Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

LUKE 12:24KJV
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Luke 12:24 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:24 mean?

Luke 12:24 tells the listener to look at how ravens live: they do not plant or harvest crops, and they do not store food in barns, yet God provides for them. The verse then points out that people are even more valuable than birds, so they can trust God’s care.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, teaching them not to worry about their daily needs. He uses the example of ravens—birds considered unclean and of little worth in that society—to show that God’s provision is not limited by human standards. The point is to encourage confidence in God’s attention to human needs, even when people have little control over their circumstances.

The Greek behind Luke 12:24

  • "Consider" (κατανοήσατε, katanoēsate) means to pay close attention or think carefully about something. Jesus is inviting his listeners to really reflect on the example of the ravens, not just notice them in passing.
  • "Ravens" (κόρακας, korakas) are specifically mentioned, rather than just "birds." Ravens were seen as unclean animals in Jewish law, so using them as an example highlights that God’s care extends even to creatures people might overlook.
  • "Feedeth" (τρέφει, trephei) means to nourish or provide food. The Greek emphasizes that God is the one actively providing for the ravens, not just leaving them to fend for themselves.
  • "Much more" (πόσῳ μᾶλλον, posō mallon) is a phrase that draws a strong comparison, stressing that if God cares for the lesser (ravens), he will certainly care for the greater (people).

Why Luke 12:24 matters

  • Luke 12:24 clears up the idea that only those who can work or store up resources are cared for; it shows that God’s provision is not based on human effort or status.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s care is broad and includes even the most unlikely creatures, encouraging listeners not to doubt their own worth or God’s attention to them.
  • This teaching connects to the wider passage, where Jesus is urging his followers to let go of anxiety about material needs and to trust in God’s ongoing provision.

Where else these words appear

“storehouse” Greek G5009 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • Matthew 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
  • Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

“barn” Greek G596 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

“feedeth” Greek G5142 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • James 5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

“are” Greek G1308 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.