What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs? Are There Dinosaurs in the Bible?
The Bible does not use the word “dinosaur,” since the term was coined in the 19th century. Yet Scripture does describe great beasts that resemble what we now think of as dinosaurs. These include Behemoth in Job 40, Leviathan in Job 41 and Psalm 104, and creatures often described as dragons throughout the Old Testament.
For centuries, interpreters have debated whether these descriptions are purely symbolic, referring to chaos and wickedness, or whether they point to actual animals known in the ancient world. A biblical-theological reading allows us to see both dimensions. The Bible presents these mighty creatures as historical realities that also embody spiritual truths about God’s power, creation, and the struggle against evil.
1. Dinosaurs and the Language of Behemoth
The clearest description of a dinosaur-like creature in the Bible appears in Job 40:15–24. Behemoth is described as eating grass like an ox, with bones like bars of bronze and a tail that “sways like a cedar.” This description does not fit ordinary animals like the hippopotamus or elephant, as some modern interpreters suggest. Instead, Behemoth appears as a giant land-dwelling beast, a symbol of raw strength and untamable power.
From a biblical-theological perspective, Behemoth represents more than an animal. God challenges Job by pointing to Behemoth as a demonstration of His creative power—an example of something so fearsome and mighty that only God can subdue it. Yet a mytho-historical reading also allows us to see Behemoth as pointing to a real creature. If humans and massive prehistoric beasts overlapped in history, this could explain why Job’s audience recognized the description. Otherwise, it means nothing.
2. Leviathan and the Chaos Monster
If Behemoth represents land, Leviathan represents the sea. Job 41 paints a terrifying picture of Leviathan: breathing fire, covered in impenetrable scales, and ruling the waters with fear. Psalm 74:14 recalls God crushing the heads of Leviathan in creation, while Isaiah 27:1 promises that God will one day slay “the twisting serpent, Leviathan.”
Leviathan functions both as a sea creature and as a symbol of cosmic evil. In Israel’s imagination, the sea often represented chaos, danger, and rebellion against God’s order. By defeating Leviathan, God asserts His rule over chaos itself. Historically, Leviathan may reflect massive aquatic reptiles or creatures like plesiosaurs that inspired such imagery. Theologically, Leviathan points to Satan and the forces of rebellion against God—foes that Christ ultimately conquers through His death and resurrection.
3. Dragons and Serpents in the Bible
Beyond Behemoth and Leviathan, the Bible refers to dragons and great serpents. In the King James translation, “dragon” appears in places like Psalm 91:13, Isaiah 27:1, and Ezekiel 29:3. These references often point to destructive powers or nations under satanic influence.
In Revelation 12, the imagery becomes explicit: the great red dragon represents Satan, who seeks to devour the Messiah and persecute the church. Here the biblical story draws on the long tradition of chaos monsters to show that behind earthly opposition lies a spiritual enemy. The dragon of Revelation is not just a metaphor, but the culmination of biblical imagery linking terrifying beasts to the reality of spiritual warfare.
4. Did Dinosaurs and Humans Coexist?
Modern science often claims that dinosaurs went extinct millions of years before humans appeared. However, the biblical worldview suggests a closer overlap. Genesis presents all land animals and humanity being created within the same week. Ancient accounts, myths, and cultural memories from around the world also seem to recall encounters with dragon-like creatures, suggesting that humans and massive beasts may have coexisted.
This perspective helps explain why the Bible speaks so vividly of beasts like Behemoth and Leviathan. They are not merely products of imagination but reflect real encounters with creatures so extraordinary they inspired lasting symbolic meaning. The coexistence of humans and giant beasts underscores the Bible’s larger point: God is the Lord over creation, no matter how fearsome it may appear.
5. Theological Significance: Dinosaurs and the Gospel
The question of dinosaurs in the Bible is not just about paleontology; it points to deeper theological truths. The great beasts represent chaos, rebellion, and human fear. Yet again and again, Scripture shows God defeating them:
He crushes Leviathan (Psalm 74:14).
He slays the dragon (Isaiah 27:1).
He humbles Job by showing that Behemoth is under His authority (Job 40:19).
In the New Testament, this imagery comes to its climax in Christ. Revelation 12–20 shows Jesus defeating the great dragon, Satan, and casting him into the lake of fire. Just as God subdued the beasts of old, so Christ triumphs over the ultimate enemy of God’s people.
For believers, this assures us that the chaos of life, the threat of evil, and even the mysterious terror of creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan cannot overcome the victory of Christ.
Conclusion
Are there dinosaurs in the Bible? In a sense, yes. The descriptions of Behemoth, Leviathan, and dragons draw from real creatures that coexisted with humanity, magnified in biblical poetry to represent God’s power over creation and His triumph over chaos. At the same time, these creatures symbolize rebellion and wickedness—realities that Christ has overcome.
The Bible does not give us a scientific textbook about dinosaurs, but it does tell us what we need to know: even the mightiest beasts are under God’s authority. For the church, this reminds us that nothing in heaven, on earth, or under the earth can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Bible verses about dinosaurs and great beasts in the Bible
Job 40:15 – “Behold, Behemoth, which I made as I made you; he eats grass like an ox.”
Job 40:17 – “His tail stiffens like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are knit together.”
Job 41:1 – “Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord?”
Psalm 74:14 – “You crushed the heads of Leviathan; you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.”
Psalm 104:26 – “There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.”
Isaiah 27:1 – “The LORD will punish with his fierce, great and powerful sword, Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.”
Ezekiel 29:3 – “I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of his streams.”
Psalm 91:13 – “You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.”
Revelation 12:9 – “The great dragon was thrown down—that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.”
Revelation 20:10 – “The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur… and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
