2876. korax
Lexical Summary
korax: Raven

Original Word: κόραξ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: korax
Pronunciation: KOH-rax
Phonetic Spelling: (kor'-ax)
KJV: raven
NASB: ravens
Word Origin: [perhaps from G2880 (κορέννυμι - eaten)]

1. a crow (from its voracity)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
raven.

Perhaps from korennumi; a crow (from its voracity) -- raven.

see GREEK korennumi

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a raven
NASB Translation
ravens (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2876: κόραξ

κόραξ, κορακος, , 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.
1 Kings 17:4-6 – God commissions ravens to sustain Elijah at the Kerith Ravine, turning an “unclean” creature into a servant of prophetic ministry.
Job 38:41; Psalm 147:9 – The Almighty highlights His provision for young ravens, illustrating sovereign compassion toward all creation.
Leviticus 11:15; Deuteronomy 14:14 – Classified among unclean animals, ravens symbolize separation from Israel’s sacrificial worship, yet even they receive divine care.
Proverbs 30:17 – As carrion birds, ravens serve as agents of judgment against rebellious children.
Song of Solomon 5:11 – Their black plumage becomes a poetic standard of beauty.

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.
2. Reversal: Unclean ravens feeding Elijah anticipates God’s pattern of using unexpected means—even Gentiles—to sustain and bless His servants.
3. Judgment and Warning: Their role in devouring corpses (Proverbs 30:17) foreshadows consequences for covenant unfaithfulness.
4. Creation Order: References in Job and the Psalms embed ravens within God’s comprehensive governance of nature, supporting a worldview in which nothing lies outside His oversight.

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.
• Divine Provision in Ministry: Elijah’s experience encourages servants of God to expect supply from unexpected quarters, emboldening missionary ventures and church planting.
• Stewardship and Contentment: Observing the raven restrains covetousness, cultivating gratitude for daily bread.
• Evangelism: The text invites unbelievers to witness the Creator’s care in the natural world, paving the way to present the gospel of reconciliation.

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 kórakas
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 12:24 N-AMP
GRK: κατανοήσατε τοὺς κόρακας ὅτι οὐ
NAS: Consider the ravens, for they neither
KJV: Consider the ravens: for they neither
INT: Consider the ravens for not

Strong's Greek 2876
1 Occurrence


κόρακας — 1 Occ.

2875
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