Animals have a special place in the Bible. They were created on the sixth day. On this day God also made people. Animals are created according to their nature. Every animal is different. Some animals are used by humans as pack animals or for the production of wool, milk and meat. Other animals are dangerous, such as the lion, the snake and the bear. There are also animals that are mentioned in the Bible because of their character. The ant is an example of diligence. Every animal is different and every animal has its own symbolic meaning in the Bible.
Animals in the Bible
The Bible describes how God created animals. Genesis 1:24-25 states that God created the animals: ‘God made every kind of wild animal, every livestock, and everything that moves on the face of the earth.’ The Bible tells us that the breath of life dwells in them (Genesis 7:15). When God created animals, He declared their creation to be “good” (Genesis 1:25). The first man, Adam, gave each animal its own name (Genesis 2:20). Because the animals are important, they are saved from the flood with Noah in the ark (Genesis 6:19).
The symbolic meaning of animals
Animals of course have a literal meaning in the Bible. When Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, the donkey is primarily a concrete beast of burden that someone can sit on (Matthew 21:1-11). The fact that Jesus is sitting on a donkey also has a symbolic meaning. A donkey is a simple beast of burden. A king should enter the capital on horseback. By riding on a donkey, Jesus shows that He is another, a serving king. In the story the literal and figurative meaning come together. That’s a symbol. Our word ‘symbol’ is derived from the Greek verb ‘syn-ballein’ which means ‘to coincide’. In the symbolic meaning, the concrete and figurative meaning coincide. Many animals in the Bible have a symbolic meaning.
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Eagle or eagle
An eagle is another name for the eagle. It’s the same bird. The eagle is an impressive bird of prey. The speed of the eagle is used proverbially in the Bible: ,They were faster than an eagle, (2 Samuel 1:23). The proverbial writer compares the speed of an eagle to the fleetingness of money and wealth: ‘As soon as you fly towards wealth, it is already gone. Suddenly he takes wings and flies like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:5). The wings of the eagle symbolize God’s love and faithfulness for the people of Israel: ,As the eagle watches over its young and soars above it, spreads out its wings and bears its young, so the LORD guides his people, (Deuteronomy 32:11).
Bear
‘As strong as a bear’, says the well-known expression. In addition to strength, the bear also symbolizes anger and cruelty. This can be seen in several Bible passages, such as in 2 Kings 2:24, where a group of 42 young men insult the prophet Elisha. God stands up for Elisha’s integrity by sending two female bears to prey on the group of young men. Another story in which the bear represents anger and cruelty is found in Daniel 7:5, which compares the evil kingdom of Persia to a bear. In Jeremiah’s lamentations, God’s wrath is compared to that of a bear. The prophet writes, “Though I cry and cry for help, He will not hear my prayer. He blocks my way with rocks, and he makes my paths crooked. Like a bear he watches over me, like a lion in secret. He pushes me aside, he tears me apart and destroys my life” (Lamentations 3:8-11).
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Pigeon
The pigeon is a special bird. He is peaceful and can be tamed. According to Jewish law, the dove is a clean bird and is the only bird that can be used as a sacrificial animal. Doves also symbolize purity, restoration and peace. This is seen in the story of Noah, when the dove brought back an olive branch and showed God’s renewed peace toward humanity (Genesis 8). The dove with the olive branch is often seen on gravestones to symbolize eternal peace. The dove is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The dove appeared at Jesus’ baptism, where it came down from heaven and rested on Him (John 1:32).
Donkey
The donkey symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecy. This can be seen in several events in the Bible. The most memorable example is when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (Luke 19:28-40). In this the prophecy of Zechariah is fulfilled: ‘Shout, O Zion, Jerusalem, shout for joy! Your king is coming, clothed with righteousness and victory. Humbly he comes riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). Another example is the donkey that spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:22-35).
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The donkey and the ox in the nativity scene
The donkey and the ox are often found together in the nativity scene. It is historically extremely unlikely that these two animals were actually at the place where Jesus was placed in the manger. The evangelist Luke, who reports the birth of Jesus, mentions nothing about their presence. The donkey and the ox in the nativity scene refer to the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish people. In Isaiah 1:3 it says: ‘An ox knows its master, a donkey knows its manger, but Israel lacks understanding, my people live in ignorance.’ The ox and the donkey reproach Israel for having rejected the Messiah. Church history shows that this idea can be a source of anti-Semitism.
Deer
The deer is beautiful, slender and fast. It is one of the most graceful and fastest wild animals in the Bible. So they are a good symbol of beauty and speed. This beauty is sung, for example, in the Song of Songs: ‘My love is like a gazelle, like the young of a stag’ (Song of Songs 2:9). The swiftness of the deer is mentioned in Psalm 18. There the poet says: ‘The God who girdes me with strength leads me in a perfect path, He gives me feet as swift as hinds’ (Psalm 18:33-34). A thirsty deer represents the longing for God: “As the doe longs for flowing waters, so longs my soul for you, O God” (Psalm 42:2).
