Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that capture the imagination. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair make them seem almost supernatural. Given these unique characteristics, it’s not surprising that hummingbirds take on symbolic meaning in many cultures and belief systems, including Christianity.
Hummingbirds in the Bible
Hummingbirds are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, there are several passages and themes from Scripture that Christians have connected to these tiny birds.
Swiftness and zeal
Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds, yet they have incredibly high metabolisms and rapid wing beats enabling them to hover and dart swiftly from flower to flower. Their dynamism and energetic spirit bring to mind verses like:
“I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:12)
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
Just as hummingbirds are zealous and swift in their pursuit of nectar, so Christians are called to pursue God’s Word and will with eagerness and diligence.
Resurrection
In cooler climates, hummingbirds migrate long distances every winter, appearing to “die” as they leave but “resurfacing” again in the spring. This cycle of departure and return mirrors the death and resurrection of Jesus. As such, the hummingbird’s resurrection-like cycle can symbolize Christ’s defeat of death.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Joy
Hummingbirds’ energetic nature and the sheer delight of seeing them dart from flower to flower with nimble grace bring joy to those who observe them. In the same way, Christians who dwell on God’s beauty and majesty can experience profound joy and comfort.
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)
Light and sweetness
The shimmering, iridescent colors of hummingbird feathers and their attraction to nectar connect them to themes of light and sweetness. As Christians walk in fellowship with God, they reflect Christ’s light and enjoy the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit.
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)
Hummingbirds as Christian symbols
In addition to biblical themes, Christians have made hummingbirds symbolic of specific spiritual concepts.
The Holy Spirit
Hummingbirds’ seemingly effortless ability to hover and fly backwards connects them with the Holy Spirit. Just as hummingbirds defy gravity through unseen power, it is the Spirit who enables believers to spiritually transcend the limitations of this world.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Resurrection and eternity
By virtue of their migratory habits and tenacity, hummingbirds have become symbols of resurrection and eternity. Whereas other birds may represent transcendence or temporary setbacks, the hummingbird elicits thoughts of Christ’s resurrection and the promise of eternal life for believers.
“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)
Overcoming limitations
Despite being one of world’s smallest birds, hummingbirds have incredible strength and stamina. Not only can they fly long distances, they can hover mid-air and rapidly change directions. Their athleticism enables them to overcome their physical limitations, representing the believer’s ability to overcome challenges by tapping into the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Delight in God’s blessings
Hummingbirds teach us to find joy in the small blessings of life. Their eagerness for each drop of nectar from a flower mirrors how Christians can delight in everything God gives, including his Word, his creation, and his presence in our lives.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Hummingbirds in Christian art and literature
Beyond the Bible, hummingbirds have appeared in Christian literary works and visual art as symbols of profound theological concepts.
Literature
- In C.S. Lewis’s book The Great Divorce, the narrator meets Sarah Smith in heaven, where she is surrounded by ornamental birds. When the narrator refers to them as “larks,” she corrects him saying, “I think you’ll find they’re hummingbirds.” This suggests that hummingbirds represent a higher celestial realm reflecting God’s glory.
- In Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard, the character Much-Afraid is transformed and given “hinds’ feet,” enabling her to ascend to new heights in her walk with God. The hummingbird appears in the story as a helper and guide for Much-Afraid, again symbolizing the Holy Spirit who gives believers strength and spiritual breakthrough.
Art
- Painter Gwyneth Leech created a series of works titled “Paraclete” depicting hummingbirds to symbolize the Holy Spirit, Paraclete being one of the names for the Spirit.
- Beaumont, California features a 35-foot tall sculpture of a hummingbird called Hummingbird of Light created by artist Mark Whitley. Featuring LED lights that cause the hummingbird to glow at night, it represents themes of resurrection and hope.
These artistic examples show how hummingbirds have provided creative inspiration around biblical themes and the Christian faith.
Hummingbird meanings in other faiths and cultures
Beyond Christianity, hummingbirds hold symbolic meaning in many world cultures:
Native American culture
- To the Aztec and Zapotec people, hummingbirds represented power and love.
- Some Northwest Native American tribes consider the hummingbird a messenger bird carrying wisdom from spirit realms.
- The Ojibwe tribe sees the hummingbird as a symbol of fidelity and commitment to promises.
Ancient Americas
- The Mayan civilization saw hummingbirds as symbols of life, joy and energy.
- Inca artwork depicted hummingbirds drinking nectar as a metaphor for drawing energy from life.
Asia
- In China, hummingbirds were thought to symbolize the “never resting spirit” of dead warriors.
- Across India, the hummingbird appears in folklore as a messenger, lover and warrior – sent by gods to earth on various quests.
Given their universality across cultures, hummingbirds serve as symbols carrying deep meaning about life, energy, eternity, and overcoming limitations through unseen power. While the Christian perspective has its own distinct emphasis, it echoes many shared intuitions about these amazing creatures.
Theological implications of hummingbird symbolism
When we reflect on the spiritual significance of hummingbirds, what theological truths and imperatives emerge?
God’s majesty in creation
Hummingbirds reveal the incredible artistry of God’s creation. Their elaborate feathers, astonishing speed and midair agility all speak to the Master Designer who made them for his glory.
“God made every kind of bird, each able to fly with its own unique wings. Then God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21)
The Spirit’s empowerment
If hummingbirds represent the Holy Spirit based on their hovering flight and overcoming limitations, Christians should rely on the Spirit to empower them beyond their natural abilities.
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Pursuing joy in God
Hummingbirds exemplify the beauty and pleasure found in God’s creation. Their joyful exploration of flowers reminds us to find our satisfaction in Christ above all.
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16:11)
Persevering through trials
The long migrations and resilience of hummingbirds in the midst of their small size speak to the believer’s call to persevere through hardship and pain.
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Summary
Hummingbirds have captivated people’s wonder and imagination across cultures for centuries. With their distinctive abilities and characteristics, they have become symbols of important concepts and divine truths.
For Christians, hummingbirds can represent the Holy Spirit, resurrection, overcoming limitations, light and joy. They appear in biblical themes and Christian literature to convey spiritual insights. While they carry varied meaning across world cultures, the unique traits of hummingbirds give them universal symbolic power.
When we reflect on the spiritual significance of hummingbirds, we are drawn to worship God for his creativity in creation. We are reminded of our dependence on the Spirit, our call to pursue joy in Christ, and the promise of resurrection after the trials of this life. Tiny hummingbirds with beating hearts that sync with the heartbeat of the Divine.
