Dinosaurs are among the most intriguing creatures in history, yet their existence raises questions for many. With mentions of Behemoth in Job and Leviathan in Psalms, some verses hint at creatures that resemble dinosaurs. This post delves into the Bible by analysing how ancient texts align with fossil evidence and explores the presence of dinosaurs in the Bible.
The scriptures provides information about the creation of all animals but leaves room for interpretation of these ancient creatures. Photo: Boryak, Joe Regan (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
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Did you know Behemoth, described in Job, has striking similarities to sauropod dinosaurs? With their massive size and mysterious extinction, dinosaurs have fascinated people for generations. Fossils found worldwide might be linked to Noah’s Flood and offer a biblical explanation for their preservation.
Are there dinosaurs in the Bible?
Christianity acknowledges the existence of dinosaurs through scientific evidence, such as fossil discoveries. However, interpretations of their origin and role in creation differ. Some Christians believe dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, aligning with evolutionary science. Others argue that dinosaurs existed alongside humans and perished during the biblical Flood.
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Does the Bible talk about dinosaurs? While dinosaurs are not directly mentioned by name in the Bible, their possible presence has sparked theological discussions. The Holy Bible provides comprehensive information about creation but leaves room for interpretation of these ancient creatures.
What does Christianity say about dinosaurs?
The Bible does not use the word “dinosaur,” as the term was coined in 1841, long after its authors completed their work. However, the scripture references mysterious creatures that many believe could describe dinosaurs. For example, Job 40 and 41 often cite potential references to dinosaurs or prehistoric creatures. These creatures, Behemoth and Leviathan, are discussed below:
The giant land creature, Behemoth
In the Old Testament, Job 40:15-24 introduces the Behemoth as a remarkable creature made by God. Its description includes:
(15) Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. (16) What strength it has in its loins, what power in the muscles of its belly! (17) Its tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. (18) Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like rods of iron.(19) It ranks first among the works of Godyet its Maker can approach it with his sword.
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Verse 20-24 proceeds saying:
(20) The hills bring it their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby. (21) Under the lotus plants it lies, hidden among the reeds in the marsh. (22) The lotuses conceal it in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround it. (23) A raging river does not alarm it; it is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth. (24) Can anyone capture it by the eyes, or trap it and pierce its nose?
Some scholars suggest that the Behemoth refers to a hippopotamus or elephant. However, their tails are small and not comparable to those of a cedar tree. This detail has led others to speculate that the Behemoth might describe a sauropod, a massive herbivorous dinosaur like the Brachiosaurus.
The mighty sea beast, Leviathan
God created dinosaurs and other creatures on the sixth day. Photo: Spencer Platt
Source: Getty Images
In Job 41:1-2,7,12-32, the Leviathan appears as a formidable sea creature. Its traits are described below.
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(1) Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook, or snare his tongue with a line which you lower? (2) Can you put a reed through his nose, or pierce his jaw with a hook?… (7) Can you fill his skin with harpoons, or his head with fishing spears?… (12) “I will not conceal his limbs, his mighty power, or his graceful proportions.
The Leviathan’s terrible teeth and scales are further described, which can be likened to those of dinosaurs:
(13) Who can remove his outer coat? Who can approach him with a double bridle? (14) Who can open the doors of his face, with his terrible teeth all around? (15) His rows of scales are his pride, shut up tightly as with a seal;
The Leviathan is portrayed as a creature of immense power and majesty. Its limbs are strong and gracefully formed, and a double coat of impenetrable armour protects its body. Its mouth is ringed with fearsome teeth, and its back is covered with tightly sealed rows of shields, so close together that no air can pass between them.
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The creature’s snorting emits light flashes, and its eyes gleam like the rays of dawn. Flames and sparks shoot out from its mouth while smoke pours from its nostrils, resembling steam from a boiling pot over burning reeds.
While some argue that the Leviathan resembles a crocodile, its fiery breath and powerful build suggest a creature far more extraordinary. This description aligns more closely with mythical or prehistoric beasts than any modern animal.
Did God create dinosaurs?
According to the Bible, God created all creatures during the six days of creation. Genesis 1:24-25 mentions,
Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind.
This statement includes land animals, potentially encompassing dinosaurs. Some theologians argue that dinosaurs coexisted with humans before the fall of man. They also suggest these creatures were part of the harmonious ecosystem in the Garden of Eden. Sin’s entry into the world brought death and predation, altering their peaceful existence.
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Were dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark?
Genesis 6:19-20 describes God’s command to Noah to bring two of every kind of animal onto the Ark. This directive could have included juvenile or smaller dinosaurs to conserve space. After the Flood, changing climates and habitats may have contributed to their extinction.
Some Christians believe the Flood explains the fossilised remains of dinosaurs. Sedimentary rock layers, often associated with water deposition, provide evidence supporting this theory.
Dinosaurs and the post-flood world
After the Flood, humanity’s lifespan decreased significantly. Genesis 6:3 mentions God limiting human life to 120 years. Longer lifespans before the Flood might indicate larger human physiques, suggesting humans coexisted with dinosaurs more effectively.
Dinosaurs may have struggled to adapt to post-flood conditions. The environmental conditions, with the sparse vegetation, the destruction of the pre-flood water canopy, and the temperature extremes during the ensuing Ice Age, would have caused many animals to extinction, a process that continues today.
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Dinosaur symbolism in scriptures
Many liken the dinosaurs to twisting serpents in the scriptures. Photo: Artpartner-images
Source: Getty Images
Some biblical passages use imagery resembling dinosaurs. Isaiah 27:1 refers to a “twisting serpent,” a symbolic leviathan, in a prophecy about God’s victory over chaos. Psalms 74:14 and 104:25-26 also mention leviathans, symbolising power and majesty.
Why do we find dinosaur fossils?
Genesis 6 describes a corrupt and violent world in which humans and animals, possibly including dinosaurs, may have killed each other (Genesis 6:12). In response to this wickedness, God warned Noah about a global Flood (Genesis 6:13).
God instructed Noah to build the Ark, ensuring the survival of his family and all kinds of land animals, potentially including dinosaurs, during the Flood (Genesis 6:14–20). The immense pressure and sediment from the Flood rapidly buried many creatures, including dinosaurs, preserving their remains as fossils.
Do Christians believe in dinosaurs?
Most Christians accept the existence of dinosaurs, supported by fossil evidence. However, beliefs about their role and timeline vary. Faith in the Bible’s teachings and scientific discoveries coexist, offering a holistic understanding of God’s creation.
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What does the Bible say about dinosaurs?
The Bible does not directly mention dinosaurs, their timeline, or their extinction. However, some descriptions in scripture resemble dinosaur-like creatures, often translated as “serpent,” “dragon,” “Leviathan,” “Behemoth,” or “sea monster” (e.g., Job 3:8, Job 40:15-24, Isaiah 27:1, Ezekiel 29:3).
Although dinosaurs are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the scriptures offer room for their inclusion in creation narratives. Whether as behemoths or leviathans, these creatures reflect God’s creativity and power. For Christians, dinosaurs in the Bible serve as a testament to the complexity and wonder of God’s work, bridging faith and science in meaningful ways.
Henzodaily.ng recently published an exciting article about where to start reading the Bible. The Bible offers wisdom and insight and serves as a guide to living a meaningful Christian life. Reading it deepens one’s understanding of faith.
To fully engage, choose a time when you are alert and focused. Early mornings, with their peace and stillness, are often ideal compared to nights when fatigue can set in. Uncover the different ways to get you started and stay interested in the word of God.
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