Dog
Dogs are spoken of negatively in the Bible. Dogs are unclean animals. They eat unclean things (including carrion) and can bark and bite aggressively at people. The pet dog, as we own and care for a dog, did not exist in ancient Israel. Dogs were considered despicable. The enemies were called dogs: “Dogs surround me, and a fierce army envelops me” (Psalm 22:17). That some idolaters would be killed and torn apart by dogs in humiliation (1 Kings 14:11; 16:4; 21:23, 24; 2 Kings 9:10, 36; Jeremiah 15:3). This meant that after an unclean life an unclean death awaits them.
The dog in the New Testament
The New Testament also has nothing good to say about the dog. We see this, for example, in the answer that Jesus gave to the Greek woman, the Syrophoenician, whose daughter was seriously tormented by a demon: It is not good to take away the children’s bread and feed it to the dogs (Matthew 15: 26 , 27; Mark 7:27, 28). The dogs are the ones who are not of the chosen people of God. The dogs mean the evil people, as it is written in the letter to the Philippians: ‘Beware of the dogs and their evil practices’ (Philippians 3:2). The apostle John writes in Revelation: “Outside is the place for the dogs that practice witchcraft and fornication, murder and idolatry, for everyone who cherishes a lie and practices it” (Revelation 22:15).
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Camel
The camel is traditionally called the ship of the desert. Camels are distinctly desert animals. A camel in good condition can travel approximately 175 km per day. Camels are also precious animals. In the Bible, the number of camels a person owns is mentioned to express his wealth. For example, Job has 3,000 camels (Job 1:3). Jesus also mentions camels in the context of wealth, but in a different perspective: ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25 ).
Frog
The frog is an unclean animal in the Bible. In the second plague, the Egyptians are swamped by frogs (Exodus 7:27-8:11). Frogs penetrate everywhere. They pollute water, land, homes and people. They pose a threat to humans. In the Bible they only appear negatively. Particularly in the Bible book of Revelation in which the frog symbolizes demonic power. John sees in a vision: ‘Then I saw that out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits came out in the form of frogs. These are demonic spirits” (Revelation 16:13).
Lion
The lion is known for its power and majesty. The lion is a brave and courageous animal: ‘As brave as a lion’ (2 Samuel 17:10). The lion is the king of the animals, as beautifully depicted in the Disney film ‘The Lion King’. The Bible also calls the lion the king: ‘the lion is the king of the beasts and will stop at nothing’ (Proverbs 30:30). When patriarch Jacob blesses his sons, he calls Judah a lion. The tribe of Judah will rule in majesty and glory.
Judah, your brothers will rejoice in you, the enemy will bow down to you, my sons will bow down to you. Strong as a young lion you are, you conquer your prey, my son, and return to your lair. Judah lies down like a lion, full of majesty he lies down – who would dare to wake him? The scepter will remain in Judah’s hands, and the ruler’s staff between his feet, until he comes who has the right to it, whom all nations will serve. (Genesis 48:8-10)
Jesus as the Lion of Judah
The lion in the Bible refers to Jesus. Jesus is also a king. He rules with majesty and power. In the Revelation of John it is said that Jesus has achieved victory as the lion of the tribe of Judah: ‘Do not be sad. For the lion of the tribe of Judah, the descendant of David, has prevailed.” (Revelation 5:5)
The lion as enemy
The lion is a predator. It is dangerous to meet a lion in the wild. He can tear you apart. Daniel’s life was in danger when he was thrown into the lion’s den (Daniel 6). The lion is sometimes used in the Bible as an image of the enemy. Psalm 17:12 says, “My enemy is a lion that hunts for prey, a predator that lurks in hiding.” In Psalm 22:22: ‘Deliver me from the lion’s mouth’. The Bible also promises that God will provide protection and that the dangerous lion will be defeated: ‘You will trample the lion and the adder, and crush the beast of prey and the serpent’ (Psalm 91:13).
Satan as a lion
Although the lion in the Bible generally represents the victory of Jesus, the lion can also be associated with the great adversary. The lion can also symbolize Satan or the devil. The apostle Peter warns Christians against the devil, saying, “Be alert, be on your guard, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking prey” (1 Peter 5:8).
Ants
The ant symbolizes working together in groups. Ants are seen in the Bible as wise and hardworking animals. One of the proverbs says, “Go to the ants, you sluggard, and see how they work and become wise” (Proverbs 6:6). The ant’s high work ethic is praised: ‘The ants are not strong, but in the summer they build up a supply’ (Proverbs 30:25). The ant can be an example for churches through its ability to collaborate and focus on community.
