Who provides food for the ravenThis phrase highlights God's providence and care for all creation, emphasizing His sovereignty and attention to even the smallest creatures. In biblical times, ravens were considered unclean animals (
Leviticus 11:15), yet God still provides for them, illustrating His impartial care. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's provision, as seen in
Psalm 147:9, which states that God gives food to the animals and the young ravens when they call. It also connects to Jesus' teaching in
Luke 12:24, where He uses ravens to illustrate God's provision, encouraging trust in God's care for humanity.
when its young cry out to God
The imagery of young ravens crying out to God underscores the instinctive dependence of all creatures on their Creator. This phrase suggests that even animals, in their need, are part of the divine order and rely on God's provision. The idea of crying out to God is a recurring biblical motif, often associated with prayer and supplication (Psalm 34:17). It implies a natural recognition of God's role as sustainer, reinforcing the belief that all life is ultimately dependent on Him.
as they wander about for lack of food?
This phrase paints a picture of vulnerability and need, highlighting the precariousness of life in the natural world. The wandering of the young ravens can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience of searching and longing for sustenance, both physical and spiritual. In a broader biblical context, this reflects the human condition of seeking God's provision and guidance. The wandering also echoes the Israelites' experience in the wilderness, where they depended on God for manna (Exodus 16), symbolizing the spiritual journey of reliance on divine provision.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and questions God's justice.
2.
GodThe Creator, who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding of divine wisdom and providence.
3.
RavenA bird mentioned in this verse, symbolizing God's provision for all creatures, even those considered unclean or insignificant in human eyes.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and ProvisionGod is sovereign over all creation, providing for even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. This reminds us of His comprehensive care and attention to detail.
Trust in God's CareJust as God provides for the ravens, He will provide for us. We are encouraged to trust in His provision and not be anxious about our needs.
Humility Before GodJob 38:41 is part of God's response to Job, reminding us of our limited understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom. We should approach God with humility, acknowledging His greater perspective.
God's Attention to the MarginalizedThe mention of ravens, often seen as unclean, illustrates God's care for all, including those marginalized or overlooked by society. This challenges us to reflect God's love and care for all people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 38:41?
2.How does Job 38:41 illustrate God's provision for all His creation?
3.What does Job 38:41 teach about God's awareness of every creature's needs?
4.How can we trust God's provision in our lives, as seen in Job 38:41?
5.What other scriptures emphasize God's care for creation like Job 38:41?
6.How can we apply God's provision in Job 38:41 to our daily faith?
7.How does Job 38:41 illustrate God's provision for all creatures?
8.What does Job 38:41 reveal about God's sovereignty over nature?
9.How does Job 38:41 challenge human understanding of divine care?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 38?
11.(Psalm 147:9) Can the claim that God personally provides food for the animals be reconciled with scientific observations and the natural ecosystems we see today?
12.Why would God highlight an indomitable creature in Job 41 if no verifiable species today matches this description?
13.How can ravens (1 Kings 17:4) realistically supply a prophet with enough food to survive, given the limited carrying capacity of birds?
14.How can we reconcile Job 38:4's claim that God 'laid the foundations of the earth' with modern geology and cosmology?What Does Job 38:41 Mean
Who provides food for the raven• The question is rhetorical; the obvious answer is the LORD Himself. Earlier in the same divine speech, God asked Job about lions and mountain goats (Job 38:39–40), showing that every creature’s survival depends on the Creator’s daily care.
•Psalm 147:9 affirms this truth: “He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call.” Jesus later applied the same thought to human anxiety, reminding His disciples, “Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap… yet God feeds them” (Luke 12:24).
• By highlighting an unclean, seemingly insignificant bird (Leviticus 11:15), God underscores that no living thing is beneath His notice. If He sustains ravens, He surely sustains His people (Matthew 6:26).
When its young cry out to God• The nestlings are portrayed as instinctively “crying out to God.” Creation itself recognizes its Maker’s provision (Psalm 104:27–28). Even without conscious theology, the ravens’ hunger directs their appeal heavenward.
•Psalm 145:15–16 echoes this posture of dependence: “The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season.” The cry of the raven chicks confirms that dependence is woven into the fabric of life.
• For Job, who has been crying out in his own distress, the image is both comforting and corrective: the same God who hears fledglings also hears His suffering servant (Job 30:20;Psalm 34:17).
As they wander about for lack of food• The young ravens’ desperate wandering pictures vulnerability. God draws Job’s attention to a scene of need, not abundance, to reveal His faithfulness in scarcity.
• Scripture often pairs “wandering” with God’s timely rescue (Psalm 107:4–9). Even lions suffer hunger, “but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10).
• God’s care extends to the wilderness, reminding Job that divine provision is not limited by human boundaries or understanding (Exodus 16:4;1 Kings 17:2–6).
summaryJob 38:41 teaches that the LORD personally sustains even the most overlooked creatures. The young raven’s cry, the act of wandering, and the provision that follows all proclaim God’s intimate, attentive sovereignty. If He feeds helpless birds, He is more than able to care for His hurting servant—and for us—no matter how barren the landscape may appear.
(41)
They wander for lack of meat.--The second clause is not a direct statement, but is dependent on the previous one; thus: "When his young ones cry unto God, when they wander for lack of meat."
Verse 41. -Who provideth for the raven his food? (comp.Luke 12:24, "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; andGod feedeth them"). God's mercy is "over all his works," not only over those whereof man sees the utility; but also over beasts of prey, and birds thought to be of ill omen. Especially he cares for the young of each kind, which most need protection. When his young ones cry unto God. SoPsalm 147:9, "He giveth to the beast his food, and to theyoung ravens which cry." The young ravens are driven to cry out, when they,i.e. the parent birds, wander for lack of meat, and have a difficulty in finding it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Who
מִ֤י(mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix
provides
יָכִ֥ין(yā·ḵîn)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3559:To be erect
food
צֵ֫יד֥וֹ(ṣê·ḏōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6718:The chase, game, lunch
for the raven
לָעֹרֵ֗ב(lā·‘ō·rêḇ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6158:A raven
when
כִּֽי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction
its young
יְ֭לָדָיו(yə·lā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3206:Something born, a lad, offspring
cry out
יְשַׁוֵּ֑עוּ(yə·šaw·wê·‘ū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7768:To be free, to halloo
to
אֵ֣ל(’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
God
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 410:Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty
as they wander about
יִ֝תְע֗וּ(yiṯ·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8582:To vacillate, reel, stray
for lack of
לִבְלִי־(liḇ·lî-)
Preposition-l | Adverb
Strong's 1097:Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as
food?
אֹֽכֶל׃(’ō·ḵel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 400:Food
Links
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Job 38:41 French Bible
Job 38:41 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Job 38:41 Who provides for the raven his prey (Jb)
