“Foxes have dens and birds have nests”
Matthew 8:20
Figure of speechSettledJesus
Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.' (Matthew 8:20 BSB)
What it sounds like today
A poetic complaint about homelessness.
The cultural key
Said to an eager scribe volunteering to follow. The creatures lowest on the scale, vermin foxes and common birds, have fixed homes; the one Daniel says receives everlasting dominion has none. Jesus had left home and trade for the road, dependent on hospitality town to town.
Recovered meaning
A cost disclosure before enrollment: following this king means his itinerant, unprovisioned life. Count the cost: the animals are better housed than the kingdom's bearer.
Parallels: Luke 9:58