Butter appears in the Bible as a symbol of abundance and nourishment. Today, we’ll explore how this simple food reflects God’s provision in scripture.
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What Does The Bible Say About Butter
Genesis 18:8
“And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.”
In this verse, we see Abraham offering butter to the three visitors who turned out to be the Lord Himself. It symbolizes hospitality and generosity, as Abraham provided a nourishing meal for his guests.
Butter here represents an act of kindness and serving others with love. It reminds us of the importance of welcoming and caring for others, as well as the blessings that come from obeying God’s command to show hospitality.
Deuteronomy 32:14
“Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.”
In this verse, butter is mentioned as part of the abundance and blessings God provided to His people. It reflects the richness of the Promised Land and signifies prosperity and abundance.
Butter here represents God’s provision and His faithfulness to take care of His people. It reminds us to be grateful for His blessings and to trust in His provision in our lives.
Judges 5:25
“He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.”
This verse describes Jael, a woman from the Bible, offering butter to Sisera, an enemy commander. It signifies an act of hospitality but is also significant because Jael ultimately uses the butter to symbolize her loyalty and deceive Sisera.
Butter here represents both hospitality and betrayal. It reminds us to be discerning and cautious in our interactions, understanding that not everyone who appears friendly has our best interests at heart.
2 Samuel 17:29
“And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.”
Here, butter is mentioned as part of the provisions brought to David and his people when they were in the wilderness. It represents nourishment and care for those in need.
Butter in this context symbolizes both physical sustenance and compassion. It reminds us of the importance of providing for others and showing kindness to those who are going through challenging times.
Job 20:17
“He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.”
In this verse, butter is used metaphorically to describe the lack and deprivation that the wicked will experience. It implies the absence of abundance and God’s blessings in their lives.
Butter here symbolizes the opposite of God’s provision and abundance. It reminds us of the consequences of wickedness and the importance of seeking God’s righteousness instead.
Psalm 55:21
“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.”
This verse describes the deceitful speech of an enemy, comparing it to smooth butter. It highlights the hypocrisy and danger of those who speak deceitfully.
Butter in this context symbolizes flattery and deceit. It reminds us to be discerning and cautious of those who present themselves as friendly but have ulterior motives.
Proverbs 30:33
“Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.”
In this verse, the process of churning milk to produce butter is used as a metaphor to illustrate the connection between anger and strife. It emphasizes the negative outcomes that result from giving in to anger.
Butter here symbolizes the consequences of uncontrolled anger and conflict. It reminds us of the importance of responding to situations with patience and wisdom, rather than allowing anger to lead to strife.
Isaiah 7:15
“Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.”
This verse prophesies about a child who will be born and eat butter and honey. It signifies a period of peace and abundance, as well as the ability to discern between good and evil.
Butter in this context symbolizes prosperity and discernment. It reminds us of the importance of making wise choices and seeking after what is good, even in times of peace and plenty.
Isaiah 7:22
“And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land.”
This verse speaks of a time of abundance when people will eat butter and honey. It represents a period of blessings and provision after a time of scarcity.
Butter here symbolizes God’s faithfulness in providing for His people. It reminds us to trust in His provision and have faith that He will sustain us, even in times of hardship.
Isaiah 9:3
“Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.”
In this verse, butter is mentioned as part of the joy and celebration that will occur among the people. It represents a time of rejoicing and abundance.
Butter here symbolizes the blessings and joy that come from God’s provision and faithfulness. It reminds us to celebrate His goodness in our lives and find joy in His blessings.
Isaiah 10:14
“And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.”
In this verse, butter is used figuratively to describe the abundance and wealth that the Assyrian empire had gathered by conquering nations. It signifies their prosperity at the expense of others.
Butter here symbolizes wealth and material possessions obtained through exploitation. It reminds us of the consequences of greed and the importance of using our resources and influence to benefit others, rather than exploiting them.
Isaiah 16:7
“Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.”
In this verse, the destruction of Moab is foretold, and the people are depicted as mourning. It suggests a time of sorrow and lamentation.
Butter here symbolizes the loss and anguish experienced by a nation in distress. It reminds us of the importance of compassion and empathy, especially in times of hardship and mourning.
Jeremiah 11:19
“But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.”
In this verse, Jeremiah describes his innocent state before his enemies plotted against him. It illustrates the vulnerability and betrayal he experienced.
Butter here symbolizes deceit and betrayal. It reminds us of the importance of discerning the intentions of others and being cautious of those who might seek to harm us.
Hosea 2:8
“For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.”
This verse describes Israel’s unfaithfulness to God and their attributing of blessings to false gods. It indicates their ingratitude and idolatry.
Butter here symbolizes the abundance and blessings that God provided but were wrongly attributed to idols. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and giving thanks to God for His provision in our lives.
Amos 5:6
“Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.”
This verse exhorts the people to seek the Lord and live, lest they face His judgment and destruction.
Butter here symbolizes the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon those who turn away from God. It reminds us of the importance of seeking and serving the Lord wholeheartedly.
Matthew 24:38
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.”
In this verse, Jesus compares the days of Noah to future times, highlighting the people’s obliviousness to the impending judgment.
Butter here symbolizes the normalcy and complacency of everyday life, which can blind us to the urgency of repentance and preparation for eternity. It reminds us to be vigilant and ready for Christ’s return.
Matthew 25:1
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.”
In this parable, Jesus portrays the coming of the kingdom of heaven as being like ten virgins preparing to meet the bridegroom.
Butter here symbolizes the preparation and readiness that is expected from believers as they await Christ’s return. It reminds us to be spiritually prepared and watchful, eagerly anticipating His coming.
Mark 6:41
“And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.”
This verse recounts the miracle of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. It demonstrates His ability to multiply food and provide for the physical needs of the people.
Butter here represents the multiplication of food and Jesus’ provision for His followers. It reminds us of His power to meet our needs, both physically and spiritually.
Luke 7:34
“The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!”
In this verse, Jesus responds to the criticisms of the religious leaders who accused Him of being a glutton and a drunkard because of His association with sinners.
Butter here symbolizes Jesus’ willingness to fellowship with outcasts and sinners. It reminds us of His compassion and love for all people, regardless of their social standing or reputation.
John 13:26
“Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.”
This verse describes Jesus giving a morsel of food to Judas Iscariot during the Last Supper. It signifies both a gesture of honor and a foreshadowing of Judas’ betrayal.
Butter here symbolizes the act of sharing and communion, but it also foreshadows the moment of betrayal. It reminds us of the complexities of human actions and the need for discernment in our relationships.
Acts 10:10
“And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance.”
In this verse, Peter becomes hungry while waiting for a meal to be prepared and falls into a trance. This experience leads to a significant revelation regarding the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s salvation plan.
Butter here represents the physical hunger and anticipation of a meal. It reminds us that even ordinary moments can become significant opportunities for God to reveal His purposes and plans.
Hebrews 5:13
“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.”
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews speaks of the difference between mature believers and those who are still immature in their faith.
Butter here symbolizes spiritual maturity and understanding of the Word of God. It reminds us of the importance of growing in our knowledge and application of Scripture to become strong and mature followers of Christ.