After God created the world, the scripture recorded that God saw that everything He created was good.
Genesis 1:31 says, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
Butterflies are not an exception whenever we see them. They are one of the most attractive creatures in nature.
We are in awe of its beauty and the glory of God when we see them. There is a phrase we often use that “God is transforming us like a butterfly” but there is no bible verse for this statement.
However, there are scriptures about what butterflies symbolize. They have different symbols and meanings for different people.
They are so unique that they change their appearance often to attract a mate and they are of different colours.
Butterflies are creatures of metamorphosis, transforming from crawling caterpillars into breathtaking butterflies.
This beautiful personal transformation from caterpillar to butterfly has the same analogy to Christ's conversion, resurrection, and transfiguration.
The old life dies, and the new life begins. In many traditions, the yellow butterfly is the symbol of resurrection into a new life.
They are one of the very few animals that can transform from one thing into something different.
Some Christian tradition is of the opinion that butterflies are a symbol of the native souls coming to the earth, other Western countries believe that they are brave forces that watch over their loved ones or visit their loved ones from beyond the graves.
Whilst the Native American culture believes that they send a message of hope when they hoover near the grave of a loved one. In this article, we will be looking at how these beautiful creatures come to be, their symbols, spiritual meaning, and their types.
Where is Butterfly written in the bible?
The Bible did not specifically reference the butterfly anywhere in the scripture but the life cycle of transformation and the new beginnings of a butterfly reminds us of the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.
However, there are bible verses that have the characteristics and spiritual symbolism of a butterfly. It depicts the beautiful picture of spiritual rebirth.
The Lifecycle of a Butterfly
Butterflies develop through a process called Metamorphosis. The Greek word for Metamorphosis is called Metamorpheo.
This means transformation or change in shape. This describes the type of positive change a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly. Caterpillars go through four stages of growth namely; egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
They start by laying many eggs on leaves which sometimes does not reach the metamorphosis stage. Their eggs are oval or round depending on the type of butterfly.
These eggs become larvae as soon as they hatch. At this stage, the butterfly is in tiny caterpillar form with small eyes, short legs, and antennae and they grow as they eat.
At the pupa stage, they lack the juvenile hormone. This hormone causes the caterpillar to form the cocoon or the shiny chrysalis around itself transforming into a beautiful butterfly.
The cocoon is mostly hidden under a leaf or branches and hangs in there. Nothing might appear to be happening on the outside, but inside the cocoon is completely different.
The adult stage is the final stage of the butterfly. The baby butterfly will break loose from the cocoon.
The hemolymph (blood-like substance) will be pumped into its wings, legs eyes, and other parts of the body so that it can fly as it takes some time to stretch out its legs and antennae.
As soon as this occurs, the butterfly will take off and find a new mate, and start the process again.
Just as butterflies are, at Jesus’ transfiguration, his physical appearance was temporarily metamorphosed from an ordinary human to a divine being in all his glory. Hallelujah!
Butterfly Symbolism
Some believers and philosophers admit that butterflies symbolize meaningful changes clearly because they are one of the few animals that change from one thing into something completely distinctive.
All over the world, people see the butterfly as representing change, endurance, hope, and life.
They believe that whenever a butterfly lands on you, it means you are being watched over and that someone is sending you a message from the spiritual world.
Many spiritual traditions often see butterflies as a sign of transformation, growth, and rebirth.
The life of a butterfly from caterpillar to cocoon to a fully developed butterfly, is a process seen as a symbol of personal growth and spiritual transformation.
In some cultures, they are linked with the soul, and the figure of a butterfly taking flight is seen as the image of the soul’s journey after death.
Butterflies are often associated with the beauty and lightness of being. Their proficiency to move and fly freely is seen as a symbol of liberty and release from earthly challenges.
Moreover, the species and colours of butterflies have spiritual significance. There are some scriptures about what butterflies symbolize.
When the caterpillar thinks its life is over, it turns out to be more beautiful having a new life.
We can take the caterpillar as our old self, when it transforms into a cocoon, we can think of that as the transfiguration period where Jesus begins working on our hearts.
When the butterfly surfaces, it is symbolic of us emerging anew in Christ. This is what it looks like when we choose to follow Christ, when we decide to live behind the old man i.e. the old man in us dies while we emerge as a new creation in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
It is the same God who takes a caterpillar and transforms it into a butterfly, transforming sinners into saints.
