What Does The Bible Say About Turkey?

For those wondering if the Bible references the large, domesticated North American bird known as the turkey, the answer may be surprising. While the turkey we eat today was unknown in Biblical lands, there are a few connections we can make between this bird and the Bible.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible does not directly reference or mention the turkey, since turkeys are native to North America and were introduced to Europe after the Bible was written.

However, there are some indirect connections between turkeys and birds mentioned in the Bible.

In this comprehensive article, we will analyze several birds referenced in the Bible and look for any similarities with the modern domestic turkey. We will also explore some of the qualities and symbolism of the turkey to see if any deeper spiritual meanings can be uncovered.

Birds Referenced in the Bible

Poultry and Domestic Birds

The Bible references several domesticated birds that were kept for food and agricultural purposes in ancient Israelite society. The most commonly mentioned is the chicken. While the exact breed of chicken is not specified, it is clear that domesticated chickens were an important source of eggs and meat (Proverbs 30:31).

Chickens are specifically mentioned in the books of Matthew, Luke, and Job (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34, Job 39:14).

Other domesticated birds included in the Bible are pigeons, turtledoves, quails, peacocks, and geese. Pigeons and turtledoves in particular were used for sacrifice and burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:14-17, 5:7-10).

Quail is referenced as a food source provided by God during the Israelite’s travels in the wilderness (Exodus 16:13, Numbers 11:31-32). Peacocks are mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22 as exotic birds that were imported by King Solomon’s ships and kept in his palace.

Geese are only mentioned once, in 1 Samuel 15:9, where Saul spared the best sheep and cattle to offer as sacrifices but destroyed the worthless geese.

Wild Birds and Birds of Prey

In addition to domesticated birds, the Bible contains many references to wild birds and birds of prey. Eagles are mentioned numerous times, both literally as animals and metaphorically as symbols of strength and speed (Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 4:13, Lamentations 4:19).

Other birds of prey described include the hawk (Job 39:26), falcon (Job 28:7), kite (Leviticus 11:14), and vulture (Proverbs 30:17).

Smaller wild birds referenced include the sparrow (Matthew 10:29), raven (Job 38:41, Luke 12:24), partridge (Jeremiah 17:11), and crane (Isaiah 38:14). Some of these are illustrated in similes and metaphors, such as “as a sparrow in its flitting, and a swallow in its flying” (Proverbs 26:2) and “the eye of the adulterer watches for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; and he disguises his face” (Job 24:15).

The variety of wild birds mentioned demonstrates the familiarity of Biblical authors with the local wildlife. Birds play both literal and symbolic roles, highlighting God’s provision and care through references to their flight and habits.

Whether used literally or metaphorically, wild birds contribute to the richness of wildlife imagery used throughout Scripture.

Qualities and Symbolism of the Turkey

Appearance and Behavior

Wild turkeys are large birds, with males (toms) typically weighing 16-24 pounds and females (hens) 8-10 pounds. They have distinctive plumage, with feathers of metallic and iridescent shades of bronze, copper, green, and gold.

The heads of adult males have a bare area of reddish skin, fleshy growths called snoods that hang over their beaks, and spurs on their legs used in fighting.

Turkeys are social, gregarious birds that travel together in flocks. They spend their days foraging on the ground for nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and small reptiles. At night they roost in trees. During mating season, males attract females by fanning their majestic tails, puffing out their body feathers, and emitting booming gobble calls.

Cultural Associations and Meaning

In Native American mythology, the turkey is seen as a symbol of generosity, abundance, and fertility. According to a Cherokee legend, the turkey was originally chosen to be the eagle before losing the honor due to its silly ways.

The turkey has been an important source of sustenance in North America for centuries. Turkey meat has a rich flavor and is a delicious centerpiece of celebratory meals and holiday feasts. Today, turkey is strongly associated with Thanksgiving.

Approximately 46 million turkeys are eaten in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving holiday each year.

As a symbol of Thanksgiving, the turkey represents themes of harvest, gratitude, generosity and community. Although turkeys themselves may seem simple-minded, in our culture they have come to embody higher values of togetherness, tradition, and reflection on life’s blessings.

Deeper Spiritual Connections

Generosity and Providence

The Bible encourages generosity and care for those in need. Passages about providence highlight God’s provision and blessings. Here are some key points:

• Giving to the poor and needy is valued (Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 6:2-4). This reflects God’s generous nature.
• God promises to provide for our needs as we seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34). This encourages trust in God’s care.
• Generosity is linked to spiritual growth and blessings (Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). As we give freely, God supplies our needs.
• Caring for others demonstrates God’s love (1 John 3:17-18). It builds community and reflects Christ’s service.

Sacrifice and Offerings

Sacrifice and offerings are important spiritual practices in the Bible. Here are some key themes:

• In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices expressed devotion and atoned for sins (Leviticus 1-7). This foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice.
• Grain and drink offerings displayed thankfulness and honor to God (Leviticus 2, Numbers 15:1-16). They represented the firstfruits of harvests.
• Sacrifices expressed a consecration of life to God (Romans 12:1). Our lives are “living sacrifices.”
• Christ’s death was the ultimate sacrifice, atoning for sin once for all (Hebrews 9:11-14). Animal sacrifices are no longer needed.
• We offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, good works, and generosity (Hebrews 13:15-16). These reflect devotion to God.

Modern References Connecting Turkey and Faith

Thanksgiving Tradition

Turkey has become deeply ingrained in the Thanksgiving tradition in the United States. Thanksgiving commemorates the harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621.

While there are no accounts of turkey being served at the original feast, it has become the iconic main dish today. Nearly 90% of Americans eat turkey during their Thanksgiving meal (Source). An estimated 46 million turkeys are consumed each Thanksgiving, reflecting this bird’s strong association with this beloved national holiday (Source).

For many American families, preparing and enjoying a roast turkey dinner symbolizes togetherness, blessings, and giving thanks. Various customs have formed around Thanksgiving turkey, like the President “pardoning” a turkey each year.

Overall, the turkey’s link to a holiday centered on faith, family, and gratitude has imbued this bird with deeper meaning. Its prominence shows the continuing role of food traditions in spiritual celebrations today.

Turkey Pardons and Forgiveness

Since 1989, the President of the United States has “pardoned” a turkey each Thanksgiving Eve. Though started lightly, this tradition has come to subtly echo themes of forgiveness and second chances key to the holiday season.

The pardoned turkeys go on to live the rest of their natural lives at agricultural colleges or area attractions rather than being eaten (Source).

This presidential turkey pardon invokes Biblical references of forgiven debts and sins. In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught his disciples to ask God to “forgive our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:9-13).

The turkey pardon reminds the American public of values like mercy and redemption shared across faiths. It also symbolically expresses human stewardship obligations over animals arising from Genesis creation.

Hence an otherwise lighthearted political custom carries deeper undertones aligning with central Thanksgiving themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Bible does not directly reference turkeys, there are some interesting connections that can be made. The birds mentioned in the Bible help us understand what kind of poultry people may have raised and eaten.

And the qualities of the turkey point to some symbolic meanings around generosity, sacrifice, and celebration. While the turkey itself may not have religious significance, its story can lead us to reflect on many spiritual themes around provision, forgiveness, and gratitude.