Animals appear throughout the Bible, not just as part of everyday life but also as powerful symbols and lessons. From the strength of the lion to the humility of the sheep, each creature offers insight into God’s world and His message to us.

Below is a list of over 30 animals found in Scripture, each with a short description and a key verse reference. At the end, don’t forget to grab your free printable to keep this list handy for your Bible study or homeschool projects.

 

31 Animals in the Bible

1. Antelope

Deuteronomy 14:5
Graceful and swift, the antelope is listed among clean animals permitted for food under the Mosaic law.

2. Ape

2 Chronicles 9:21
Apes were exotic animals brought to King Solomon, showing the extent of his kingdom’s wealth and trade.

3. Baboon

2 Chronicles 9:21
Baboons, like apes, were part of the treasures collected from distant lands for King Solomon.

4. Bat

Leviticus 11:19
Bats are listed among the unclean animals under the dietary laws of Israel.

5. Bear

1 Samuel 17:34–36
Bears are depicted as fierce creatures; David fought off a bear while protecting his father’s sheep.

6. Boar

Psalm 80:13
The wild boar symbolizes destruction, used in imagery about devastation of the land.

7. Camel

Job 1:3
Camels were essential for travel and trade, often representing wealth and prosperity.

8. Cattle

Genesis 12:16
Cattle were valuable for food, offerings, and as a measure of wealth in ancient times.

9. Coney (Rock Badger)

Deuteronomy 14:7
Small, rock-dwelling creatures, coneys were admired for their wisdom in the book of Proverbs.

10. Deer

Deuteronomy 12:15
Deer symbolize grace, speed, and a deep longing for God, as described poetically in Scripture.

11. Dog

1 Samuel 17:43
Dogs were viewed less as companions and more as scavengers during biblical times.

12. Donkey

Genesis 12:16
Donkeys were important animals for transport, labor, and appear in many key Bible stories.

13. Fox

Song of Solomon 2:15
Foxes represent small threats that can cause large problems if left unattended.

14. Gazelle

Deuteronomy 12:15
Known for speed and beauty, gazelles are praised in poetic descriptions throughout the Bible.

15. Goat

Genesis 27:9
Goats were a common part of daily life, used for sacrifices, food, and clothing.

16. Horse

Genesis 47:17
Horses symbolize strength and are often associated with kings, warriors, and battles.

17. Hyena

Isaiah 34:14
Hyenas appear in prophecies of desolation, highlighting judgment and ruin.

18. Ibex

Deuteronomy 14:5
The ibex, a type of mountain goat, is listed among the clean animals suitable for eating.

19. Jackal

Isaiah 34:13
Jackals are associated with wastelands and destruction in biblical prophecy.

20. Leopard

Jeremiah 13:23
Leopards symbolize something dangerous and unchangeable, used to describe stubbornness.

21. Lion

Judges 14:5–6
Lions often represent strength, majesty, and sometimes fierce opposition; they are also used to describe both God and enemies.

22. Mule

1 Kings 1:33
Mules were valued for endurance and were ridden by royalty in the Bible.

23. Ox

Deuteronomy 14:4
Strong and dependable, oxen were important for agriculture and sacrifices.

24. Pig

Leviticus 11:7
Pigs were considered unclean and forbidden for consumption under Jewish dietary law.

25. Rabbit

Leviticus 11:6
Rabbits are listed among unclean animals according to Mosaic law.

26. Rat

Leviticus 11:29
Rats are included among creatures deemed unclean and not to be eaten.

27. Roe Deer

Deuteronomy 14:5
Roe deer are swift and graceful, included among the clean animals allowed for food.

28. Sheep

1 Samuel 16:11
Sheep are central in Scripture, symbolizing God’s people and His nurturing care as the Good Shepherd.

29. Weasel

Leviticus 11:29
Weasels were considered unclean and listed among creeping things.

30. Wild Goat

Deuteronomy 14:5
Wild goats lived in rocky places and are cited among the clean animals given for food.

31. Wolf

Matthew 7:15
Wolves symbolize danger and deception, especially in describing false teachers disguised as sheep.

 

Animals weave through Scripture in stories of bravery, judgment, provision, and hope. Whether teaching us about God’s provision, judgment, or nature, each animal points us back to the Creator Himself.

To help you explore this topic further, we’ve created a free printable listing all 31 animals and their Scripture references. It’s perfect for Bible study, homeschool resources, or personal learning!

👉 [Click here to download the Free Animals of the Bible Printable!]

 

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