Horse
A horse is a noble animal. It is graceful and strong. God the Creator asks the rebellious Job: ‘Do you give the horse its strength? Do you clothe his neck with a lush mane?’ (Job 39:19). In Biblical times, horses were for the great. Such as the Assyrians, who are described by the prophet Ezekiel as: ‘warriors dressed in purple, horsemen on horseback, governors and governors, all attractive young men’ (Ezekiel 23: 5-6). In Revelation 6 the horse and rider are images of the different phases of the end times. Finally, a white horse appears with a rider called Faithful and Trustworthy, who judges righteously and fights a righteous battle (Revelation 19:11). This rider refers to Jesus.
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Raven
The raven is a symbol of unrest. The symbolism is connected to the story of Noah and the ark. The raven was the first bird released by Noah. Raven left the ark and did not return. The raven flew back and forth until the earth was dry (Genesis 8:7). After the raven, Noah releases a dove, but it returns twice more. A raven is a bird that feels more at home in inhospitable areas than the pigeon. The raven is also a sign of God’s providence. When Elijah hid in the wilderness, God sent ravens with meat to feed him (1 Kings 17:6). It is special how this unclean and gluttonous bird is used to provide food for a servant of God.
Beef
Cattle are large and strong animals. A Biblical passage refers to the ‘strength of the ox’ (Proverbs 14:4). Sacrificing one of these large animals to the Lord was a sacrifice of great economic value because the skin, meat, and ability to produce offspring were given up at the time the animal was sacrificed. Cattle were also working animals in ancient Israel. This had to be taken good care of. “For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that threshes” (1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9:9).
Sheep
A sheep is a herd animal par excellence. Sheep are vulnerable, weak, slow. They are barely able to defend themselves against predators. A sheep that strays from the flock is quickly doomed. In Bible times there were many flocks of sheep. The shepherds had to lead the sheep to nutritious pasture and protect them from thieves and wild animals. This image is often used in the Bible. The sheep then refer to the people of Israel or to the followers of Jesus, the Christians. The Bible book of Ezekiel (34:5) states about the people of Israel: ‘Without a shepherd they were scattered and were devoured by wild beasts. My sheep are scattered.” For example, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4).
Lamb
A young sheep, a lamb, is completely defenseless. A lamb symbolizes vulnerability. The lamb is most commonly used to represent Jesus Christ (John 1:29). Jesus is called ‘the Lamb of God’. He was sacrificed as a lamb, died on the cross. Words of the prophet Isaiah resonate in this: ‘Like a lamb He was led to the slaughter; like a sheep before its shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7b).
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Snake
The snake primarily refers to the devil. It was the serpent that tempted Eve to sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). The serpent was cursed by the Lord: ‘Cursed are you for doing this; from now on the cattle will avoid you, the wild beasts will turn away; on your belly you shall crawl, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:14). In the last book of Revelation the serpent is again explicitly spoken of as the great adversary: ‘The great dragon was thrown to the earth. He is the serpent of old, who is called the Devil or Satan, who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).
The snake on a pole
When a snake is depicted on a pole, it symbolizes healing and God’s mercy. The Israelites were lamenting in the wilderness after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. God then caused poisonous snakes to strike the people. Many of them were killed (Numbers 21:4-9). When they repented, God commanded Moses to make a serpent of brass; all who looked upon it were healed. For centuries the Israelites continued to worship this copper serpent by burning incense to him. King Hezekiah put an end to this by smashing the bronze serpent (2 Kings 18:4). Centuries later, Jesus uses this image in the conversation with the scribe Nicodemus to indicate that he can bring about grace by being exalted on the cross. Jesus says, “The Son of Man must be lifted up, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).
The smart snake
The snake is a smart animal. If you interpret that negatively then you call them cunning. Genesis 3 verse 1 says about the serpent: ‘Of all the wild creatures that the LORD God had made, the serpent was the most cunning.’ Jesus uses the serpent as a positive example of sagacity when he warns his disciples: “Remember, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be as discerning as a serpent, but as innocent as a dove” (Matthew 10:16).
Grasshopper
In our country you can find one or more locusts in the grass. In warm countries they can occur in large flocks. These swarms of locusts are a real plague. They devour trees and shrubs in a short time. Nothing remains of the crop in the field after a swarm of locusts has passed over it. A swarm of locusts is a real plague. The Egyptians experienced this during the eighth plague (Exodus 10:12, 19). Israel believes that God has the power to bring the locusts, for example as punishment. The Lord says in Joel 2 verse 25: ‘I will compensate you for the harvest of years that was devoured by all the swarms of locusts, by my great army that I sent against you.’ God can send the locusts in judgment, but He can also make them disappear. The locust is therefore an important symbol for penance and prayer during disasters (1 Kings 8:37).
