Bees are small creatures that often go unnoticed, yet they play a crucial role in creation, serving as a testament to God’s wisdom.
From pollinating flowers to producing honey, their work is vital for the flourishing of many plants and the ecosystem as a whole.
In the Bible, bees are sometimes mentioned to convey deeper spiritual lessons, from industriousness and wisdom to the sweetness of God’s blessings.
The nature of bees teaches us about working diligently, the importance of community, and the sweetness of God’s promises.
By reflecting on these 35 Bible verses, we can discover what God wants us to learn from these fascinating creatures and how we can apply those lessons to our own lives.
Bible Verses About Bees
1. Judges 14:8 – The Riddle of the Bees
“Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion’s carcass, and in it he saw a swarm of bees and some honey.”
Samson’s encounter with bees in a lion’s carcass reflects the idea of unexpected blessings.
From what seemed like a decayed, lifeless body, sweetness emerged in the form of honey.
This teaches us that, even in difficult situations, God can bring blessings that are sweet and refreshing.
2. Psalm 118:12 – The Enemy is Like a Swarm of Bees
“They surrounded me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off.”
This verse compares enemies to a swarm of bees, overwhelming but ultimately defeated.
Just as bees swarm in large numbers, problems can feel overwhelming, but God’s strength leads to victory.
The lesson here is that though trials may feel overwhelming, God gives us the power to overcome them.
3. Exodus 23:28 – Bees as a Tool of Judgment
“I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way.”
In this verse, God uses a hornet, related to bees, to drive out the enemies of Israel.
It teaches that God can use small creatures to bring about His purposes, even in battles.
This reminds us that God’s methods for victory can be unexpected but are always effective.
4. Proverbs 16:27 – A Worthless Person and the Swarm of Bees
“A worthless person plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.”
The comparison between evil speech and the destructive nature of a swarm of bees highlights their harmful effects.
Just as a bee’s sting can cause pain, harmful words can create lasting damage.
This verse teaches the importance of speaking wisely and avoiding harmful words that sting others.
5. Deuteronomy 1:44 – The Swarm of Bees in Battle
“The Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you. They chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you down from Seir all the way to Hormah.”
This verse illustrates the overwhelming force of the Amorites as they pursued Israel, comparing them to a swarm of bees.
Though seemingly unstoppable, God’s people ultimately prevailed.
The lesson is that while challenges may feel overwhelming, they are not invincible against God’s power.
6. Psalm 119:103 – The Sweetness of God’s Word
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
This verse compares the sweetness of God’s Word to honey, which is often associated with bees.
God’s teachings, like honey, are nourishing and bring delight to the soul.
Just as honey is sweet and sustaining, so is God’s Word, providing joy and sustenance in our lives.
7. Matthew 10:16 – Being Wise as Serpents and Harmless as Doves
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Though not directly mentioning bees, this verse instructs us to be wise in our approach to the world.
Bees are strategic in their work, and we are called to be similarly shrewd and discerning.
This teaches us to approach challenges with wisdom while remaining innocent in our conduct.
8. Isaiah 7:18 – The Lord Will Call for the Swarm of Bees
“In that day the Lord will whistle for the flies at the farthest streams of Egypt and for the bees in the land of Assyria.”
In this prophecy, the Lord uses the swarm of bees to symbolize the coming judgment and deliverance.
Bees, in their swarming nature, represent the gathering of forces for a specific purpose.
This verse teaches that God uses all things, even small creatures like bees, to carry out His will.
9. 1 Samuel 14:25 – Honey in the Battle
“Everyone went to the forest, and there was honey on the ground.”
In this passage, the sweetness of honey in the midst of battle symbolizes the rewards of victory.
Just as bees produce honey, God’s blessings come after enduring life’s challenges.
This verse shows that victory and sweetness often follow after overcoming struggles with God’s guidance.
10. Song of Solomon 4:11 – The Sweetness of God’s Love
“Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!”
This verse celebrates the sweetness and richness of love, which is likened to honey.
God’s love, like honey produced by bees, is sweet, nourishing, and brings warmth to our hearts.
This teaches us that the love of God is the sweetest gift we can receive, surpassing all earthly pleasures.
11. 2 Kings 14:9 – A Wise Parable of the Bees
“The thistle in Lebanon sent a message to the cedar in Lebanon, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage. Why should I destroy my beautiful cedar tree?'”
In this parable, the metaphor of bees shows how small entities may carry weight in decisions.
Bees, like the messages in this verse, can carry significant meaning in a seemingly simple form.
