What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs?

Quick Answer

The Bible does not use the word “dinosaur” since that term wasn’t coined until the 1800s. However, the Bible does mention large creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan that may refer to dinosaur-like animals. According to a biblical timeline, dinosaurs would have been created on Day 5 and 6 of Creation Week, lived alongside humans before the flood, were preserved on Noah’s Ark, and then gradually went extinct after the flood due to environmental changes.

The question of dinosaurs and their place in biblical history often stirs curiosity and debate among believers and skeptics alike. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about these ancient creatures, how they fit into the biblical timeline, and the implications for understanding the intersection of faith and paleontology. We’ll examine scriptural references, the logistics of Noah’s Ark, post-flood extinction theories, and historical evidence suggesting the coexistence of humans and dinosaurs. By considering these elements, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of dinosaurs from a biblical perspective, offering insights into how these magnificent creatures align with the scriptural narrative and affirm the Bible’s historical accuracy.

Dinosaurs in the Bible

While the Bible does not specifically mention “dinosaurs” by that name, it does describe creatures that sound similar to what we know as dinosaurs:

Behemoth

Described in Job 40:15-24 as a powerful beast with a tail like a cedar tree. Some believe this refers to a large sauropod dinosaur.

Leviathan

Described in Job 41 as a fearsome sea creature. It may refer to a large marine reptile like a plesiosaur.

Great sea creatures

Mentioned in Genesis 1:21 when God creates sea life. The Hebrew word here (tanniyn) is sometimes translated as “dragon” elsewhere.

The Bible indicates that land animals, which would include dinosaurs, were created on Day 6 of Creation Week, the same day as humans (Genesis 1:24-31). This means dinosaurs and people lived at the same time originally, not separated by millions of years as evolutionary theory claims.

See also: Bible Verses about Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark

If dinosaurs were alive at the time of Noah’s flood, representatives would have been taken aboard the Ark along with other animals to repopulate the earth afterwards. Young or smaller dinosaurs could have been chosen. The Ark was massive and had plenty of room for dinosaur kinds.

Extinction of the Dinosaurs

According to the biblical worldview, most dinosaurs died in the global flood described in Genesis. Dinosaurs that survived on the Ark would have repopulated for some time after the flood, but eventually went extinct due to factors like:

  • Drastic climate changes after the flood
  • Competition for food as environments changed
  • Human hunting
  • Loss of habitat

Historical Evidence of Dinosaurs and Humans

There were intriguing historical pieces of evidence that dinosaurs and humans co-existed after the flood:

  • Ancient dragon legends found worldwide
  • Dinosaur-like creatures depicted in ancient art and carvings
  • The book of Job mentions Behemoth and Leviathan (possibly dinosaurs)
  • Unfossilized dinosaur tissue and DNA that should not last millions of years

Dinosaurs as Evidence for Biblical Creation

For creationists, dinosaurs provide strong evidence for the Bible’s account of history:

  • They were created by God on Day 6, not evolved over millions of years
  • Their fossilized remains are evidence of the global flood
  • Humans saw and interacted with dinosaurs, as recorded in historical accounts
  • Their extinction fits the post-flood world described in the Bible

While dinosaurs are often used to promote evolutionary ideas, viewed through a biblical lens they actually confirm the Bible’s timeline and description of history. The Bible provides the true historical framework for understanding dinosaurs.

Conclusion

The Bible does not specifically name “dinosaurs,” but it does describe creatures very similar to them, and a straightforward reading of Genesis leads to the conclusion that God created dinosaurs along with other land animals about 6,000 years ago. Dinosaurs lived alongside humans until the flood, were preserved on the Ark, and eventually went extinct in the centuries after the flood. Rather than a mystery or challenge to Scripture, dinosaurs can be seen as a fascinating part of God’s creation that affirms the Bible’s account of history.

The Thanksgiving Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with grateful hearts, giving thanks for Your faithfulness, provision, and love. We give thanks for the blessings of this year, the gift of Your Son Jesus, and the promise of eternal life.

We give thanks for the gift of family and friends, the beauty of Your creation, and the many ways in which You have demonstrated Your goodness to us. We ask that You continue to bless us, guide us, and give us strength for each day.

We pray for those who are struggling, those in need, and for those who do not yet know You. We ask that You reveal Yourself to them and draw them into a personal relationship with You.

We give You all praise and honor, for You are worthy of all our thanksgiving. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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Psalm 100:4 ESV

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!

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Psalm 136:1-3 ESV

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

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Psalm 105:1 ESV

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!

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Psalm 50:14 ESV

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and perform your vows to the Most High,

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Psalm 9:1 ESV

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
    I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

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Prayer With Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father,

We give You thanks for Your many blessings in our lives. We are grateful for Your love and grace, for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit.

We thank You for Your provision and protection, for the beauty of Your creation, and for the joy and peace that come from knowing You. We are also grateful for our families, loved ones, and the people You have placed in our lives.

We lift up to You the needs and concerns of ourselves and our loved ones, asking that You would be with those who are hurting and in need of Your comfort and healing. We pray for Your guidance and wisdom for our businesses and jobs, that they may prosper and be successful according to Your will.

We pray for Your guidance and wisdom as we navigate the challenges of this life, and for the strength and courage to follow You and serve You in all that we do.

We give You all the honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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Colossians 3:15 ESV

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

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Prayer for Friday

Heavenly Father,

We come before You on this Friday, lifting up our hearts in gratitude for all that You have done for us. We are grateful for the blessings of this week and for the strength and guidance that You have provided.

We ask for Your continued protection and guidance as we go about our work and our daily tasks. Help us to remember to trust in You and to lean on You in all things. Give us the wisdom to make good decisions and the courage to do what is right.

We lift up those who are in need of Your healing and comfort, those who are struggling with illness, loneliness, or difficult circumstances. We ask that You would bring peace and hope to their hearts, and that You would provide for all of their needs.

We pray for our leaders, both in the government and in our community, that You would give them wisdom and guidance as they make decisions that affect our lives. Help them to lead with integrity and to seek Your will in all they do.

As we look forward to the weekend, we ask that You would help us to rest and to find time to enjoy Your creation. We thank You for the joys and blessings of life, and we ask that You would continue to shower us with Your love and grace.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 92:1-2 ESV

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,

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Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

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Isaiah 41:10 ESV

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

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