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Sparrows In The Bible: Symbolism, References, & Meaning

In this article, we will continue our study of animals and look at sparrows in the Bible. We will look at their references, symbolic meaning, and more. So, grab your Bible, and let’s dive in…

If you have been on this adventure with animals in the Bible, then you know the Bible is chockful of different animals. And birds are specially mentioned throughout scripture.

Sparrows are small common birds that may seem unremarkable at first glance. However, these tiny creatures hold great significance in the Bible, appearing in several verses and contexts throughout the Old and New Testaments.

In fact, sparrows are mentioned more than 40 times in the Bible, making them one of the most frequently referenced birds in scripture. More than eagles and ravens! That was really surprising to me.

The small, insignificant, and unassuming sparrow is mentioned in God’s word to portray several aspects of the Creator’s character and His care for even the smallest and seemingly unimportant parts of creation.

As Christians, we can learn valuable lessons from these seemingly insignificant birds.

By studying their presence in the Bible and their spiritual and prophetic meanings, we can better understand God’s care for His creation and sovereignty over all things.

Sparrows In The Bible

What Does The Bible Say About Sparrows?

The study of animals in the Bible can offer unique insights into our faith and a greater appreciation for the intricacy and beauty of the natural world.

Exploring the significance of sparrows in the Bible, their spiritual and prophetic meanings, and what we can learn from these small but significant creatures can expand our understanding of God and His love for creation, which includes us.

Before we explore sparrows in the Bible, it is important to gain a little perspective about sparrows in general. Sparrows are small, tawny brown birds and do not look very special compared to other birds.

This is part of what Smith’s Dictionary says,

Sparrow, (Heb. tzippor, from a root signifying to “chirp” or “twitter,” which appears to be a phonetic representation of the call-note of any passerine (sparrow-like) bird). This Hebrew word occurs upwards of forty times in the Old Testament. In all passages except two it is rendered by the Authorized Version indifferently “bird” or “fowl.” and denotes any small bird, both of the sparrow-like species and such as the starling, chaffinch, greenfinch, linnet, goldfinch, corn-bunting, pipits, blackbird, song-thrush, etc.

Even in birding circles, sparrows and other similar birds are termed “LBJs” or little brown jobs, indicating the nondescript appearance and perceived insignificance.

You could call sparrows the underdogs of the bird kingdom, yet they still gain the attention of the Creator in His infinite care for His creation.

Sparrows are mentioned in several places throughout the Bible, both in the Old Testament, particularly in the Law and the Psalms, and in Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament.

In the Old Testament, sparrows are often mentioned alongside other birds as part of sacrifices and cleansing rituals for lepers, such as in Leviticus 14:4-7. In Psalm 84:3, the writer speaks of a longing for the house of the Lord, even as the sparrow has found a nest.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young—
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God. – Psalm 84:3

In the New Testament, sparrows are most famously mentioned in Matthew 10:29-31 when Jesus tells his disciples…

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

The presence of sparrows in the Bible highlights the value and importance of even the seemingly insignificant creatures in God’s creation.

The context of these references is important in understanding the spiritual and prophetic meanings associated with sparrows in the Bible.

Spiritual Meaning Of Sparrows In The Bible

sparrow symbolism bible

Sparrows hold spiritual significance in the Bible, symbolizing God’s care for all of His creation, from the smallest to the greatest. Despite being a common and often overlooked bird, sparrows are not forgotten by God.

In fact, Matthew 10:29-31 and Luke 12:6-7 remind us that God takes care of even the smallest creatures, and His will determines their lives and futures. This gives us confidence that we should not be afraid because we are more valuable to Him than many sparrows.

Sparrows can also represent God’s love for humans. In Matthew 10:31, Jesus tells his disciples, “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

This message highlights God’s immense value on each of us as His beloved children. We can take comfort in knowing that just as God takes care of the sparrows, He will also take care of us.

Furthermore, sparrows can remind us of God’s sovereignty and control over all things. In Matthew 10:29, Jesus notes that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will.

This message emphasizes God’s complete control over even the smallest details of our lives. We can trust in God’s plan for us and take comfort in the knowledge that He is in control.

In summary, sparrows in the Bible symbolize God’s care for all of His creation, His love for us, and His sovereignty over all things. By studying these small but significant creatures, we can deepen our understanding of our God’s character and draw closer to Him.

Additional Meanings Of Sparrows In Scripture

In addition to their spiritual significance, sparrows also hold prophetic meaning in the Bible. Sparrows can represent humility and simplicity, as they are often seen as unassuming and common birds.

In the Psalms, sparrows are referred to as the “little sparrow” and “small bird,” highlighting their humble and unassuming nature.

Sparrows can also represent the poor and marginalized. In Matthew 10:29-31, the fact that sparrows were sold for a penny emphasizes their low value and suggests that they were a food source for the poor.

The message that God cares for even the least of these can be seen in His care for the sparrows, reminding us to care for and love those who are often overlooked and undervalued in society.

Furthermore, sparrows can symbolize the persecution of Christians. In Psalm 102:7, the psalmist compares himself to a sparrow, saying, “I lie awake; I have become like a sparrow alone on the housetop.”

This passage highlights the feeling of isolation and vulnerability that can come with being persecuted for one’s faith. Just as sparrows may feel exposed and alone on a rooftop, Christians may feel isolated and vulnerable in the face of persecution.

However, just as God cares for the sparrows, He also cares for His faithful followers in their times of trial.

Sparrows in the Bible can represent humility, simplicity, the poor and marginalized, and the persecution of Christians.

Sparrows do not feature in prophetic utterances in the Bible, but by studying references to these birds, we can gain deeper insight into the challenges faced by those who are marginalized or persecuted and a greater appreciation for God’s care for the least of these.

What Can We Learn From Sparrows In The Bible?

Sparrows in the Bible teach us several valuable lessons. First, they remind us of God’s care and love for all of His creation, even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. We humans can take comfort in knowing that the Creator cares for us, no matter our circumstances or struggles.

Second, sparrows remind us of the importance of humility and simplicity. In a world that often values power and status, sparrows can serve as a reminder to focus on the things that truly matter, such as love, kindness, and compassion.

bible verse sparrow

Third, sparrows can inspire us to care for and love the poor and marginalized in our communities. Just as God cares for the sparrows, we, too, should care for those who are often overlooked and undervalued in society.

Lastly, sparrows can teach us to trust in God’s sovereignty and plan for our lives. Just as God is in control of even the smallest details of the sparrows’ lives, He is also in control of our lives. We can trust in His plan for us and take comfort in the knowledge that He is with us through all of life’s challenges and joys.


Sparrows may seem like small and insignificant creatures, but they hold significant spiritual and symbolic meanings in the Bible. If we study these small but important birds, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s character, His care for all of His creation, and the importance of humility and care for the marginalized in our communities.

Sparrows can also remind us to trust in God’s sovereignty and plan for our lives, even in the face of challenges and trials. As we reflect on the spiritual and symbolic meaning of sparrows in the Bible, we can be inspired to live a life of humility, compassion, and love for all those around us and to trust in God’s loving care for us.

Animals In The Bible Series

Dive into more animals by click on the articles below!

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