This teaches us that even small or simple things can have deep meaning and power in God’s plans.
12. Micah 7:13 – Land Devastated by Bees
“The earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as the result of their deeds.”
This verse compares the devastation of the land to a swarm of bees overtaking it.
Just as bees can swarm and destroy crops, sin can have a destructive impact on the land.
This serves as a reminder that our actions affect not only our lives but the world around us.
13. Proverbs 24:13 – Honey from Bees
“Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.”
Honey, produced by bees, symbolizes the goodness and sweetness found in wisdom.
Just as honey nourishes the body, wisdom from God nourishes the soul.
This verse teaches us that seeking wisdom is a delightful and satisfying pursuit.
14. Revelation 10:9 – The Sweetness of the Scroll
“So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, ‘Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'”
The scroll, like honey, symbolizes the sweetness of God’s Word, yet its contents are challenging.
This verse illustrates that while God’s truth is sweet to hear, it can also be difficult to digest and act upon.
It teaches us that God’s Word may challenge us, but it’s ultimately for our growth and transformation.
15. Psalm 81:16 – Honey from the Rock
“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
This verse speaks of unexpected blessings, just as honey can be found in the most unlikely places.
The rock symbolizes something hard, yet God can bring forth sweetness from even the toughest situations.
It teaches that God provides in surprising ways, even in places of hardship, just like bees creating honey.
16. 1 Samuel 14:25 – Honey in the Battle
“Everyone went to the forest, and there was honey on the ground.”
In the midst of a battle, honey provided refreshment and sustenance for the troops.
It shows that God provides moments of sweetness even during difficult times.
This verse teaches us that God’s blessings can appear unexpectedly, bringing nourishment to our spirits.
17. 2 Samuel 17:29 – Honey for Refreshment
“They brought honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of cow’s milk for David and the people with him to eat. For they said, ‘The people have become hungry and weary and thirsty in the desert.'”
Honey was offered as part of a meal for sustenance and comfort.
This verse illustrates how honey, produced by bees, provides physical and emotional refreshment.
God provides sweet moments of relief when we are weary, nourishing both body and soul.
18. 1 Kings 10:2 – Queen of Sheba’s Visit
“She came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions, arriving with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold and precious stones. She came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.”
While this verse doesn’t directly mention bees, the spices and precious stones symbolize the sweetness and value of God’s wisdom.
Just like honey, wisdom from God is sweet and highly valuable, and He provides it in abundance.
This story reminds us that the wisdom of God is more precious than gold, bringing sweetness to our lives.
19. Proverbs 24:13 – Honey is Good
“Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.”
This verse highlights the sweetness and delight of honey, often associated with God’s blessings.
Just as honey is pleasing to the tongue, God’s Word and His provisions are sweet to the soul.
This teaches us to embrace the good things God provides, allowing them to nourish and delight us.
20. Psalm 19:10 – The Sweetness of God’s Word
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”
God’s Word is compared to the sweetness of honey, highlighting its value and delight.
Just as honey nourishes the body, God’s Word nourishes the spirit, bringing life and joy.
This verse encourages us to value God’s Word, savoring its sweetness and its life-giving power.
21. Proverbs 16:24 – Pleasant Words Like Honey
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Just as honey is sweet to the taste, gracious words bring healing and comfort.
This verse teaches that our speech should be kind, uplifting, and full of sweetness, much like honey.
When we speak with love and grace, we help heal and strengthen those around us.
22. Revelation 10:9 – The Sweetness of the Scroll
“So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, ‘Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'”
This verse compares God’s Word to honey, sweet in the mouth but difficult to digest.
Just as honey is both sweet and can cause discomfort, God’s truth sometimes challenges us.
It reminds us that while God’s teachings are sweet, they may also require us to change and grow.
23. Exodus 3:8 – The Promised Land of Milk and Honey
“So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
The promised land is described as flowing with milk and honey, symbols of abundance and blessing.
This imagery shows that God’s promises are rich and plentiful, filled with blessings for His people.
It teaches us that God has good things in store for us, just like honey in the promised land.
24. Proverbs 24:14 – Wisdom is Sweet
“Know that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Wisdom, like honey, is sweet and satisfying to the soul.
This verse teaches that pursuing wisdom brings peace, joy, and fulfillment, just like honey brings physical sweetness.
God’s wisdom nourishes us, guiding us through life and bringing hope for the future.
25. Judges 14:14 – A Riddle About Honey
“So he said to them, ‘Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.'”