This is what the LORD God has shown me: I saw him creating a swarm of locusts just as the grass was growing. (That is the grass that comes up after the king has already mowed.) And when the locusts devoured the last green of the land, I said, O LORD my God, forgive the people of Jacob, how can they do this? can survive? It’s so small!’ Then the LORD had compassion: “It will not happen,” said the LORD. (Amos 7:1-3)
owl
People call it ‘as wise as an owl’. In the Bible, the owl does not represent wisdom, but symbolizes mourning and desolation, because the owl mainly lives in darkness. ‘I have lost weight due to my complaining. I am like an owl in the desert, a little owl in a desolate ruin’ (Psalm 102: 6,7). The owl is an unclean bird. It likes to live around graves and rotting structures.
Pig
Pigs often symbolize gluttony. When pigs are mentioned in the Bible, they are shown in a negative light. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 13-32), the prodigal son reaches a low point when, as a swineherd, he wants to feed on the food intended for the pigs. Since pigs are unclean animals according to the laws of Moses, this is very humiliating. In another story, demons beg Jesus to be sent into a herd of pigs (Matthew 8:28-34). Jesus warns his disciples not to throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).
Fish
On the fifth day of creation, God creates the fish (Genesis 1:20). The Bible does not explicitly distinguish between the different types of fish. Fish, large fish and sea creatures are the distinctions made in the Bible. In Christian tradition, the fish is a central symbol of the work of Jesus. Some of his disciples were fishermen before they were called to follow Jesus and become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18-19, Mark 1:16-17; Luke 5:10-11). The stories of the miraculous catch of fish are also important (Luke 5:1-11; John 21:1-14). The miraculous feeding, in which Jesus feeds a large crowd with five loaves and two fish, is a symbol of God’s good care (Matthew 14:19).
The big fish and Jonah
The most famous fish in the Bible is the great fish that swallowed Jonah and spit him out on the beach after three days (Jonah 2:1). This fish represents divine intervention and space to reflect. This large fish is also reminiscent of sea monsters. It therefore represents the underworld. That God sends this great fish symbolizes His power over the forces of chaos and death.
To fly
Because flies spread disease and death, these insects symbolize sin and death. The fly symbolizes Satan, who is referred to as Beelzebub. In the Old Testament the Philistine idol is called Baal-zebub (2 Kings 1:6). In Hebrew it means ‘lord of the flies’. In the New Testament, the scribes accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub. They said, He is possessed by Beelzebub, and, By the prince of demons he can cast out demons (Mark 3:22).
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Wolf
The wolf is a dangerous and vicious predator that you should be wary of. When patriarch Jacob blesses his youngest son Benjamin, he says of him: ‘Benjamin, a ravening wolf; In the morning he devours his prey, in the evening he divides the prey” (Genesis 49:27). The wolf also symbolizes the enemy of the believers. In John 10:12 the believers, the sheep, are warned: ‘The wolf attacks the flock and scatters the sheep’. In the vision of the new heaven and the new earth the threat will be over. The prophet Isaiah speaks about this graphically by saying that a wolf will lie down next to a lamb (Isaiah 11:6) and that the wolf and the lamb will feed together (Isaiah 65:25).
Worm
The worm is an insignificant animal. In the Bible, this animal symbolizes nothingness and horror. In Psalms 22 verse 7 the poet says of himself: ‘But I am a worm, and not a man, despised by all, despised by the people’. Due to all the adversity he has to endure, Job no longer has a positive image of humanity: ‘What can man do, but a worm?’ (Job 25:6a).
Where the worm doesn’t die
In 1999, director Peter Gielissen presented his documentary ‘Where the worm does not die’. This NPS documentary paints a picture of the orthodox Reformed faith life. The documentary was recorded in the Betuwe village of Opheusden. The title of the documentary refers to the fear of God’s judgment that is common within Reformed denominations. The title is a quote from the Bible. In Mark 9 verses 43 to 48, Jesus warns his followers to resist temptations, otherwise they will be cast into Gehenna, a type of hell. According to Jesus, that is the place where the worm does not die but continues to gnaw and where the fire is not extinguished (Mark 9:47). Here Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah who says: ‘When they go out of the city, they will see the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me: the worm that gnaws at them will not die, and the fire in which they burn will not be quenched; they are abhorred by all flesh” (Isaiah 66:24).
read more
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- What does the Bible say about the devil or Satan?
- The symbolic meaning of trees in the Bible
- The symbolic meaning of body parts in the Bible
- The symbolic meaning of colors in the Bible