Lexical Summary korax: Raven Original Word: κόραξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance raven. Perhaps from korennumi; a crow (from its voracity) -- raven. see GREEK korennumi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a raven NASB Translation ravens (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2876: κόραξκόραξ, κορακος, ὁ, a raven: Luke 12:24. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Ravens, large black members of the corvid family, appear in Scripture as vivid reminders of God’s providence, moral instruction, and the created order. Their singular mention in Greek form (Luke 12:24) stands upon a rich Old Testament background that frames them as both unclean birds (Leviticus 11:15) and unexpected instruments of divine care (1 Kings 17:4-6). Occurrence in the New Testament Luke 12:24 records Jesus’ only explicit reference to the bird in the Gospels: “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” In a context addressing anxiety over material needs, the Lord contrasts the raven’s complete dependence with the believer’s priceless worth, grounding assurance in the Father’s continual care. Old Testament Witness • Genesis 8:6-7 – After the flood, Noah first releases a raven, underscoring its hardiness and independence. Ravens in Jewish Culture and Natural History Known for intelligence, adaptability, and omnivorous diet, ravens were widely observed throughout the ancient Near East. Their scavenging habits linked them with death and ceremonial uncleanness, yet their skill in survival made them ready illustrations for dependence upon God. Rabbinic writings often note their apparent cruelty toward their young, heightening the force of passages where God Himself feeds the nestlings. Symbolic and Theological Themes 1. Providence: Both Testaments portray ravens as test cases for divine provision. If the Lord meets the needs of the least esteemed birds, He surely cares for His covenant people. Christ’s Instruction in Luke 12:24 Jesus selects the raven rather than a domesticated bird to accent how far divine care extends. The raven does not sow, reap, or store—activities emblematic of human self-reliance—yet it thrives. The lesson presses disciples to exchange anxious toil for confident trust. By invoking a creature considered ceremonially unclean, the Lord also hints at the coming inclusion of the nations, who will likewise live by faith in the Father’s goodness. Practical and Pastoral Applications • Teaching on Anxiety: Luke 12:24 supplies a concrete illustration for sermons and counseling, confronting worry with the logic of God’s providence. Connection to the Gospel The raven motif culminates in Christ, who, greater than Solomon, reassures His followers of their value purchased at Calvary. If the cross secures eternal life, it certainly secures daily bread (Romans 8:32). Thus the solitary New Testament occurrence becomes an eloquent witness to the sufficiency of Christ’s redemption and the Father’s unwavering care. Key References Genesis 8:6-7; Leviticus 11:15; Deuteronomy 14:14; 1 Kings 17:4-6; Job 38:41; Psalm 147:9; Proverbs 30:17; Song of Solomon 5:11; Luke 12:24 Forms and Transliterations κόρακα κορακας κόρακας κόρακες κόρακι κοράκων κόραξ κόραξιν korakas kórakasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |