In the Holy Bible, God shows His love for all His creatures, great and small. From the lion’s roar to the sparrow’s song, animals play special roles in God’s grand plan.
Bible verses about animals teach us valuable lessons about compassion, responsibility, and God’s care for His creation.
These scriptures remind us that animals are part of God’s family too. So, whether you’re a cat lover, a dog person, or just someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, let’s explore what the Bible says about animals.
Bible Verses About Animals
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.”
Commentary: This verse highlights humanity’s unique role as caretakers of God’s creation. Being made in God’s image involves a responsibility to rule over animals with compassion and wisdom, reflecting God’s own care for creation. This stewardship implies not only dominion but also a duty to protect and sustain the earth and its creatures.
Proverbs 12:10
“A righteous man has kind regard for the life of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.”
Commentary: Here, the Bible underscores the virtue of kindness towards animals as a mark of righteousness. It contrasts the behavior of the righteous, who care for their animals, with the wicked, whose supposed compassion is ultimately harmful. This verse encourages us to treat animals with empathy and respect, recognizing their value in God’s creation.
Job 12:7-10
“But now ask the animals, and let them teach you [that God does not deal with His creatures according to their character]; and ask the birds of the air, and let them tell you; or speak to the earth [with its many forms of life], and let it teach you; and let the fish of the sea declare [this truth] to you. Who among all these does not recognize [in all these things that good and evil are randomly scattered throughout nature and human life] that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?”
Commentary: Job acknowledges that animals and nature reflect the wisdom and sovereignty of God. This passage invites us to observe and learn from creation, recognizing God’s hand in sustaining all life. It emphasizes our interconnectedness with all living beings and the divine orchestration of life on earth.
Psalm 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like the great deep. O Lord, You preserve man and beast.”
Commentary: This verse celebrates God’s righteousness and His care for all creatures. The comparison of God’s judgments to the great deep signifies their depth and mystery, while His preservation of both humans and animals showcases His compassion and provision. It reassures us of God’s protective and sustaining power over all life.
Isaiah 11:6
“And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fatted steer together; and a little child will lead them.”
Commentary: This prophetic vision of peace in Isaiah depicts a future where natural enemies coexist harmoniously. It symbolizes the transformative power of God’s kingdom, where violence and predation give way to peace and mutual respect. This vision encourages us to hope for and work towards a world where all of creation lives in harmony.
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, nor reap the harvest, nor gather the crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?”
Commentary: Jesus uses the example of birds to illustrate God’s providential care. This verse reassures believers of their value to God, who provides for even the smallest creatures. It calls us to trust in God’s provision and to recognize His attentive care for all His creation.
Luke 12:6
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.”
Commentary: Jesus highlights God’s attention to even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures, like sparrows. This verse emphasizes God’s meticulous care and the inherent value of all His creation. It assures us that if God remembers the sparrows, He surely remembers and values each of us.
Romans 8:19-21
“For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly, but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”
Commentary: Paul speaks of creation’s longing for redemption and liberation from decay, paralleling humanity’s hope for salvation. This passage underscores the interconnectedness of all creation and God’s ultimate plan to restore and renew the earth along with His people. It reminds us of the cosmic scope of God’s redemptive work.
Deuteronomy 22:6-7
“If a bird’s nest happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.”
Commentary: This law reflects God’s concern for animal welfare and the preservation of species. By instructing not to take both the mother and young, it promotes sustainable practices and compassion towards animals. It teaches respect for life and the importance of allowing nature to thrive.
Psalm 104:24
“O Lord, how many and varied are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your riches and creatures.”
Commentary: This psalm praises God for the diversity and wisdom evident in His creation. It acknowledges the richness of the earth, teeming with life and filled with God’s creatures. This verse inspires awe and gratitude for the intricate and bountiful world God has made.
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20
“For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man in and of himself over an animal, for all is vanity. All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust.”
Commentary: These verses highlight the shared mortality of humans and animals, reminding us of our common origin and destiny. It calls us to humility and reflection on our transient nature, while also acknowledging the value of all life as part of God’s creation. It encourages us to live with respect and mindfulness towards all creatures.
Genesis 9:9-10
“Now behold, I am establishing My covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that is with you—the birds, the livestock, and the wild animals of the earth along with you, of everything that comes out of the ark—every living creature of the earth.”
