by Bees are among the most industrious and fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom, often serving as symbols of diligence, community, and sweetness. In the Bible, bees are not frequently mentioned directly, but many verses about nature, labor, and God’s creation reflect the qualities we associate with bees.
This compilation of Bible verses reflects the attributes of bees—diligence, productivity, community spirit, and the sweetness of God’s provision—as well as the broader lessons we can draw from their existence. These verses are drawn from the Amplified translation, accompanied by reflections that highlight their spiritual and moral significance.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Animals
Bible Verses About Bees
Proverbs 6:6
“Go to the ant, O lazy one; Observe her ways and be wise.”
Commentary: While this verse speaks of the ant, it highlights a truth about diligence and hard work, qualities that bees also embody. The verse challenges believers to learn from creatures like ants and bees, who labor consistently and with purpose. In the spiritual life, it encourages us to avoid laziness and to be productive in all things, working for the glory of God.
Psalm 19:10
“They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”
Commentary: This verse speaks to the value of God’s Word, comparing it to gold and the sweetness of honey. Honey, made by bees, is a symbol of God’s rich and rewarding promises. The verse encourages believers to treasure Scripture as more precious than the most valuable material possessions and to savor it like the sweetness of honey.
Deuteronomy 8:8
“A land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey.”
Commentary: In this verse, honey is mentioned as part of the abundant provision God has promised to the Israelites in the Promised Land. The mention of honey reminds us of the industrious work of bees and their contribution to this rich bounty. Spiritually, it points to God’s provision and the abundance found in a relationship with Him.
Exodus 3:8
“So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up from that land to a land that is good and spacious, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”
Commentary: Bees play a role in this promised land described as flowing with honey. This signifies not only a literal abundance but also spiritual prosperity. Honey, a product of bees’ labor, symbolizes the richness of life that God desires for His people. The verse reminds believers that God’s plans are filled with good things and promises fulfilled.
Proverbs 16:24
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.”
Commentary: Just as honey, produced by bees, is sweet and nourishing, so are kind and uplifting words to the soul. This verse encourages believers to use their speech to build others up, comparing kind words to the sweetness and healing properties of honey. Words, like honey, can refresh and restore others in times of need.
Judges 14:8
“After some time, he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion; and behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the body of the lion.”
Commentary: This verse recounts the curious story of Samson and the bees that made honey in the carcass of a lion. The bees’ ability to create something sweet in a place of death points to the spiritual truth that God can bring sweetness, life, and purpose out of even the most unexpected and difficult situations.
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Commentary: This verse draws a direct comparison between the sweetness of God’s Word and the sweetness of honey. Bees work diligently to produce honey, and similarly, we are called to diligently study and savor God’s Word. It serves as a reminder that the truths of Scripture bring joy and satisfaction to those who seek them.
Isaiah 7:15
“He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to refuse evil and choose good.”
Commentary: In this verse, honey represents sustenance and blessing. The child in this passage will grow to discern good from evil while nourished by honey. Bees’ product, honey, symbolizes the simple yet essential blessings that sustain both body and spirit as we grow in wisdom and understanding.
1 Samuel 14:25-27
“And all the people of the land came to a forest, and there was honey on the ground. When the people entered the forest, behold, there was honey dripping; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath.”
Commentary: This story highlights the abundance of God’s provision, symbolized by the honey found by Saul’s men. The bees’ labor produced an abundance of honey, but because of an oath, the people could not partake. This account serves as a reminder that God’s provision is always present, though we must be mindful of the context and timing of His gifts.
Luke 24:42
“So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He took it and ate it before them.”
Commentary: Although this verse doesn’t directly mention bees, it shows Jesus’ participation in the natural provisions of the earth, like food. Honey, being a natural provision, symbolizes the sustenance and care provided by God’s creation, a theme also echoed throughout the Gospels in Jesus’ references to food and nourishment.
Ezekiel 3:3
“He said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll that I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.”
