Bible Strands
Psalms 147:9
He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist describes Yahweh’s sustenance of creation immediately after detailing His provision of rain and vegetation. This declaration follows a focus on natural cycles and precedes a contrast with human and military strength.
The words — The Hebrew נוֹתֵן (no.Ten) literally means “[who] gives,” and יִקְרָאוּ (yik.Ra.'u) means “they call out.” These verbs anchor the verse’s assertion of active, responsive divine provision.
The thread — The theme of God feeding creation appears in Psalms 104:27, where all creatures look to Him for food. Job 38:41 and Matthew 6:26 similarly record God providing for ravens and birds without human cultivation.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that sustenance depends on divine action rather than human or animal power. Readers must acknowledge their dependence on a provider who responds to need.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
Cross-references
- Psalms 104:27 All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season.
- Job 38:41 Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?
- Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
- Psalms 136:25 He gives food to every creature. His loving devotion endures forever.
- Psalms 145:15 The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season.
- Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!