Commentary: God’s covenant after the flood extends not only to Noah and his descendants but also to all living creatures. This demonstrates God’s inclusive care and commitment to the entire creation. It highlights the broad scope of God’s promises and His enduring faithfulness to all life.
Psalm 50:10-11
“For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine.”
Commentary: These verses declare God’s ownership and intimate knowledge of all creatures. They affirm that every animal, whether wild or domestic, belongs to God and is under His care. This recognition calls us to honor God’s sovereignty and to be mindful stewards of His creation.
Hosea 2:18
“In that day I will also make a covenant for them with the animals of the open country, and with the birds of the heavens, and with the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and will make them lie down in safety.”
Commentary: This prophecy envisions a future of peace and harmony, not only among humans but also among animals. God’s covenant with creation includes a promise of safety and the end of violence. It reflects God’s desire for a world where all His creatures can live without fear and in peace.
Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will do no evil or harm in all My holy mountain,” says the Lord.”
Commentary: Isaiah’s vision of a new creation depicts a profound transformation where natural predators coexist peacefully with their prey. This imagery symbolizes the complete restoration and reconciliation of all creation under God’s rule. It inspires hope for a future where violence and enmity are no more.
Jonah 4:11
“Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?”
Commentary: God’s concern for Nineveh includes not only its people but also its animals. This verse highlights the breadth of God’s mercy and compassion, extending to all living beings. It challenges us to embrace a similar expansive view of compassion and care for all of God’s creation.
Exodus 23:12
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall stop working so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant as well as your stranger may be refreshed.”
Commentary: The Sabbath commandment extends rest to animals, showing God’s concern for their well-being. This provision ensures that work animals also experience relief and rejuvenation, reflecting God’s care for all His creatures. It teaches us the importance of rest and compassion in our treatment of animals.
Leviticus 25:7
“Even your cattle and the [wild] animals that are in your land shall have all its crops to eat.”
Commentary: During the Sabbath year, the land was to lie fallow, and its produce was to be available for both domestic and wild animals. This provision underscores the principle of sabbath rest and provision for all of God’s creatures. It reflects a holistic view of care and sustainability in God’s creation.
Proverbs 27:23
“Be diligent to know the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.”
Commentary: This proverb emphasizes the importance of responsible and attentive stewardship of animals. It calls for diligence in caring for livestock, recognizing their value and the role they play in sustenance and livelihood. It teaches us to be conscientious and compassionate caretakers of the animals entrusted to us.
Psalm 148:10
“Beasts and all cattle; creeping things and winged birds;”
Commentary: This verse is part of a larger psalm that calls on all of creation to praise the Lord. It includes animals in the chorus of praise, recognizing their place in the divine order. It reminds us that all creatures reflect God’s glory and are called to honor Him.
Genesis 1:30
“And to all the animals on the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that moves on the ground—to everything in which there is the breath of life—I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so.”
Commentary: In the creation narrative, God provides for the dietary needs of all creatures. This verse highlights God’s provision and care for every living being. It underscores the interconnectedness of all life and God’s comprehensive plan for sustaining His creation.
Psalm 145:9
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].”
Commentary: This verse emphasizes God’s universal goodness and mercy, extending to all His creation. It reassures us of God’s compassionate nature and His care for every aspect of His work. It calls us to reflect God’s goodness in our interactions with all living beings.
Isaiah 40:11
“He will protect His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom; He will gently and carefully lead those nursing their young.”
Commentary: This verse portrays God as a tender shepherd, caring for His flock with gentleness and compassion. The imagery of God gathering and carrying lambs highlights His protective and nurturing nature. It encourages us to trust in God’s care and to emulate His gentleness in our own relationships with animals.
Matthew 10:29
“Are not two little sparrows sold for a copper coin? And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”
Commentary: Jesus uses the example of sparrows to illustrate God’s intimate involvement in His creation. This verse reassures us that God is aware of and cares for even the smallest and most seemingly insignificant creatures. It highlights God’s omnipresence and the value He places on all life.
Isaiah 43:20
“The beasts of the field will honor Me, jackals and ostriches, because I have given waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen.”
Commentary: This verse depicts animals acknowledging God’s provision in the wilderness. It underscores God’s care in providing for all His creatures, even in desolate places. It highlights the interdependence of creation and God’s provision for both His people and the animal world.