Commentary: The imagery of eating the scroll that is sweet like honey reflects the idea that God’s Word is pleasant and fulfilling. Bees create honey through hard work, and likewise, the process of understanding God’s Word may require effort, but the result is sweet and satisfying for the soul. This verse encourages believers to savor God’s Word fully.
Psalm 81:16
“But I would feed Israel with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Commentary: Honey from the rock signifies miraculous provision, a source of sweetness in a seemingly impossible place. Just as bees find ways to create honey in nature, God provides for His people in surprising and abundant ways. This verse calls us to trust in God’s provision, even when it seems improbable.
Proverbs 25:16
“Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Otherwise, being filled excessively, you vomit it.”
Commentary: This proverb warns against overindulgence, using honey as an example. While bees produce honey as a blessing, the verse teaches that too much of even a good thing can become harmful. Spiritually, this reminds us to practice moderation and discernment in all things, balancing enjoyment with self-control.
Matthew 3:4
“Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.”
Commentary: This verse describes John the Baptist’s simple and humble diet, which included wild honey. The reference to honey speaks to the provision of nature, particularly from bees. John’s life of simplicity and dedication to God reminds us that sometimes, God’s richest blessings are found in the simplest provisions, such as honey.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Eagles
2 Samuel 17:29
“Honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat, for they said, ‘The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.’
Commentary: Bees’ honey is mentioned here as part of the provision for David’s men during a time of need. This verse highlights how God provides for His people through nature
2 Samuel 17:29
“Honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat, for they said, ‘The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.'”
Commentary: Bees’ honey is mentioned here as part of the provision for David’s men during a time of need. This verse highlights how God provides for His people through nature, even in challenging circumstances. Honey, produced by bees, becomes a symbol of God’s care and nourishment in moments of physical and spiritual exhaustion. It reminds us that God’s provision often comes through simple but sustaining means.
Isaiah 7:22
“And because of the abundance of milk produced, he will eat curds, for everyone who is left within the land will eat curds and honey.”
Commentary: Honey is once again mentioned here as part of the blessings and abundance that the people will enjoy. The bees’ role in producing honey becomes a symbol of God’s provision and goodness to His people. This verse also speaks to the simplicity of blessings that come from God, such as basic sustenance that nourishes both body and soul.
Proverbs 24:13
“My son, eat honey, because it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.”
Commentary: The encouragement to eat honey in this verse highlights the sweetness and goodness of what bees produce. Spiritually, honey represents the sweetness of God’s wisdom and teachings. Just as honey is pleasant to the taste, God’s Word is sweet and fulfilling to the soul, encouraging us to seek after wisdom and truth as we seek after food.
Song of Solomon 4:11
“Your lips, my bride, drip honey; Honey and milk are under your tongue, And the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.”
Commentary: In this verse, honey is used as a metaphor for love and affection. The sweetness of honey, produced by bees, represents the beauty and richness of a loving relationship. This verse, though focused on love, also speaks to the idea that sweetness and goodness, like honey, are part of God’s blessings in our lives.
Exodus 13:5
“It shall be when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall observe this rite in this month.”
Commentary: The land “flowing with milk and honey” signifies the abundance and prosperity of the Promised Land. Honey, made by bees, is symbolic of God’s generous provision for His people. This phrase reflects God’s promise of plenty and well-being, assuring believers that He provides both material and spiritual nourishment.
Psalm 34:8
“O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
Commentary: Although bees or honey are not directly mentioned here, the phrase “taste and see” can be connected to the sweetness of honey, often used as a symbol of goodness in Scripture. This verse calls believers to experience God’s goodness firsthand, much like savoring the sweetness of honey, and to trust in His protection and provision.
Proverbs 27:7
“A satisfied soul loathes honey, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”
Commentary: Honey, a natural product of bees, is used here as a metaphor for contentment. When we are satisfied, even the sweetness of honey can lose its appeal. However, when we are spiritually or physically hungry, even the smallest of blessings, which may seem insignificant to others, are appreciated. This verse teaches us about gratitude and recognizing God’s provision.
