The Bible is a rich and profound book, filled with history, poetry, prophecy, and truth.
But have you ever wondered: What does the Bible say about dinosaurs? While the word “dinosaur” wasn’t coined until the 1800s, God’s Word does mention powerful and majestic creatures that resemble what we might understand as dinosaurs today.
This topic not only invites us to explore God’s creation in awe but also strengthens our trust in His Word—even in areas where science and Scripture intersect.
Let’s take a faith-filled look at Bible verses that may hint at these ancient creatures and what they reveal about God’s greatness.
1. Job 40:15-19 (NIV)
“Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. What strength it has in its loins, what power in the muscles of its belly! Its tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like rods of iron. It ranks first among the works of God…”
This vivid description of the Behemoth in Job is one of the most compelling biblical references that many believe could point to a dinosaur-like creature, such as a sauropod.
Reflection: The power and scale of the Behemoth remind us of God’s creativity and might. This verse challenges us to marvel at the complexity of creation and trust that nothing is beyond God’s design.
2. Job 41:1-2, 15-21, 31 (NIV)
“Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook or tie down its tongue with a rope?… Its back has rows of shields tightly sealed together… Its snorting throws out flashes of light; its eyes are like the rays of dawn. Flames stream from its mouth… It makes the depths churn like a boiling caldron and stirs up the sea like a pot of ointment.”
The Leviathan is described as a powerful, untamable sea creature—so fierce and majestic that it inspires fear and wonder.
Reflection: Leviathan showcases God’s unmatched power in creation. These verses inspire awe, reminding us of how vast and majestic God’s world is—even beyond what we can fully understand.
3. Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it…”
On the fifth day of creation, God made sea creatures—possibly including large and now-extinct animals.
Reflection: From the beginning, God designed every creature with purpose. This verse invites us to reflect on the beauty of all creation, past and present, and how it reflects His glory.
4. Genesis 1:24-25 (NIV)
“And God said, ‘Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds… And God saw that it was good.'”
These verses highlight the creation of land animals, which could include large beasts like dinosaurs.
Reflection: God called all of His creation good. As we explore the wonders of creatures—extinct or living—we’re reminded of the goodness and intentionality of our Creator.
5. Psalm 104:25-26 (NIV)
“There is the sea, vast and spacious… There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.”
This poetic passage suggests Leviathan was a creature formed for the sea and even to “frolic” in it.
Reflection: God not only creates with power but also with joy. His creatures are part of a world designed for His delight and ours—showing His character as both powerful and personal.
6. Isaiah 27:1 (NIV)
“In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword—his fierce, great and powerful sword—Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.”
This symbolic use of Leviathan reveals its use as a metaphor for chaos and evil, but may still reflect belief in a literal beast.
Reflection: Even the most fearsome forces are under God’s control. This verse reminds us that God is victorious over all—both in the spiritual and natural world.
7. Job 12:7-10 (NIV)
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you… In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Though not about dinosaurs directly, this verse emphasizes the value of learning from all of God’s creatures.
Reflection: Every creature—no matter how ancient—has a lesson to teach us about our Creator. This verse calls us to be humble learners in the classroom of God’s creation.
8. Psalm 148:7 (NIV)
“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths…”
Even the great sea beasts are called to worship God, showing their role in creation’s symphony of praise.
Reflection: This verse shows that all creation is designed to glorify God. Whether ancient or modern, everything points back to Him.
9. Nehemiah 9:6 (NIV)
“You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens… the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything…”
God is the source of all life, past and present. Dinosaurs were not outside of His creation—they were part of it.
Reflection: This verse brings comfort: nothing exists without God’s intention. Even the mysteries of extinct creatures fall within His perfect plan.
10. Proverbs 30:18-19 (NIV)
“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock…”
This poetic pondering of nature captures the awe we feel toward mysterious and magnificent creatures.
Reflection: Like ancient animals we still puzzle over, creation sparks wonder that leads us back to the Creator. It’s okay not to have all the answers—what matters is knowing Who holds them.
11. Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things…”
God is glorified through all creation, including creatures that no longer walk the earth.
Reflection: Everything created was made to reflect God’s majesty. Dinosaurs—massive, powerful, and awe-inspiring—are no exception.
Conclusion: Trusting God’s Word in All Things
While the Bible doesn’t mention dinosaurs by name, it certainly speaks of mighty creatures that stir our imagination and deepen our awe of God’s creative power.
Whether Behemoth, Leviathan, or the countless unnamed beasts of land and sea, these verses show that God’s hand was—and is—in every part of creation.
Let these passages encourage you to see the Bible not as a book of restrictions, but as a source of wonder, truth, and light.
Share this message with those who seek to reconcile faith and curiosity—because God’s Word is big enough for both.