Daniel 6:22
“My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also before you, O king, I have committed no crime.”
Commentary: In this verse, Daniel recounts God’s miraculous intervention to protect him from lions. It illustrates God’s power and His ability to control even the fiercest animals. It reassures us of God’s protection and His sovereignty over all creatures, reinforcing our faith in His deliverance.
Job 38:41
“Who provides prey for the raven when its young cry to God and wander about without food?”
Commentary: God challenges Job with a series of questions highlighting His provision for all creatures. This verse points to God’s care for the raven, ensuring it has food to feed its young. It emphasizes God’s meticulous attention to the needs of all His creatures, showcasing His comprehensive care and provision.
Psalm 147:9
“He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry.”
Commentary: This psalm reiterates God’s role as the provider for all living beings. It acknowledges His care for even the animals, emphasizing His generous provision. It invites us to trust in God’s faithfulness and to recognize His sustaining power in all aspects of life.
Genesis 6:19-20
“And of every living thing found on land, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. Of birds according to their kind, of animals according to their kind, of every crawling thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every kind shall come to you to keep them alive.”
Commentary: God’s instructions to Noah to preserve animal life during the flood highlight His desire to protect and sustain all creation. This verse underscores the importance of biodiversity and God’s commitment to preserving life. It calls us to value and protect the diversity of God’s creation.
Deuteronomy 25:4
“You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating the grain].”
Commentary: This law reflects God’s concern for the welfare of working animals. It ensures that oxen are allowed to eat while they work, promoting fair treatment and compassion. It teaches us to consider the needs of animals and to act justly and kindly towards them.
Luke 12:24
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the crop]; they have no storehouse or barn, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds!”
Commentary: Jesus uses the example of ravens to illustrate God’s provision and to reassure us of our value to Him. This verse encourages trust in God’s care and His ability to meet our needs. It reminds us of God’s attentiveness to all His creation and our special place within it.
1 Corinthians 9:9-10
“For it is written in the Law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.’ Is it [only] for oxen that God cares? Or does He speak entirely for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the harvest.”
Commentary: Paul cites this law to illustrate broader principles of fairness and hope. While the law applies to animals, its underlying message concerns justice and the expectation of reward for labor. It reinforces God’s care for all creation and His desire for justice and equity in all our dealings.
Psalm 104:14
“He causes grass to grow for the cattle, and all that the earth produces for cultivation by man, so that he may bring food from the earth.”
Commentary: This verse celebrates God’s provision through the natural order. It acknowledges His role in causing grass to grow for cattle and providing resources for human cultivation. It highlights the interconnectedness of creation and God’s sustaining power, inviting us to give thanks for His providence.
Jeremiah 8:7
“Even the stork in the sky knows her seasons [of migration], and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their return. But My people do not know the law of the Lord.”
Commentary: Jeremiah uses the example of migratory birds to contrast their instinctive obedience with the people’s failure to follow God’s law. This verse highlights the wisdom inherent in creation and calls us to learn from nature’s example. It challenges us to be attuned to God’s guidance and to live in harmony with His will.
Numbers 22:28
“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?’
Commentary: In this remarkable story, God enables a donkey to speak to convey a message to Balaam. It illustrates God’s ability to use any part of His creation to fulfill His purposes and communicate His will. It reminds us of the importance of paying attention to God’s messages, even if they come from unexpected sources.
What Does the Bible Say About Animals
Animals hold a special place in the teachings of the Bible. From the very beginning, God’s creation of animals alongside humans reflects His wisdom and care for all living creatures.
Throughout the Scriptures, animals are often used as examples to illustrate profound spiritual truths. They demonstrate God’s creativity and diversity in the natural world, each species uniquely designed for its purpose. The Bible emphasizes stewardship over animals, showing that humans are responsible for their well-being and protection.
Animals are also seen as companions and helpers to humans, providing comfort, labor, and even symbolic representations in stories and parables. They highlight the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of treating all creatures with respect and kindness.
While animals are not endowed with the same spiritual qualities as humans, their existence and role in God’s creation are celebrated and valued. Understanding the biblical perspective on animals encourages us to appreciate their significance and fulfill our duty to care for them as part of God’s creation.