Samson’s riddle points to the unexpected sweetness found in a lion’s carcass, where bees created honey.
This verse teaches that God can bring blessings out of situations that seem barren or difficult.
Like honey, God’s blessings can emerge from unexpected places, offering sweetness and refreshment.
26. Psalm 81:16 – Honey from the Rock
“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
This verse highlights how God provides even in difficult situations, symbolized by honey from a rock.
Honey, often associated with sweetness, is used here to represent God’s provision in challenging times.
It teaches us that even in tough circumstances, God can bring sweetness and fulfillment into our lives.
27. Matthew 3:4 – John the Baptist’s Diet
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
John the Baptist’s simple diet, consisting of locusts and wild honey, emphasizes reliance on God’s provision.
Honey, in this case, represents the sustenance that God provides in unexpected ways.
This teaches us that God’s provision may come in simple forms, yet it is always enough for our needs.
28. Isaiah 7:15 – The Land of Milk and Honey
“He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.”
This verse uses honey as a symbol of sustenance and maturity in God’s promises.
Honey here represents the abundance and the good things that come with God’s guidance.
It teaches that maturity in faith comes when we receive the blessings and teachings God provides.
29. Revelation 5:5 – The Lion and the Lamb
“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.'”
This verse does not mention bees directly, but it connects the strength of the lion with the sweetness of God’s victory.
Just as honey is a symbol of sweetness, the victory of Christ is sweet to the soul, bringing triumph over evil.
It teaches us that God’s ultimate victory, like honey, brings sweetness and peace to those who follow Him.
30. Psalm 119:103 – The Sweetness of God’s Word
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
God’s Word is described here as sweeter than honey, highlighting its richness and delight.
This verse teaches that God’s instructions bring satisfaction and joy, much like the sweetness of honey.
By delighting in God’s Word, we allow His truth to nourish our souls and guide us in life.
31. Song of Solomon 4:11 – Sweetness of Love
“Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.”
Though the verse doesn’t mention bees, it uses imagery of sweetness and beauty, reminiscent of honey’s allure.
This passage speaks of love that is sweet and desirable, like honey’s richness.
It teaches us that love, both from God and in our relationships, should be sweet and nourishing to the soul.
32. Proverbs 16:24 – Words Like Honey
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Gracious words, much like honey, have a healing effect on those who receive them.
This verse teaches us that our words can bring sweetness, encouragement, and healing to others.
By speaking kindly and with grace, we bring peace and healing, just as honey nourishes and soothes.
33. Ezekiel 3:3 – The Sweetness of God’s Word
“Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.”
Ezekiel’s experience with God’s Word tasting like honey represents the sweetness of divine revelation.
The taste of honey here signifies how God’s truth is delightful, even when it’s challenging.
It teaches us that the Word of God, though sometimes difficult, is ultimately sweet and satisfying to the soul.
34. Matthew 24:32 – The Fig Tree and Its Fruit
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.”
This verse speaks of the signs of seasons changing, though it doesn’t directly mention bees.
Like bees who work with seasons to produce honey, God uses nature to reveal His plans and timing.
This teaches us to be attentive to God’s signs and timing in our lives, understanding His purpose in every season.
35. Judges 14:14 – The Riddle of the Bee
“So he said to them, ‘Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.'”
Samson’s riddle about honey in the lion’s carcass reveals how sweetness can come from unexpected places.
Just as bees produce honey from flowers, God brings blessings from situations we may not understand.
This teaches us that, with God, even difficult circumstances can lead to unexpected blessings.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Bees
Bees, though small, carry significant lessons for us in the Bible. Whether symbolizing work, sweetness, or divine judgment, these creatures reflect God’s wisdom in how He orchestrates life.
From the industrious nature of bees to the sweetness of honey, they remind us of the importance of diligence, how blessings often come after trials, and how God can use the most unlikely sources to bring about His purpose.
As we reflect on these 35 Bible verses about bees, we can be reminded that God’s presence, like honey, can sweeten our lives, even in the most difficult times.
Bees remind us of how intricate and beautiful God’s design is and how He uses every part of creation to teach us deeper truths about His love, provision, and plans for our lives.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty and lessons that You have woven into Your creation. Teach me to be diligent and industrious like the bee, working for Your glory.
Help me to see Your provision in all things, even in the smallest of blessings. May I always seek the sweetness of Your presence in every situation.
Like the honey from the rock, may Your love sustain me in times of trial. I pray that I can reflect the wisdom, sweetness, and hard work that You desire in my life.
May my actions honor You in all that I do, and may I be a vessel for Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.