by The Bible provides wisdom and guidance on various aspects of life, including the relationship between humans and nature. Hunting, as an ancient practice, is referenced in several passages, offering insight into its ethical, spiritual, and practical dimensions. Join me on this journey to discover top Bible verses about hunting.
Bible Verses About Hunting
Genesis 9:3
“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; I give you everything as I gave you the green plants and vegetables.”
Commentary: This verse highlights God’s provision and the permission given to humanity to use animals for sustenance. It underscores the responsibility that comes with this permission, encouraging ethical and respectful hunting practices.
Genesis 27:3
“So now, please take your weapons, your quiver [of arrows] and your bow, and go out into the open country and hunt game for me.”
Commentary: Isaac’s instruction to Esau illustrates the cultural importance of hunting in ancient times. It reflects the role of hunting in providing for family needs and emphasizes skill and preparedness in this practice.
Leviticus 17:13
“So when any Israelite or any stranger living temporarily among them, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth.”
Commentary: This verse emphasizes the sanctity of life and the importance of respecting God’s creation. It prescribes specific actions to honor the life of the hunted animal, reinforcing ethical considerations in hunting practices.
Deuteronomy 14:5
“The deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.”
Commentary: Listing specific animals considered clean and suitable for consumption, this verse underscores the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. It reflects the dietary laws that guided ethical hunting and consumption.
Proverbs 12:27
“The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey, but the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].”
Commentary: Highlighting the value of diligence, this proverb contrasts the lazy and the diligent hunter. It suggests that hunting requires effort, skill, and a responsible attitude towards the use of resources.
Proverbs 6:5
“Save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
Commentary: Using the imagery of a hunted gazelle, this verse advises swift and decisive action to escape danger. It reflects the broader biblical theme of being vigilant and proactive in avoiding spiritual and physical threats.
Job 10:16
“And if I lift my head up, You hunt me like a lion and again You show Your marvelous power against me.”
Commentary: Job uses the metaphor of hunting to describe his suffering and feeling pursued by God. This verse invites reflection on the themes of suffering, divine sovereignty, and human vulnerability.
Psalm 42:1
“As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, so my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.”
Commentary: Comparing his longing for God to a deer’s thirst, the psalmist captures the deep spiritual yearning and dependence on God. This verse connects the natural instincts of animals with human spiritual needs.
Psalm 91:3
“For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.”
Commentary: This verse assures believers of God’s protection from hidden dangers, using the metaphor of a bird caught by a hunter. It emphasizes God’s role as a protector and deliverer in times of trouble.
Jeremiah 16:16
“Behold, I am going to send for many fishermen,” declares the LORD, “and they will fish for them; and afterwards I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and from every hill and from the clefts of the rocks.”
Commentary: God’s declaration to send hunters to seek out His people signifies judgment and the inevitability of divine justice. It underscores the persistence and thoroughness of God’s pursuit, whether for correction or redemption.
Ezekiel 19:3
“When she [the mother lion] brought up one of her cubs, he became a [young] lion, and he learned to catch and tear the prey; he devoured men.”
Commentary: This verse describes the development of a lion’s hunting skills, using it as a metaphor for leadership and aggression. It reflects on the nature of power and the responsibility that comes with strength and dominance.
Amos 3:5
“Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground when there is no bait in it? Does a trap spring up from the ground when it has caught nothing at all?”
Commentary: Using the analogy of hunting traps, Amos highlights the cause-and-effect relationships in life and God’s actions. It invites contemplation on divine justice and the consequences of human behavior.
Micah 7:2
“The godly person has perished from the earth, and there is no upright person among men. They all lie in wait for blood; each hunts the other with a net.”
Commentary: This verse laments the moral decay and violence in society, comparing people’s treacherous actions to hunters setting nets for each other. It calls for introspection and a return to righteousness and justice.
Matthew 4:19
“And He said to them, ‘Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.'”
Commentary: Jesus’ call to His disciples to become “fishers of men” redefines the purpose of hunting and fishing. It transforms these practices into metaphors for evangelism and spreading the Gospel, highlighting the mission to seek and save the lost.
