Bees are fascinating creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem, particularly in pollination and the production of honey. The Bible, while not frequently mentioning bees directly, does provide references to honey, swarms, and their significance, often using them as symbols in lessons about wisdom, diligence, and the sweetness of God’s word. These references help us appreciate the small yet significant role bees play in God’s creation and the lessons we can draw from their industrious nature. Here are 30 Bible verses related to bees, along with brief commentaries.
1. Deuteronomy 1:44
“The Amorites who lived in those hills came out against you; they chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you down from Seir all the way to Hormah.”
This verse uses the imagery of a swarm of bees to describe the intensity of an attack. It teaches that bees, often seen as small and insignificant, can collectively become a powerful and overwhelming force, much like the challenges we face in life.
2. Judges 14:8
“Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion’s carcass, and in it he saw a swarm of bees and some honey.”
Samson finds a swarm of bees in the carcass of a lion. It teaches that even in unexpected and seemingly lifeless places, God can bring forth sweetness and provision, much like the honey produced by bees.
3. Psalm 118:12
“They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down.”
The psalmist compares his enemies to bees swarming around him. It teaches that while opposition may be fierce and surround us like bees, with God’s help, we can overcome these challenges swiftly and decisively.
4. Isaiah 7:18
“In that day the Lord will whistle for flies from the Nile delta in Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria.”
This verse speaks of God summoning bees from Assyria. It teaches that even the smallest creatures are under God’s command, and He can use them as instruments of His will, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation.
5. Proverbs 24:13
“Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.”
This proverb highlights the goodness of honey. It teaches that just as honey is sweet and beneficial to the body, wisdom and knowledge are sweet to the soul, providing nourishment and delight.
6. Exodus 3:8
“So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
God promises to bring the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey. It teaches that honey symbolizes abundance and God’s provision, representing the sweetness and richness of the blessings God has in store for His people.
7. Deuteronomy 32:13
“He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag.”
God provides honey from the rock to nourish His people. It teaches that God’s provision can come from the most unexpected places, like honey from a rock, symbolizing His miraculous care and sustenance.
8. Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This proverb compares gracious words to honeycomb. It teaches that just as honeycomb is sweet and healing, kind and encouraging words can bring sweetness and healing to the soul, uplifting and strengthening those who hear them.
9. Psalm 19:10
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”
The psalmist compares God’s commands to honey. It teaches that God’s laws and teachings are more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering spiritual nourishment and delight to those who follow them.
10. 1 Samuel 14:27
“But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.”
Jonathan refreshes himself with honey during battle. It teaches that honey, like the word of God, can bring immediate refreshment and revitalization, especially in times of exhaustion and need.
11. Ezekiel 3:3
“Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.”
Ezekiel describes the sweetness of God’s word. It teaches that receiving God’s word is a delightful experience, as His truths are sweet and satisfying to those who internalize and live by them.
12. Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”
This proverb advises moderation, even with honey. It teaches that while good things like honey are enjoyable and beneficial, they should be consumed in moderation, reminding us to practice balance in all areas of life.
13. Numbers 14:8
“If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.”
The promise of a land flowing with milk and honey is reiterated. It teaches that God’s blessings are abundant and rich, symbolized by the sweetness of honey, and are given to those who follow His will.
14. Song of Solomon 4:11
“Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.”
The bride’s lips are compared to honeycomb. It teaches that in relationships, words can be sweet and enriching, much like honeycomb, bringing joy and delight to those who hear them.
15. Judges 14:9
“He scooped out the honey with his hands and ate as he went along. When he rejoined his parents, he gave them some, and they too ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass.”
Samson shares the honey he found with his parents. It teaches that the sweetness of God’s blessings, symbolized by honey, is meant to be shared with others, bringing joy and nourishment to those around us.
16. Matthew 3:4
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
John the Baptist’s diet included wild honey. It teaches that honey, a natural and simple food, was part of the sustenance for one of God’s greatest prophets, showing the value of simplicity and God’s provision in sustaining His servants.
17. Psalm 81:16
“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
God promises to satisfy His people with honey from the rock. It teaches that God’s provision is not only abundant but also satisfying, providing us with the finest sustenance even from the most unlikely sources.
18. Isaiah 7:15
“He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.”
This verse speaks of the Messiah’s early diet. It teaches that honey, representing the sweetness of God’s provision, was part of the nourishment given to the one who would perfectly choose righteousness, emphasizing the role of divine provision in spiritual growth.
19. Exodus 16:31
“The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.”
Manna tasted like honey wafers. It teaches that even in the wilderness, God provided food that was both nourishing and delightful, with a taste as sweet as honey, symbolizing the sweetness of His care and provision.
20. Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
The psalmist delights in the sweetness of God’s word. It teaches that God’s words are sweeter than honey, bringing spiritual nourishment and delight to those who meditate on them and follow their guidance.
21. Proverbs 27:7
“One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.”
This proverb highlights the perspective of need and abundance. It teaches that those who are spiritually hungry will find sweetness even in challenging times, while those who are complacent may overlook the sweetness of God’s blessings.
22. Ezekiel 20:6
“On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.”
God reaffirms the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. It teaches that God’s plans for His people are rich and full of abundance, represented by the sweetness of honey, prepared for those who follow Him.
23. Genesis 43:11
“Then their father Israel said to them, ‘If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.'”
Jacob sends honey as part of a gift to Egypt. It teaches that honey was considered a valuable and desirable product, symbolizing the richness and prosperity of the land, and was used to express goodwill and honor.
24. 2 Samuel 17:29
“Honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, ‘The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.'”
Honey was provided to sustain David and his men. It teaches that honey, as part of the sustenance provided, was recognized for its ability to refresh and strengthen those who were weary, symbolizing God’s care for His people in times of need.
25. 1 Kings 14:3
“Take ten loaves of bread with you, some cakes and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will happen to the boy.”
Honey is sent as a gift to a prophet. It teaches that honey, being a valuable and desirable gift, was often used to show honor and respect, especially when seeking favor or guidance from those who spoke for God.
26. Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.”
This proverb warns against excess. It teaches that, like eating too much honey, overindulgence or overreaching in any area of life can lead to negative consequences, encouraging moderation and humility.
27. Song of Solomon 5:1
“I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. Eat, friends, and drink; drink your fill of love.”
The lover speaks of enjoying honey in the garden. It teaches that honey is symbolic of the sweetness and richness of love and relationship, celebrating the joy and fulfillment found in intimate companionship.
28. Isaiah 7:22
“And because of the abundance of the milk they give, there will be curds to eat. All who remain in the land will eat curds and honey.”
Honey is part of the abundance in the land. It teaches that even in times of scarcity, God’s provision includes the essentials and the sweet delights, symbolized by honey, which sustains and nourishes His people.
29. Jeremiah 41:8
“But ten of them said to Ishmael, ‘Don’t kill us! We have wheat and barley, oil and honey, hidden in a field.’ So he let them alone and did not kill them with the others.”
Honey is mentioned as part of a hidden supply that saves lives. It teaches that honey, along with other provisions, can be a source of life and protection, symbolizing God’s provision in times of danger or need.
30. Deuteronomy 8:8
“A land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey.”
God describes the Promised Land as abundant with honey. It teaches that honey represents the richness and fertility of the land God prepared for His people, a symbol of His blessings and the abundance that comes from following His ways.
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