ravens in the Bible

Hebrew: 'orebh, from a root meaning “to be black” (compare Song of Songs 5:11)

first mentioned as “sent forth” by Noah from the ark (Genesis 8:7)

“Every raven after his kind” was forbidden as food (Leviticus 11:15; Deuteronomy 14:14). Ravens feed mostly on carrion, and hence their food is procured with difficulty (Job 38:41; Psalm 147:9). When they attack kids or lambs or weak animals, it is said that they first pick out the eyes of their victims (Proverbs 30:17).

When Elijah was concealed by the brook Cherith, God commanded the ravens to bring him “bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening” (1 Kings 17:3-6). (See ELIJAH.)

There are 8 species of ravens in Israel, and they are everywhere very numerous in that land.

More information

• Birds of the Bible