Examples are a few biblical figures that exhibit what butterflies symbolize in the bible: Jacob, who deceived his father in other to gain God’s blessings from Isaac.
He brought the animal and gave it to his mother Rebekah who prepared them. Rebekah gave Jacob Esau’s clothes to wear and also served him the meal Isaac requested.
Isaac asked Jacob a few times if he is Esau but Jacob lied. In the end, Jacob was blessed by Isaac (Genesis 27:14-29) Isaiah even refers to Jacob’s previous existence as a lowly insect.
In Jacob’s caterpillar-to-butterfly experience, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. His name change reflects Jacob’s complete makeover.
Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, Sara to Sarah, Saul to Paul, and Simon to Peter. They were given new names in other to have new beginnings.
This is what being a believer and living a life for Christ is about. Becoming something much better.
Types of Butterflies and Their Meaning
God uses the symbols of a butterfly in His word to describe what He does with us. That is, He has created us, and we are hidden in our cocoon.
Some Christian cultures believe that God communicates with us through butterflies. They think that God wants to disclose something to you or re-evaluate your life.
For instance, the bible tells us the stories about God sending a donkey to communicate with Balaam anda ravento Elijah in the desert are true, then any butterfly seen is a messenger from God.
Numbers 22:21-28 says,“Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. Now the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road. Then the Angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she pushed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck her again. Then the Angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
Brown Butterfly Meaning
This is a sign that God is reminding someone of his unrighteousness. There needs to be repentance and restoration through prayer in other to mend their relationship with God.
However, a comparison has been made between human beings and butterflies.
Psalm 102:3-4 admonishes“For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread.”
The brown butterfly could also be a messenger of success in some cultures and the messenger of the spirits of departed loves.
Red Butterfly Meaning
The red butterflies symbolize God’s favor and presence. The characteristic is that it floats into the air instead of falling to the ground.
John 12:32 says,“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to myself”
In the same vein, Jesus will be raised up from the earth and many will be drawn to follow Him to heaven.
Orange Butterfly Meaning
This is a sign of reassurance, encouragement, and hope that all will be well.
The scripture tells us in Psalm 42:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him. For the help of His countenance.”
I remind you that God is just by the corner when things don’t turn the way we expect.
Cabbage butterfly meaning
Cabbage butterflies are a sign of hope and good luck.
Black Butterfly Meaning
Black butterflies often symbolize transformation or change. In most cases, it signifies mourning, the death of a loved one, or nearby temptation.
As the above may seem negative, the black butterfly could also symbolize new beginnings and symbol of hope for the future.
White Butterfly Meaning
The white butterflies are the direct opposite of a black butterfly. The white butterfly represents rebirth and renewal.
A sign of going from one stage of great significance to another. The Native American tribes think that when someone sees a white butterfly in the dream it means good luck, joy, and happiness.
The Chinese culture sees it as a symbol of marital bliss and long-lasting love, the Japanese culture relates white butterflies with young love and happiness.
While some Christians believe is a messenger from God that delivers a spiritual awakening.
When you are visited by a white butterfly in your home, some traditions believe it is a sign of a new beginning and could represent your spirit animal guide.
Monarch Butterfly Meaning
The monarch butterflies symbolize great change or promotion to a higher level of relevance of hope and good tidings. Although, it symbolizes loss sometimes.
Yellow Butterfly Meaning
The meaning of yellow butterflies are often associated with the day and they carry important spiritual messages.
Messages such as answers to prayers, God watching over you, miracles, and angelic help.
It symbolizes good things coming your way. In many cultures, it is associated with happiness, sunshine, and new beginnings.
What Yellow Butterfly Symbolizes Spiritually?
These creatures begin as caterpillars but they go through a transformation process called metamorphosis before becoming something beautiful.
This process is like moving from one season to another, the end of one cycle and the start of another.
The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly can be likened to the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Similarly, as Christ was born, then He died on the cross of Calvary for us and buried in the tomb carries a powerful spiritual message.
