Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, nests are often used metaphorically and literally to convey various spiritual and moral lessons. The imagery of nests is employed to illustrate themes of security, care, and sometimes false confidence.
Literal References:1.
Deuteronomy 22:6-7 · The Law of Moses includes specific instructions regarding birds' nests: "If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, whether in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life." This commandment reflects a concern for the preservation of species and the humane treatment of animals, emphasizing the importance of compassion and sustainability.
2.
Job 29:18 · Job uses the imagery of a nest to express his former sense of security and prosperity: "So I thought: ‘I will die in my nest and multiply my days as the sand.’" Here, the nest symbolizes a place of comfort and stability, which Job believed would last indefinitely.
Metaphorical Uses:1.
Psalm 84:3 · The psalmist observes the sparrow and the swallow finding a home near the altars of the Lord: "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she places her young near Your altars, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God." This imagery highlights the idea of finding refuge and peace in the presence of God, suggesting that even the smallest of creatures are cared for by the Almighty.
2.
Isaiah 10:14 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a nest to describe the arrogance of Assyria: "My hand reached as far as the riches of the nations, as one reaches into a nest; as one gathers abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. There was no wing that fluttered, no beak that opened or chirped." This metaphor illustrates the ease with which Assyria plundered other nations, likening it to taking eggs from an unguarded nest, and serves as a warning against pride and overconfidence.
3.
Jeremiah 49:16 · In a prophecy against Edom, Jeremiah uses the nest to depict false security: "The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain heights. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD." This passage warns that no matter how secure one might feel, God’s judgment can reach even the most fortified places.
Symbolism and Themes:Nests in the Bible often symbolize a place of safety and nurturing, reflecting God’s care for His creation. However, they can also represent false security when individuals or nations place their trust in their own strength rather than in God. The biblical use of nests serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, reliance on divine providence, and the moral responsibility to care for the world and its creatures.
Greek
2682. kataskenosis -- a lodging... Word Origin from kataskenoo Definition a lodging NASB Word Usage
nests (2). nest.
From kataskenoo; an encamping, ie (figuratively) a perch -- nest.
...Strong's Hebrew
7077. qanan -- to make a nest... Word Origin denominative verb from qen Definition to make a nest NASB Word Usage
build their
nests (1), make its nest (1), nested (2),
nests (1). make.
...Library
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke ix. 57, Etc. , Where the Case of...
... "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air havenests, but the Son of Man hath
not where to lay His Head." [3250] But where hath He not? In thy faith....
John Chapter iv. Jan-42
... We see all kinds of sparrows building theirnests before our eyes; we see swallows,
storks, doves, every day building theirnests; but we do not know them to...
Sparrows and Altars
... 'When I think,' said he, 'upon the sparrows and swallows that build theirnests
in the kirk of Anwoth, and of my dumb Sabbaths, my sorrowful, bleared eyes look...
How St Francis Tamed the Wild Doves
... I will save you from death, and make yournests, that you may increase and multiply,
according to the command of God." Then St Francis madenests for them all...
Death and Growth
... In the vegetable world, spring and autumn are two different seasons: May rejoices
in green leaves and opening buds, andnests with their young broods; but...
And So Unmindful and Forgetful of what the Substance and Origin of...
... In this case, I say, do you not see that newts, shrews, mice, and cockroaches, which
shun the light, build theirnests and live under the hollow parts of these...
Remaining and Falling Asleep
... If we build ournests amidst the tossing branches of the world's trees, they will
sway with every wind, and perhaps be blown from their hold altogether by such...
The Son of Man
... It is this name that He uses when He says: 'Foxes have holes and the birds of the
air havenests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.' The use...
The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... said unto him, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.58 And Jesus said unto
him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven havenests; but the...
A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee
... without Hands. That long black wasp, commonly called a Jack Spaniard, builds
pensile papernests under every roof and shed. Watch...
Thesaurus
Nests (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Nests (9 Occurrences).
... Psalms 104:17 where the birds
make their
nests. The stork makes its home in the fir trees.
...Stork (6 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah alludes to this (Jeremiah 8:7). At the appointed time they return with
unerring sagacity to their old haunts, and re-occupy their oldnests....
Nest (22 Occurrences)
... and young.Nests differ with species. Eagles use... the gods. Hebrew, Arab and
Egyptian guarded allnests on places of worship. Pagan Rome...
Nowhere (16 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
havenests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB WEY BBE NAS...
Foxes (9 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
havenests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB KJV WEY ASV...
Cuckow (2 Occurrences)
... oo," or the single note "kowk" or "gouk." The bird is as old as history, and
interesting because the European species placed its eggs in thenests of other...
Cuckoo (2 Occurrences)
... oo," or the single note "kowk" or "gouk." The bird is as old as history, and
interesting because the European species placed its eggs in thenests of other...
Holes (36 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
havenests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB KJV WEY ASV...
Sky (278 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the
sky havenests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB)....
Air (74 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the
air havenests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head....
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does God want me to do? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God have free will? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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