Luke 5:10
“And so were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon [Peter]. Jesus said to Simon, ‘Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!'”
Commentary: Reinforcing the call to evangelism, this verse encourages believers to shift their focus from literal hunting to spiritual outreach. It emphasizes courage and the transformative power of following Christ.
Acts 10:13
“And a voice came to him, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat!'”
Commentary: Peter’s vision challenges traditional dietary laws and opens the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith. It signifies the breaking down of barriers and the extension of God’s grace to all people.
Romans 14:2
“One man’s faith permits him to eat everything, while the weak believer eats only vegetables [to avoid eating ritually unclean meat or something previously considered unclean].”
Commentary: This verse addresses the diversity of beliefs and practices within the Christian community regarding food. It promotes mutual respect and understanding, encouraging believers to honor each other’s convictions.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God.”
Commentary: Emphasizing that all actions, including eating and hunting, should be done for God’s glory, this verse encourages mindfulness and intentionality in everyday practices. It calls believers to live in a way that honors God in all aspects of life.
Colossians 2:16
“Therefore let no one judge you in regard to food and drink or in regard to [the observance of] a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.”
Commentary: This verse highlights the freedom believers have in Christ concerning dietary practices and religious observances. It warns against legalism and encourages respect for individual conscience and diversity within the faith.
1 Timothy 4:4
“For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.”
Commentary: Affirming the goodness of all creation, this verse encourages gratitude and responsible use of God’s gifts. It supports ethical hunting practices that acknowledge and appreciate God’s provision.
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.”
Commentary: This verse uses the metaphor of a race to describe the Christian life, emphasizing endurance and perseverance. It calls believers to shed distractions and sins that hinder spiritual progress, much like a hunter focusing on the pursuit.
James 1:17
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].”
Commentary: Recognizing all good things as gifts from God, this verse encourages gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s unchanging nature. It inspires responsible stewardship of the resources and blessings provided by God.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.”
Commentary: Warning believers to stay vigilant and disciplined, this verse uses the imagery of a prowling lion to describe the devil’s tactics. It emphasizes the need for spiritual awareness and preparedness to resist temptation and evil.
Revelation 6:8
“So I looked, and behold, an ashen [pale greenish-gray] horse [of death]! And its rider’s name was Death; and Hades (the realm of the dead) was following with him. They were given authority and power over a fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword and with famine and with plague (pestilence, disease) and by the wild beasts of the earth.”
Commentary: This apocalyptic vision portrays the severity of judgment and the consequences of sin. It serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate accountability to God and the reality of divine justice.
What Does the Bible Say About Hunting
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that hunting has been a part of human life since ancient times. The Bible is full of stories and references to hunting, which shows that it was a common activity for people in biblical times. People hunted for food, clothing, and even as a way to protect their families and communities from dangerous animals.
One of the main things the Bible emphasizes is that God has given us dominion over the animals. This means we have a responsibility to take care of them and use them wisely. Hunting, when done respectfully and responsibly, can be seen as a way of exercising this dominion. It’s not about hunting for sport or cruelty, but about providing for our needs and respecting the animals that God has created.
The Bible also talks about the importance of respecting God’s creation. This means that hunters should not waste what they kill and should be mindful of the environment. Hunting should be done in a way that honors the balance of nature and shows gratitude for the resources provided. This perspective encourages hunters to be ethical and considerate, ensuring that their actions do not lead to unnecessary harm or waste.
Additionally, the Bible teaches us about the value of hard work and providing for our families. Hunting can be a way of fulfilling this responsibility, as long as it is done ethically and with respect for the animals and the environment. It can also be a way of connecting with nature and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.
In conclusion, the Bible acknowledges hunting as a part of human life and provides guidance on how it should be approached. It’s about exercising dominion responsibly, respecting God’s creation, and using resources wisely. When hunters keep these principles in mind, they can ensure that their actions are in line with the teachings of the Bible, honoring both the animals they hunt and the Creator who made them. So, next time you head out into the woods, remember to hunt with respect, gratitude, and a heart that seeks to honor God in all things.