Just when everyone on the outside thought Christ was gone forever after His death, something dramatic was happening on the inside in the grave- there was a spiritual exchange as seen in Mark 15:29- 30
“Andthose who passed by blasphemed Him,wagging their heads and saying, “Aha!Youwho destroy the temple and builditin three days,save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”
The scripture also tells us in Mark 16:2- 6
“Very early in the morning, on the firstdayof the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him”.
Christ arose from the grave, He paid the price for our sins with His blood so that we can be victorious. Glory to God! In the same vein, just like the cocoon in the life of a butterfly.
When the butterfly is cocooned, and it seems as though that is the end, they are recreated again into a new life, as we are when we believe in Jesus Christ.
However, we have been given the hint of the invisible feature and power of God looking at the life of a butterfly created by God.
Yellow butterflies have different meanings to different people. Some people believe it brings about new beginnings, happiness, and hope while others believe it represents enlightenment, wisdom, and knowledge.
In some cultures, they believe yellow butterflies bring blessings, happiness, and good fortune, which means positive happenings are on the horizon.
It is worthy of note that because the transformation of butterflies nudges us towards godly thinking does not mean it is a spiritual thing.
Romans 1: 20 tells us that “For since the creation of the worldHis invisibleattributesare clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,evenHis eternal power and[g]Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
This means God has given each person the knowledge to seek Him. Whosoever responds by seeking God will surely find Him.
However, if we do not put together the basic nature of God from what He creates and seek the same, it means we are simply ignoring the pieces of evidence of God all around.
Therefore, when we look at the life of a butterfly, we can see the power of God and His divine nature.
What are the lessons learned from the life of a Butterfly as believers?
As seen in the scriptures in 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Being a believer and living a life through Christ, we must leave our old lives behind so that we can become something much better.
Just as the butterfly leaves its broken cocoon behind, we also must focus on our new life in Christ.
Butterflies feel total freedom breaking out of their cocoon. Therefore, as children of God, we must put off our old conduct and put on a new man created by God in holiness and righteousness.
Leave some bad behaviors behind to please the Lord. Ephesians 5: 22-24 says,
“That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness”
Just as the butterfly is physically transformed, God wants our minds to be transformed. He wants us to change how we behave by changing our thoughts. Romans 12: tells us
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
The scripture tells us in Isaiah 43:18-19
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”
We often miss out on what God has reserved for our future when we hold on to the past.
The caterpillar voluntarily hangs upside down in the hope of what new life is to come. It does not attempt to hold onto its old form.
We must learn not to hold on to the past because the past has passed. God wants us to spread our wings just like the new butterfly.
When a caterpillar dies, it is not the end of its life. It only dies outwardly, the inside is transformed into something very beautiful.
Likewise, believers, although our earthly bodies wither as we grow older, God is preparing something much better for us in heaven. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 mentions,
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”
Just as the butterfly appears with a brand new body and life, we also are given a new spirit when we accept Christ as our Lord and follow Him as mentioned in Ezekiel 36:26
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh”
When we are deceived and pulled away from God, there is a hardening toward the righteousness and holiness of God.
We must admonish one another to avoid the hardening of the heart.God wants to restore us to a right relationship with Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your son Jesus to die for my salvation so that we may live.
Thank You for providing us with more than we ever asked for. We appreciate You for the beauty we see in nature and your steadfast love that we do not.
Gracious God, help us not to be transformed into the things of the world but to be renewed daily by Your word.
Continue to grant us hope, joy happiness, and renew Your Spirit in us. Eternal Rock of Ages, helps us to be kind and patient in our dark moments.
Grant us grace and strength to pull this phase through Christ our Lord. AMEN
Conclusion
Jesus has the final say over our lives. It seems as if nothing is happening when the butterfly is cocooned but in the end, it brings forth a new life, something unique and beautiful, just as we are when we believe in Jesus Christ.
We become new creatures, leaving our past behind. Similarly, as a caterpillar gets a new body in the form of a butterfly, we also as believers will shed our mortal bodies to obtain an eternal body with the Lord.
We will no longer be our old selves living in the immoral body but we will be a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Glory! (2 Corinthians 5: 1-5) Jesus died for us so that we can drop the heavy burdens at His feet.
When He was in the grave, everyone, even His disciples thought it was the end but Christ arose on the third day to give us life more abundantly, we are new creations in Christ.
