Poultry, as a category of domesticated birds raised for their eggs, meat, or feathers, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, various birds that fall under this category are referenced throughout the Scriptures, providing insight into their significance in biblical times.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Chickens and Hens: While chickens are not directly mentioned in the Bible, the imagery of a hen is used by Jesus in the New Testament. In Matthew 23:37 , Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling." This metaphor highlights the protective and nurturing nature of a hen, symbolizing God's desire to care for and protect His people.

2. Doves and Pigeons: Doves, often associated with peace and the Holy Spirit, are mentioned frequently in the Bible. In the Old Testament, doves were used as offerings. Leviticus 1:14 states, "If, however, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon." These birds were accessible to the poor, allowing them to participate in sacrificial rituals. The dove also appears at Jesus' baptism, symbolizing the Holy Spirit descending upon Him (Matthew 3:16).

3. Quail: Quail are mentioned in the context of God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness. In Exodus 16:13 , it is recorded, "That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp." This event demonstrates God's miraculous provision and care for His people during their journey to the Promised Land.

4. Roosters: The rooster is notably mentioned in the New Testament in connection with Peter's denial of Jesus. Jesus predicts Peter's denial, saying, "Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times" (Matthew 26:34). The crowing of the rooster serves as a poignant reminder of human frailty and the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, poultry would have been a valuable resource for food and religious practices. Birds such as doves and pigeons were commonly used in sacrificial offerings, as they were more affordable than larger animals like sheep or cattle. The presence of quail in the wilderness narrative underscores the reliance on God's provision in times of need.

Theological Implications

The use of poultry imagery in the Bible often conveys themes of protection, provision, and repentance. The hen gathering her chicks under her wings is a powerful image of God's desire to shelter and nurture His people. The provision of quail in the wilderness illustrates God's faithfulness and care. The rooster's crow in Peter's denial account serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for vigilance in faith.

Overall, while poultry as a category is not extensively detailed in the Bible, the birds that are mentioned carry significant symbolic and theological weight, reflecting God's character and His relationship with humanity.(n.) Domestic fowls reared for the table, or for their eggs or feathers, such as cocks and hens, capons, turkeys, ducks, and geese.

The Holy War,
... London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and
Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

"He Has Trusted Me," Said the Cardinal, -- "I have Found Him...
... Babette, their school hours being ended, had run off to the market, and were talking
vivaciously with a big brown sturdy woman, who was selling poultry at a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/v he has trusted me.htm

The Evidences of Christianity
... For Vernor and Hood, Poultry and T. Wiche, No.12, Beech- Street, Barbican, Bookseller
to the Society for promoting Religious Knowledge among the Poor. 1799. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/doddridge/the evidences of christianity/title page.htm

A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles
... LONDON: Printed for Theodore Sanders, at the Bell in Little Brittain, Richard Ford
at the Angel, and John Gray, at the Cross-Keys in the Poultry.1729. ...
/.../lardner/a vindication of three of our blessed saviours miracles/title page.htm

Submission to Divine Providence in the Death of Children
... De Lachrymis factas sentiat esse meis. OVID. The SECOND EDITION. LONDON,. Printed
for R. HETT, at the Bible and Crown in the Poultry. MDCCXL. ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/title page.htm

On the Animals
... And in Job: who gave the cock knowledge? And in another part: and I shall cause
you to be carried off as domestic poultry is carried away. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/iv on the animals.htm

There is a Popular Philosophical Joke Intended to Typify the ...
... in reference to poking before we discuss its suitability for wife-beating; that
we should ask if an egg is good enough for practical poultry-rearing before we ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 2 there is a.htm

Light after Darkness
... Memphis began to drone like a vast and troubled hive. The distant pastures became
blatant and the poultry near the huts of rustics cackled in wild dismay. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxv light after darkness.htm

Prison Meditations Directed to the Heart of Suffering Saints and ...
... One thing needful" and his "Ebal and Gerizzim"; with "a catlogue of all his other
books." London: printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688 ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/prison meditations directed to the.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... By JOHN BUNYAN,. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the
Poultry, 1682. Faithfully reprinted from the Author's First Edition. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Poultry (1 Occurrence)
... and hens, capons, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Multi-Version Concordance Poultry
(1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 5:18 Now that which was prepared ...
/p/poultry.htm - 7k

Kain (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Poultry, etc., required by the lease to be paid in
kind by a tenant to his landlord. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KAIN (1). ...
/k/kain.htm - 8k

Jackal (3 Occurrences)
... Like the fox, it is destructive to poultry, grapes, and vegetables, but is less
fastidious, and readily devours the remains of others' feasts. ...
/j/jackal.htm - 15k

Weasel (1 Occurrence)
... They have a slender, elongated body, and are noted for the quickness of their movements
and for their bloodthirsty habit in destroying poultry, rats, etc. ...
/w/weasel.htm - 9k

Trumpeter (1 Occurrence)
... of long-legged South American birds of the genus Psophia, especially P. crepitans,
which is abundant, and often domesticated and kept with other poultry by the ...
/t/trumpeter.htm - 7k

Egg (3 Occurrences)
... maintained. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The oval or roundish body
laid by domestic poultry and other birds, tortoises, etc. It ...
/e/egg.htm - 10k

Poultice (2 Occurrences)

/p/poultice.htm - 7k

Pounce (2 Occurrences)

/p/pounce.htm - 7k

Cock (12 Occurrences)
... kok (alektor; Latin gallus): There is no reference in the Old Testament to domesticated
poultry, which was probably first introduced into Judea after the Roman ...
/c/cock.htm - 13k

Partridge (2 Occurrences)
...Poultry fanciers assert that a heavy thunder storm will spoil chicken eggs when
hatchingtime is close; the same might be true with eggs of the wild. ...
/p/partridge.htm - 13k

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