Owls are fascinating creatures.
With their large, piercing eyes, silent flight, and mysterious nature, they have captured the imagination of people for centuries.
In many cultures, owls are symbols of wisdom, mystery, or even omens of death.
But what does the Bible say about owls?
Do they have any special meaning in Scripture?
Are they viewed in a positive or negative light?
To answer these questions, we must explore the biblical references to owls and understand their significance within the cultural and historical context of the Bible.
Owls in the Bible
Owls are mentioned multiple times in the Bible, mostly in the Old Testament.
However, the way they are described may be different from how we view them today.
The Bible often refers to owls in lists of unclean animals and in poetic passages that describe desolation and loneliness.
Leviticus 11:13-18 and Deuteronomy 14:11-17 both mention owls among the birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat.
Leviticus 11:16-17 says,
“The great owl, the little owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, and the vulture.”
These birds were considered unclean, meaning they were not to be eaten by God’s people.
This classification does not mean that owls were evil or cursed—it simply means they were among the birds that were not fit for human consumption according to the dietary laws given to Israel.
Owls as Symbols of Desolation
One of the strongest themes connected to owls in the Bible is desolation.
They are often mentioned in passages that describe abandoned cities, wastelands, and places of judgment.
For example, Isaiah 34:11 describes what will happen to Edom after God’s judgment:
“The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will nest there.
God will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of desolation.”
In this passage, owls are associated with places that have been destroyed or left uninhabited.
Similarly, Psalm 102:6 paints a picture of sorrow and loneliness:
“I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.”
Here, the psalmist expresses deep despair, comparing himself to an owl living in a ruined place.
This imagery suggests that owls, in biblical poetry, symbolize isolation and abandonment rather than wisdom or intelligence.
Why Were Owls Considered Unclean?
The Bible classifies certain animals as clean or unclean based on God’s laws for Israel.
Owls fall into the unclean category, but why?
Most of the birds labeled unclean in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 are scavengers or predators.
Owls, being nocturnal birds of prey, hunt small animals and sometimes consume dead creatures.
This diet may be one reason why they were considered unclean.
Additionally, owls were associated with wilderness and ruins, places often linked to judgment or divine punishment.
It is important to note that being labeled unclean did not mean an animal was evil or cursed.
It simply meant that it was not meant to be eaten under Old Testament law.
The New Testament clarifies that dietary laws were specific to Israel and are no longer binding on Christians (Mark 7:18-19, Acts 10:9-16).
Do Owls Have Any Spiritual Meaning in the Bible?
Unlike some animals in the Bible, owls do not have a direct spiritual meaning tied to faith, wisdom, or righteousness.
Instead, they are used primarily as symbols of desolation and loneliness.
Some people wonder if owls have a connection to the spiritual realm, as they are often associated with mystery and nighttime.
The Bible does not say that owls are linked to supernatural forces, though some cultures have viewed them as omens or messengers of spirits.
However, the Bible does warn against superstitions and seeking meaning in things outside of God’s truth.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 cautions against looking for signs in nature or engaging in practices that seek supernatural knowledge outside of God’s word.
For believers, it is important to look to Scripture rather than folklore when considering the meaning of animals like owls.
God’s Creation and Purpose for Owls
Even though owls are often associated with judgment in the Bible, they are still part of God’s creation.
Genesis 1:21 says,
“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.
And God saw that it was good.”
Every animal, including owls, was created by God for a purpose.
Owls play a vital role in the ecosystem.
They help control rodent populations, maintain balance in nature, and contribute to the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.
Psalm 104:24 reminds us of God’s wisdom in creation:
“How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
While the Bible may not portray owls as symbols of wisdom like some cultures do, their unique design and abilities still reflect the creativity and greatness of their Creator.
What Can We Learn from the Bible’s Mentions of Owls?
Although owls are not central to biblical teaching, their presence in Scripture teaches important lessons.
One key lesson is that desolation and judgment come when people turn away from God.
Many of the passages that mention owls describe places that have been abandoned because of sin and rebellion.
This serves as a warning that rejecting God’s ways leads to emptiness and destruction.
At the same time, the imagery of an owl in ruins—like in Psalm 102:6—shows that God understands sorrow and loneliness.
The Bible does not just warn about judgment; it also provides comfort.
Even when someone feels isolated, like an owl in the wilderness, God sees them and cares for them.
Psalm 34:18 reassures,
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Owls and Modern-Day Superstitions
Because of their nocturnal nature and haunting calls, owls have been surrounded by myths and superstitions for centuries.
In some cultures, owls are seen as messengers of death or bad luck.
In others, they are symbols of wisdom and intelligence.
However, Christians are called to base their beliefs on God’s word, not superstitions.
Colossians 2:8 warns,
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Owls, like all animals, are part of God’s creation.
They do not bring good or bad luck, nor do they carry spiritual messages.
The Bible encourages believers to trust in God rather than in signs, omens, or superstitions.
Final Thoughts
Owls are mentioned in the Bible as symbols of desolation, loneliness, and judgment, but they are also part of God’s beautiful creation.
While they were considered unclean under Old Testament law, they were not viewed as evil or cursed.
Instead, their presence in ruined places served as a poetic way to describe the consequences of sin and abandonment.
Despite the way owls are portrayed in biblical imagery, they remain one of God’s magnificent creatures.
Their design, abilities, and role in nature reflect God’s wisdom and creativity.
For believers, the lesson from biblical references to owls is not about fear or superstition but about trusting in God’s plan and seeking Him rather than looking for meaning in nature or folklore.
Even in times of loneliness—like an owl in the wilderness—God remains present, offering comfort, guidance, and hope.