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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Roost</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/roost.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/13-32.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/roost.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Roost</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/roomy.htm" title="Roomy">◄</a> Roost <a href="/topical/r/rooster.htm" title="Rooster">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical times, the concept of a "roost" is closely associated with birds and their natural behavior of resting or settling in a place for the night. While the term "roost" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the imagery of birds and their nesting or resting habits is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and divine principles.<br><br><b>Biblical Imagery and Symbolism</b><br><br>1. <b>Protection and Refuge</b>: Birds finding a place to roost often symbolize safety and protection. In <a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a> , the psalmist writes, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." This verse uses the imagery of a bird's wings to depict God's protective nature, suggesting that just as birds find security in their roosts, believers find safety under God's care.<br><br>2. <b>Divine Provision</b>: The Bible frequently uses birds to illustrate God's provision. In <a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Matthew 6:26</a> , Jesus teaches, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Here, the natural behavior of birds, including their roosting, serves as a reminder of God's provision for all His creation, encouraging believers to trust in His care.<br><br>3. <b>Rest and Peace</b>: The act of roosting can also symbolize rest and peace. In the context of the Sabbath and spiritual rest, the Bible emphasizes the importance of finding rest in God. <a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm">Hebrews 4:9-10</a> states, "There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." This rest is akin to the peace and security a bird experiences when it finds a suitable roost.<br><br>4. <b>Judgment and Desolation</b>: Conversely, the absence of a place to roost can symbolize judgment or desolation. In <a href="/isaiah/34-11.htm">Isaiah 34:11</a> , the prophet describes the desolation of Edom, saying, "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of destruction." The presence of birds in a desolate land, finding places to roost amidst ruins, underscores the completeness of God's judgment.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context</b><br><br>In the ancient Near East, birds were a common part of daily life, and their behaviors were well-observed by the people. The roosting of birds, particularly in the evening, was a familiar sight and provided a natural metaphor for various aspects of life and faith. The biblical authors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, utilized these natural phenomena to communicate deeper spiritual truths to their audience.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The imagery of roosting birds in the Bible serves to remind believers of God's sovereignty, care, and provision. It encourages trust in God's protection and provision, while also warning of the consequences of turning away from Him. The metaphor of roosting invites believers to find their ultimate rest and security in God, much like a bird finds safety in its roost.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) Roast.<p>2. (<I>v. t.</I>) See Roust.<p>3. (<I>n.</I>) The pole or other support on which fowls rest at night; a perch.<p>4. (<I>n.</I>) A collection of fowls roosting together.<p>5. (<I>v. i.</I>) To sit, rest, or sleep, as fowls on a pole, limb of a tree, etc.; to perch.<p>6. (<I>v. i.</I>) Fig.; To lodge; to rest; to sleep.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/tertullian/to_his_wife/chapter_iv_of_the_infirmity_of.htm"><span class="l">Of the Infirmity of the Flesh, and Similar Pleas.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> trumps up the "necessity" for marrying,"promising itself, forsooth, heavenly things<br> in return"to lord it, (namely,) in another's family; to <b>roost</b> [380] on <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter iv of the infirmity of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_f/david_appointing_solomon.htm"><span class="l">David Appointing Solomon</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Thus, as ever, his evil deeds came home to <b>roost</b>, and the poisonous seed which he<br> had sown grew up and waved, a bitter harvest, which he had to reap. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm</font><p><a href="/library/byrum/how_john_became_a_man/chapter_v_the_card_parties.htm"><span class="l">The Card Parties</span></a> <br><b>...</b> At the close of such gatherings, a chicken-roast was generally in order, and the<br> fowl used was usually taken from some hen-<b>roost</b> not far distant. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter v the card parties.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bacheller/vergilius/chapter_19_when_appius_told.htm"><span class="l">When Appius Told his Mother and his Sister what Augustus had Said <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> "Know you the Isle of Doom?" said he. "Ay, 'tis a lonely heap of rocks.". "A <b>roost</b><br> of sea-birds," said the prince of Judea. "Know you who am I?". <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 19 when appius told.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_k/the_twofold_wrestlegods_with_jacob.htm"><span class="l">The Twofold Wrestle --God's with Jacob and Jacob's with God</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the morrow? Was He not trying to teach him how crime always comes home<br> to <b>roost</b>, with a brood of pains running behind it? Was not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the twofold wrestlegods with jacob.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_37_1891/am_i_a_sea_or.htm"><span class="l">"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"</span></a> <br><b>...</b> make merry all the day, for "they count it one of the wisest things to drive dull<br> care away"; but dull care, like the chickens, comes home to <b>roost</b> at night. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm</font><p><a href="/library/forsyth/the_soul_of_prayer/chapter_ii_the_naturalness_of.htm"><span class="l">The Naturalness of Prayer</span></a> <br><b>...</b> things in the world. It is the effectuation of all Nature, which comes home<br> to <b>roost</b> there, and settles to its rest. It is the last <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter ii the naturalness of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_18_1872/the_great_assize.htm"><span class="l">The Great Assize</span></a> <br><b>...</b> it will be for the malicious man to have for ever to gnaw his own envious heart,<br> to find his malice come home to him, as birds come home to <b>roost</b>, to hoot for <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the great assize.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/sermons_on_proverbs/the_wandering_bird.htm"><span class="l">The Wandering Bird</span></a> <br><b>...</b> You have wandered from your nest. And do you mean to wander on? Is yours<br> to be forever the flight of a bird that hath no <b>roost</b>? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the wandering bird.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_4_1858/the_conversion_of_saul_of.htm"><span class="l">The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus</span></a> <br><b>...</b> so much as John. He is a ringleader in all vice. If there is a hen <b>roost</b><br> to be robbed, Jack's your man. If there is any iniquity <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the conversion of saul of.