32 Bible Verses About Eagles (With Commentary)

Throughout the Bible, eagles are symbolic of strength, renewal, and rising above challenges. These majestic birds soar high, carried by the wind, just as God’s people are carried by His spirit and power. The following verses reflect on the spiritual significance of eagles, offering lessons of trust, hope, and divine protection. Each passage is a reminder of God’s care for His people, using the imagery of the eagle to demonstrate His mighty and sustaining power.

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Bible Verses About Eagles

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.”

Commentary: This verse emphasizes the power of waiting on God. Just as eagles soar high above the earth without tiring, those who trust in the Lord will find renewed strength. The imagery of rising with wings like eagles shows that when we place our hope in God, He lifts us up above our struggles, giving us the endurance and resilience to keep going even when we feel weak. The promise of not growing weary encourages believers to trust in God’s timing and provision.

Exodus 19:4

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.”

Commentary: In this passage, God reminds the Israelites of His deliverance from Egypt, comparing His protection and guidance to an eagle carrying its young. Eagles are known for their strong wings, which symbolize God’s strength and ability to protect His people. Just as the eagle carries its young to safety, God brought the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom. This verse is a beautiful picture of God’s care and deliverance, encouraging believers to trust in His power to guide them through life’s challenges.

Deuteronomy 32:11

“As an eagle that protects its nest, that flutters over its young, He spread out His wings and took them, He carried them on His pinions [so the Lord guided Israel].”

Commentary: This verse highlights God’s nurturing nature, comparing Him to an eagle that cares for its young. Eagles are protective and ensure their offspring are safe. Likewise, God cares for His people, guiding them and keeping them under His wings. The image of God spreading out His wings demonstrates His protective love, providing guidance and shelter to those who trust in Him. It reassures believers that God is always watching over them, even in difficult times.

Proverbs 23:5

“When you set your eyes on wealth, it is suddenly gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies to the heavens.”

Commentary: This verse warns about the fleeting nature of wealth, using the eagle as a metaphor for how quickly riches can disappear. Just as an eagle soars swiftly through the sky, wealth can vanish in an instant. The verse encourages believers to focus on lasting, spiritual riches rather than temporary material gain. It is a reminder to set our priorities on God’s eternal blessings, rather than chasing after fleeting wealth that can easily fly away.

Job 39:27-28

“Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high [in an inaccessible place]? On the cliff he dwells and remains securely, upon the point of the rock and the inaccessible stronghold.”

Commentary: These verses reflect on the sovereignty of God over creation, specifically the eagle, a creature known for its majesty and strength. The eagle’s ability to soar to great heights and make its nest in high, secure places symbolizes God’s wisdom in creating such powerful creatures. It serves as a reminder that everything in creation, including the mighty eagle, operates under God’s control. For believers, this image encourages trust in God’s authority over all aspects of life.

Psalm 103:5

“Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.”

Commentary: This verse speaks of God’s ability to renew and refresh His people. Just as an eagle molts and renews its feathers, so God renews the strength of His followers. The imagery of youth being renewed like an eagle reflects the spiritual rejuvenation that comes from a relationship with God. It assures believers that God is the source of their vitality and well-being, promising restoration and renewal in every season of life.

Jeremiah 49:22

“Behold, one will mount up and fly swiftly like an eagle and spread out his wings against Bozrah; and the hearts of the mighty men of Edom in that day will be like the heart of a woman in childbirth [and pain].”

Commentary: This verse describes God’s swift judgment on Edom, likening it to an eagle swiftly flying to strike its prey. The eagle here represents the speed and power of God’s judgment. Just as an eagle’s approach can be sudden and overwhelming, so too will God’s actions be decisive and unescapable for those who oppose Him. For believers, it serves as a reminder of God’s ultimate control over nations and His ability to bring justice.

Obadiah 1:4

“Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, I will bring you down from there,” declares the Lord.

Commentary: In this verse, God warns the proud nation of Edom, which thought itself invincible because of its high, secure dwelling places, compared to an eagle’s nest. However, no matter how high they soared, God declared that He would bring them down. This passage serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, reminding believers that no one is beyond God’s reach. It encourages humility and trust in God’s sovereignty, as even the mightiest can be humbled by His power.

Micah 1:16

“Make yourself bald [in mourning] and cut off your hair for the children of your delight; extend your baldness like the eagle, for they have been taken from you into exile.”

Commentary: This verse uses the image of an eagle to convey grief and loss, symbolizing the deep mourning that will come as a result of exile. The eagle, often a symbol of power and majesty, here represents the depth of sorrow, as it sheds its feathers. The verse speaks to the reality of loss due to sin and rebellion, reminding believers of the consequences of turning away from God. However, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who return to God in repentance.

