📖 Biblical Definition
The sparrow is a small common bird sold cheaply in first-century markets — two sold for a farthing, five for two farthings (Matthew 10:29; Luke 12:6). In Scripture it becomes the icon of the saint’s value in the Father’s eyes: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31). The Psalmist also envies the sparrow that finds a nest near God’s altar: "Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself... even thine altars, O LORD of hosts" (Psalm 84:3).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
SPAR'ROW, n.
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A small bird, the Fringilla domestica, the smallest and most familiar of the granivorous birds in our country. They build their nests in or near houses and barns.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 10:29 — "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father."
Matthew 10:31 — "Ye are of more value than many sparrows."
Luke 12:6 — "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?"
Psalm 84:3 — "The sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern man cannot tell whether his life matters; the sparrows could have told him.
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Christ's sparrow-argument is the gentlest theology of providence in Scripture: the cheapest bird in the cheapest market does not fall without the Father's knowledge — therefore the disciple is incalculably safer. Modern despair, anxiety, and self-loathing are sparrow-amnesia. The bird God notices, the soul has forgotten.
Psalm 84's sparrow is even sweeter: she has built a nest at the very altar of God. The smallest, twitchiest, most overlookable creature has made her home where the King is. That is the welcome the Father extends to the trembling believer: not a back pew but a nest at the altar. The sparrow knows. Learn from her.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew tsippor (H6833); Greek strouthion (G4765).
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H6833 — tsippor — small bird, sparrow
G4765 — strouthion — small bird, sparrow
Usage
"If the Father counts sparrows, He has not lost track of you."
"Anxiety is unbelief in the sparrow-doctrine of Christ."
"The sparrow nests at His altar — come build there yourself."