Sparrow
“Chirping bird”
Summary
A common small bird used in Scripture to illustrate God's providential care for His creation, particularly in Jesus' teaching about divine concern for His people.
☩Hebrew Term and Species
The Hebrew word tsippor is a general term for small birds, derived from a root meaning 'to chirp' or 'twitter.' It appears over forty times in the Old Testament and is usually translated 'bird' or 'fowl,' with 'sparrow' used specifically in Psalm 84:3 and 102:7. Several species of sparrow inhabit Palestine, including the house sparrow and tree sparrow. The tree sparrow is common around the sacred enclosure of the Temple Mount and may be the species referred to in Psalm 84:3.
☩Jesus' Teaching
Jesus used the sparrow's insignificant commercial value to illustrate God's comprehensive care. Two sparrows were sold for a penny (assarion), yet not one falls to the ground apart from the Father's knowledge. In Luke's account, five sparrows were sold for two pennies, emphasizing their cheapness. Jesus' conclusion—'You are of more value than many sparrows'—provides powerful assurance of God's care for His people.
☩Symbolic Usage
The psalmist used the sparrow to express his loneliness and distress, describing himself as 'a sparrow alone on the housetop.' This image is striking because sparrows are typically gregarious birds; a solitary mourning sparrow would indicate unusual loss or grief. In Psalm 84, the sparrow finding a nest near God's altars expresses the blessedness of dwelling in God's presence.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sparrow," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sparrow," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Sparrow," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).