speaks of an eagle’s presence over the house of the Lord as a sign of impending judgment. It portrays God’s response to the rebellion and disobedience of His people. It serves as a warning to take heed of our actions and remain faithful to God’s covenant, lest we face the consequences of our disobedience.
Deuteronomy 28:49
“The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand.”
This verse speaks of God’s judgment through the metaphor of an eagle swooping down. It describes a nation being brought against the people of Israel as a consequence of their disobedience. It serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and has the power to orchestrate events for His purposes.
Proverbs 1:17
“Surely, it is senseless to spread a net in full view of all the birds.”
This verse highlights the foolishness of engaging in wickedness openly, using the imagery of birds being aware of a trap. It serves as a warning against the allure of sinful actions and the consequences that await those who partake in them. It encourages us to exercise discernment and seek righteousness rather than pursuing temporary pleasures.
Lamentations 4:19
“Our pursuers were swifter than eagles in the sky; they chased us over the mountains and lay in wait for us in the desert.”
These words express the desperation and helplessness of the people being pursued by their enemies. The swiftness of the pursuers, likened to eagles in the sky, underscores the danger and relentless nature of their opposition. It serves as a reminder that in times of trouble, we can turn to God for refuge and deliverance.
Job 9:26
“They glide past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.”
This verse vividly portrays the speed and agility of eagles as they swoop down on their prey. It emphasizes their ability to swiftly move and seize what they desire. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being alert, discerning, and seizing opportunities for growth and righteousness, just as eagles swiftly seize their prey.
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.”
Jesus speaks these words of lament and compassion towards Jerusalem, expressing His desire to protect and gather the people like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. This verse portrays God’s longing for a relationship and His yearning for His people to turn to Him. It serves as a reminder of His unfailing love and His longing for all to find shelter and salvation in Him.
Revelation 12:14
“The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.”
In this vision, the woman is given the wings of a great eagle to escape to a place of safety. This imagery symbolizes God’s protection and provision for His people during times of tribulation. It reminds us that God will always provide a way of escape and deliverance for those who seek Him and put their trust in Him.
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.”
This verse portrays an angel calling all the birds flying in midair to gather for the great supper of God, symbolizing the judgment and destruction that awaits the enemies of God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living in reverence and obedience to God, knowing that all will have to give an account before Him in the end.
Luke 17:37
“Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”
Jesus answers the disciples’ question about where those caught up in judgment will be taken. He responds by explaining that just as vultures gather where there is a dead body, so will the judgment of God come upon those who have rejected Him. It serves as a sober reminder of the consequences of living in opposition to God and the importance of seeking salvation and reconciliation with Him.
What Does the Bible Say About Flying?
In the Bible, the concept of “flying” is often used in a metaphorical or symbolic sense. It represents the idea of freedom, spiritual elevation, or God’s protection. For example, in Isaiah 40:31, it says that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This verse symbolizes the idea that those who put their trust in the Lord will be lifted up and find strength.
Furthermore, in Psalm 91:4, it speaks of God’s protection, saying, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Here, the imagery of being under God’s wings represents the safety and security found in Him.
Additionally, the Bible also talks about heavenly beings such as angels who are described as having wings and being able to fly (Isaiah 6:2, Revelation 4:8). This illustrates the supernatural and divine nature of these beings, emphasizing their closeness to God.
While there are instances of miraculous flights or ascensions in the Bible, such as Elijah being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11), these are specific and extraordinary events rather than a general teaching on human flight.
Overall, the Bible portrays flying as a symbol of freedom, spiritual strength, divine protection, and the supernatural realm, rather than a mundane mode of transportation.