Ezekiel 16:13
“Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty.”
Commentary: This verse describes the blessings and abundance given by God to His people, with honey symbolizing sweetness and luxury. The bees’ product represents God’s provision and the beauty bestowed upon His people. It serves as a reminder that all blessings, whether material or spiritual, come from the Lord’s generous hand.
Jeremiah 41:8
“But ten men were found among them who said to Ishmael, ‘Do not kill us, for we have stores of wheat, barley, oil, and honey hidden in the field.’ So he refrained and did not kill them along with their companions.”
Commentary: Honey is mentioned here as part of the valuable provisions hidden by the people. The bees’ work in producing honey saved lives in this story, symbolizing how God’s provision, even through something as simple as honey, can have profound implications for survival and deliverance. This verse reminds us of the life-sustaining blessings that come from God’s creation.
John 21:12-13
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples ventured to ask Him, ‘Who are You?’ knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise.”
Commentary: Though honey is not mentioned here, this verse reflects God’s provision and care for His people. Just as bees work diligently to create honey, which sustains life, Jesus provided sustenance to His disciples, nourishing their physical needs. This verse serves as a reminder that God cares for every aspect of our lives, from the spiritual to the physical.
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Commentary: This verse makes a direct comparison between the sweetness of honey and the sweetness of God’s Word. Just as bees create honey, which is a source of delight and nourishment, God’s Word is meant to nourish and refresh the soul. Believers are encouraged to meditate on Scripture and find joy and sustenance in its teachings.
Genesis 43:11
“Then their father Israel said to them, ‘If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, aromatic spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.’
Commentary: In this verse, honey is part of the best products of the land that Israel’s sons are instructed to take as a gift. The bees’ labor in producing honey symbolizes the bounty and richness of the land, and by extension, God’s provision. This verse reminds us to offer back to God and others the firstfruits of our blessings, which He has provided through nature.
Deuteronomy 32:13
“He made him ride on the high places of the earth, and he ate the produce of the field; And He made him suck honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty rock.”
Commentary: This verse speaks to the miraculous provision of God, who brings honey from the rock—an unexpected and extraordinary source. Bees, as diligent workers, produce honey from nature, and here it becomes a symbol of God’s abundant and supernatural provision. It reminds believers that God can bring sweetness and blessings from the most unlikely places.
Revelation 10:9-10
“So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, ‘Take it and eat; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'”
Commentary: The imagery of eating the scroll that is sweet like honey in the mouth but bitter in the stomach reflects the complex nature of receiving and internalizing God’s Word. Just as bees work to produce honey, which is sweet, the Word of God may bring moments of sweetness, but it also challenges and convicts us deeply. This passage encourages believers to embrace both the sweetness and the difficult truths of God’s Word.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Trees
What Does the Bible Say About Bees
Bees are one of the most fascinating creatures that God has made, and they teach us many important lessons. When we think about bees, we often think about how they work together in perfect harmony. Each bee has a job, and they all work together for the good of the hive. That’s something we can learn from because God wants us to work together as a community. We are meant to help one another, support one another, and build each other up just like the bees do in their hive. They don’t do everything alone but work side by side to make sure everything is taken care of.
Bees also remind us of the importance of hard work. They are always busy gathering nectar and making honey, which is a sweet reward for all their efforts. It’s a reminder that God values diligence and hard work. When we put in the effort, there’s always a blessing that comes from it, whether it’s in our families, our jobs, or even in our spiritual lives. Just like the bees produce honey through constant work, we can produce good things in our lives by staying faithful and working hard in what God has called us to do.
Another thing we can learn from bees is their ability to protect the hive. Bees are small, but they will defend their hive with courage. This teaches us that even though we may feel small or insignificant at times, we are still capable of standing up for what is right and protecting the things that matter most in our lives, whether that’s our family, our values, or our faith.
So, the next time you see a bee buzzing around, remember the lessons they offer us. Work together, work hard, and be courageous. Even the smallest creatures in God’s creation have something to teach us about living a life that honors Him.