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/roost.htm"><span class="l"><b>Roost</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> to perch. 6. (vi) Fig.; To lodge; to rest; to sleep. Multi-Version Concordance<br><b>Roost</b> (4 Occurrences). Matthew 13:32 which is less <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/roost.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/perch.htm"><span class="l">Perch (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (n.) A pole; a long staff; a rod; esp., a pole or other support for fowls to<br><b>roost</b> on or to rest on; a <b>roost</b>; figuratively, any elevated resting place or <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/perch.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rooster.htm"><span class="l">Rooster (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rooster.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/grows.htm"><span class="l">Grows (46 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Luke 13:19 It is like a mustard seed which a man drops into the soil in his garden,<br> and it grows and becomes a tree in whose branches the birds <b>roost</b>." (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/grows.htm - 19k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/roomy.htm"><span class="l">Roomy (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/roomy.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/drops.htm"><span class="l">Drops (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Luke 13:19 It is like a mustard seed which a man drops into the soil in his garden,<br> and it grows and becomes a tree in whose branches the birds <b>roost</b>." (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/drops.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mounts.htm"><span class="l">Mounts (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mark 4:32 and when it has been sown, mounts up and becomes greater than all herbs,<br> and produces great branches, so that the birds of heaven can <b>roost</b> under its <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mounts.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/produces.htm"><span class="l">Produces (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mark 4:32 and when it has been sown, mounts up and becomes greater than all herbs,<br> and produces great branches, so that the birds of heaven can <b>roost</b> under its <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/produces.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/becomes.htm"><span class="l">Becomes (138 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Luke 13:19 It is like a mustard seed which a man drops into the soil in his garden,<br> and it grows and becomes a tree in whose branches the birds <b>roost</b>." (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/becomes.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/soil.htm"><span class="l">Soil (59 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Luke 13:19 It is like a mustard seed which a man drops into the soil in his garden,<br> and it grows and becomes a tree in whose branches the birds <b>roost</b>." (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/soil.htm - 23k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/hierarchy-in-the-family.html">Should there be hierarchy in the family? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Assyria-in-the-Bible.html">What is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/roost.htm">Roost: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Roost (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Matthew 13:32</a></span><br />which is less indeed than all seeds, but when it is grown is greater than herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of heaven come and <span class="boldtext">roost</span> in its branches.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Mark 4:32</a></span><br />and when it has been sown, mounts up and becomes greater than all herbs, and produces great branches, so that the birds of heaven can <span class="boldtext">roost</span> under its shadow.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/13-19.htm">Luke 13:19</a></span><br />It is like a mustard seed which a man drops into the soil in his garden, and it grows and becomes a tree in whose branches the birds <span class="boldtext">roost</span>."<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/zephaniah/2-14.htm">Zephaniah 2:14</a></span><br />Herds will lie down in the midst of her, all the animals of the nations. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar beams.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/roost.htm">Roost</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/crow.htm">Crow (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/crows.htm">Crows (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deny.htm">Deny (48 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/crowed.htm">Crowed (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/remembered.htm">Remembered (120 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wept.htm">Wept (78 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/twice.htm">Twice (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/denied.htm">Denied (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tonight.htm">Tonight (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/broke.htm">Broke (153 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/immediately.htm">Immediately (141 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/talking.htm">Talking (208 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/roost.htm">Roost (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spoken.htm">Spoken (631 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/certainly.htm">Certainly (415 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/y/yes.htm">Yes (511 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/onto.htm">Onto (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gateway.htm">Gateway (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/whether.htm">Whether (239 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/won't.htm">Won't (144 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/invoke.htm">Invoke (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/roosting-places.htm">Roosting-places (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/midnight.htm">Midnight (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/porch.htm">Porch (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bitterly.htm">Bitterly (36 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swore.htm">Swore (109 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swear.htm">Swear (99 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/evening.htm">Evening (163 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/morning.htm">Morning (264 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/understand.htm">Understand (208 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/moment.htm">Moment (71 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/watch.htm">Watch (203 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/curse.htm">Curse (211 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/speaking.htm">Speaking (376 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter (181 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lay.htm">Lay (524 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lord's.htm">Lord's (548 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/r/roomy.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Roomy"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Roomy" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/r/rooster.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Rooster"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Rooster" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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