Habakkuk 1:8

“Their horses are swifter than leopards and keener than [hungry] wolves in the evening; their horsemen come galloping, their horsemen come from far away; they fly like an eagle swooping down to devour.”

Commentary: In this passage, the swift and fierce nature of the Babylonian army is compared to an eagle swooping down to devour its prey. The eagle represents speed, power, and predatory precision. For believers, this image of the eagle serves as a reminder of the destructive forces that can arise when people or nations turn away from God. It also reinforces the need to trust in God’s protection and sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Revelation 12:14

“But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, [protected and cared for] from the presence of the serpent.”

Commentary: In this prophetic vision from Revelation, the “great eagle” symbolizes God’s protection and provision. The woman, often interpreted as the church or the people of God, is given wings to escape the serpent, representing evil. This imagery reassures believers that God will always provide a way of escape and care for His people, even in the face of persecution. The eagle’s wings represent strength, swiftness, and divine intervention, reminding believers that God will shelter them from harm when they rely on Him.

Lamentations 4:19

“Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the sky; they chased us on the mountains, they waited in ambush for us in the wilderness.”

Commentary: This verse reflects the despair and desperation felt by the people of Jerusalem during their time of suffering and exile. The swiftness of their enemies is likened to that of eagles, emphasizing the relentless nature of their pursuit. For believers, this passage is a sober reminder of the consequences of sin and the devastation that can follow. However, it also encourages reflection on God’s justice and the need for repentance. While enemies may seem swift and overpowering, God’s mercy is greater.

Matthew 24:28

“Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures (eagles) will flock together.”

Commentary: In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of eagles or vultures gathering around a corpse to illustrate the inevitability of judgment. Just as eagles are drawn to their prey, so too will judgment come upon those who are spiritually dead. The imagery serves as a warning to be vigilant and prepared for Christ’s return. For believers, it is a call to stay spiritually alive, following God’s path to avoid falling into spiritual decay.

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Luke 17:37

“And answering, they said to Him, ‘Where, Lord?’ He said to them, ‘Where the body is, there also the vultures (eagles) will be gathered.’

Commentary: This verse mirrors Matthew 24:28, where Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times. The reference to eagles or vultures gathering around a body signifies the certainty and swiftness of God’s judgment. It underscores the importance of being spiritually awake and discerning the times. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful, watchful, and prepared for the Lord’s return, knowing that judgment is certain for those who reject God.

Ezekiel 17:3

“Say, ‘This is what the Lord God says, ‘A great eagle with great wings, long pinions and full plumage of many colors came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.'”

Commentary: In this prophetic allegory, the great eagle represents powerful nations, specifically Babylon, which came and took the top of the cedar, symbolizing the kings of Israel. The eagle’s great wings and majestic plumage signify strength and power. This passage reminds believers of the consequences of unfaithfulness and turning away from God. Yet, it also points to God’s sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations, encouraging trust in His ultimate plan and control over world events.

Ezekiel 17:7

“But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers; and behold, this vine bent its roots toward him and sent out its branches toward him from the beds where it was planted, so that he might water it.”

Commentary: This verse continues the allegory from Ezekiel, where the second eagle represents Egypt, and the vine (Israel) foolishly seeks help from it. The imagery of the eagle illustrates power, but the vine’s reliance on the wrong source (Egypt instead of God) led to its downfall. This passage serves as a warning to believers about placing their trust in worldly powers rather than relying on God. It encourages turning to God for strength, protection, and provision.

Hosea 8:1

“Set the trumpet to your lips [announce impending judgment]! Like a [great] vulture the enemy comes against the house of the Lord, because they have broken My covenant and rebelled against My law.”

Commentary: In this passage, the eagle (or vulture) is a symbol of coming judgment due to Israel’s unfaithfulness to God’s covenant. The eagle’s swift approach emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This verse calls believers to reflect on the importance of keeping God’s covenant and being faithful to His word. It also highlights God’s justice and the consequences of disobedience, while calling for repentance and a return to God’s ways.

2 Samuel 1:23

“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.”

Commentary: This verse is part of David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan, praising their bravery and swiftness. Comparing them to eagles reflects their strength, speed, and agility in battle. This imagery highlights the nobility and courage they displayed, even though Saul’s reign had its flaws. For believers, it serves as a reminder of the value of loyalty and bravery in life’s spiritual battles. It also points to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of honoring those who have fought well.

Jeremiah 48:40

“For thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, one will swoop down like an eagle and spread out his wings against Moab.’”

Commentary: In this verse, the eagle symbolizes God’s instrument of judgment coming swiftly against Moab. The eagle’s ability to swoop down and spread its wings over its prey emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of God’s judgment. For believers, this serves as a reminder of God’s power and the certainty of His justice. It calls for reflection on living in alignment with God’s will and seeking His mercy before judgment comes.

Jeremiah 49:16

“As for the terror you cause, the arrogance of your heart has deceived you, O you who live in the clefts of the rock, who hold and occupy the height of the hill. Though you make your nest as high as the eagle’s, I will bring you down from there,” says the Lord.”

Commentary: This verse is a rebuke to Edom for its pride and false sense of security. Even though they lived in high, seemingly invincible places, God declared that He would bring them down. The eagle’s nest high on the rocks symbolizes self-reliance and arrogance. For believers, this passage warns against pride and the illusion of being beyond the reach of God’s judgment. It encourages humility and reliance on God rather than trusting in worldly power or position.

Jeremiah 4:13

“Behold, the enemy comes up like clouds; his chariots like the whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!”

Commentary: This verse describes the coming destruction upon Judah due to their disobedience. The enemy’s swiftness is compared to eagles, emphasizing the speed and inevitability of their attack. For believers, this serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It is also a call to repentance, as it shows that when God’s people stray from His commands, the result is often swift and overwhelming judgment. However, it also offers hope in returning to God before judgment falls.

Ezekiel 10:14

“And each one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, the second face was the face of a man, the third was the face of a lion, and the fourth was the face of an eagle.”

Commentary: In Ezekiel’s vision of the cherubim, the four faces represent different aspects of God’s creation and authority. The face of the eagle symbolizes swiftness and divine strength. It conveys the idea that God’s power and judgment can move swiftly, just like an eagle soaring through the sky. For believers, this imagery serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all creation, His ability to act with speed and precision, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence.

Deuteronomy 28:49

“The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand.”

Commentary: This verse is part of the warnings in Deuteronomy for disobedience. The nation that would come “as swift as the eagle flies” represents the speed and power of God’s judgment on Israel for their rebellion. The eagle symbolizes the foreign invaders, coming swiftly and without warning. For believers, this passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s commands and the importance of obedience. It also underscores the reality of God’s justice, which can come unexpectedly and powerfully.

Ezekiel 17:12

“Say now to the rebellious house, ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Say, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, took its king and princes, and brought them to him in Babylon.’”

Commentary: This passage continues the allegory of the great eagle, representing Babylon, and its dealings with Israel. The eagle’s actions symbolize the political and military power of Babylon in taking Israel’s leaders into captivity. The rebellious house of Israel is being judged for their disobedience and alliances with foreign nations instead of trusting God. For believers, this is a call to remember that trusting in human power instead of God’s provision leads to downfall. It encourages placing faith in God alone.

Isaiah 46:11

“Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.”

Commentary: In this verse, the bird of prey, often interpreted as a symbol of Cyrus the Great of Persia, represents God’s instrument of delivering judgment and fulfilling His purposes. Like an eagle, swift and sure, God’s plans are carried out exactly as He intends. The image reassures believers that God’s plans are unstoppable and perfectly executed. For Christians, this is a reminder that God controls history and that even world events are part of His sovereign will. It gives confidence that His promises will always come to pass.

Proverbs 30:18-19

“There are three things which are too wonderful for me, four which I do not understand: The way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.”

Commentary: The writer of Proverbs marvels at the mystery and wonder of creation, including the flight of an eagle in the sky. The eagle’s effortless and graceful flight is a metaphor for the beauty and complexity of God’s design, which can be beyond human understanding. For believers, this passage invites awe and reverence for God’s creation and His wisdom. It reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t fully understand it, knowing that His ways are far beyond our own comprehension.

Hosea 7:12

“When they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will chastise them in accordance with the proclamation to their assembly.”

Commentary: In this verse, God speaks of His judgment against Israel for their unfaithfulness. The imagery of birds being caught in a net highlights the suddenness and inevitability of God’s discipline. Like eagles that are brought down from the sky, Israel would face the consequences of their actions. For believers, this passage serves as a warning of the certainty of God’s judgment when we stray from Him. However, it also points to His desire for repentance and restoration, encouraging us to return to Him before judgment falls.

Daniel 7:4

“The first was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind was also given to it.”

Commentary: This verse is part of Daniel’s vision of four beasts, with the lion-eagle hybrid representing the Babylonian Empire. The wings of the eagle symbolize speed and power, but the plucking of the wings suggests a humbling or loss of power. For believers, this passage reflects on the rise and fall of empires, showing that even the mightiest can be brought low by God. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers, and that pride leads to downfall. It encourages humility and trust in God’s ultimate authority.

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What Does the Bible Say About Eagles