While the Bible doesn’t specifically discuss apes, it speaks about the diversity of God’s creation. From animals to mankind, each has a unique role in His plan. Today, we’ll consider how the beauty and order of creation point to God’s glory.
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What Does The Bible Say About Apes
Genesis 1:26-27
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse highlights the unique position of human beings as made in the image and likeness of God. It sets humans apart from apes and other creatures, giving them dominion over the animal kingdom.
As bearers of God’s image, humans have a special responsibility to care for and steward creation. This verse reminds us of the inherent dignity and value that every human possesses, regardless of physical similarities or differences with other creatures.
Psalms 8:4-5
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.”
This psalm reflects on the awe-inspiring nature of humanity and God’s deliberate attention towards human beings. While humans may be lower than angels, they are still highly esteemed and honored by God.
Apes serve as a reminder of the incredible diversity of creation, but this verse emphasizes the unique position and worth that humans hold in God’s eyes.
Genesis 2:7
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Here, we witness the specific act of God creating the first man, Adam, out of the dust of the ground. Unlike apes, whose origin is not stated in the same manner, humans were intricately formed by the hands of God.
This verse highlights the essence of humanity, emphasizing the divine breath of life breathed into humans, setting them apart from other creatures.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This psalm acknowledges that God is intimately involved in the creation of each individual human being. The psalmist praises God for the intricate design and craftsmanship in forming human life within the womb.
While apes possess their own unique beauty and wonder, humans are given special recognition here, celebrating the divine artistry that goes into crafting every individual.
Genesis 1:29-30
“Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.””
This verse establishes the different provisions for humans and animals. While apes are included in the category of creatures that have the breath of life, their designated food source is specified as green plants, emphasizing their herbivorous nature.
Humans, on the other hand, are given authority over the animal kingdom and are granted permission to consume seed-bearing plants and fruits. This distinction underscores the unique role and diet of humanity.
Leviticus 11:1-3
“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.'”
This passage further delineates the dietary laws for the Israelites. It specifies the characteristics of permissible land animals for consumption, including having a divided hoof and chewing the cud.
Apes do not meet these criteria, highlighting God’s intentional distinction between humans and certain animals when it comes to dietary practices.
Genesis 9:2-3
“The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands. Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.”
Following the flood, God renews the covenant with humanity, granting them authority and dominion over all living creatures. This includes the permission to eat animals, expanding the dietary options for humans.
While apes are part of the animal kingdom, this verse emphasizes the distinction between humans and other creatures in terms of their relationship with God’s creation.
Isaiah 45:12
“It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.”
This verse emphasizes the divine craftsmanship and creative power of God. It affirms God as the ultimate creator of the earth and humankind.
Apes are remarkable creatures, but this verse reminds us that humans have been intentionally crafted and created by God’s own hands.
Job 33:4
“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
This verse underscores the belief that human life is intimately connected to the spirit of God. It acknowledges the life-giving power of the Almighty, breathing life into every human being.
Apes share the breath of life, but this verse emphasizes the special connection between the human spirit and the breath of God.
Genesis 2:19-20
“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.”
This passage highlights one of the distinct roles that God assigned to humans—the naming of the animals. It demonstrates the authority and responsibility given to humans to categorize and identify each living creature.
Apes, while part of the created animal kingdom, were not given this specific task of naming, further emphasizing the unique role and intellect of humanity.
Isaiah 43:7
“everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
This verse emphasizes humanity’s purpose of glorifying God. Each human being is created and formed by God for the specific purpose of reflecting God’s glory.
While apes play a role in the beauty and variety of creation, humans are uniquely designed to bring glory to God through their actions, attitudes, and worship.
Matthew 10:29
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”
This verse points to God’s intimate care for all of creation, including the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures like sparrows. It highlights the Father’s watchful eye over every aspect of His creation.
Apes, being part of the animal kingdom, share in God’s care, but this verse reassures humanity of God’s unique and personal concern for their well-being.
Psalm 8:6-8
“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.”
This psalm speaks of human authority and dominion over the works of God’s hands. It describes the extensive scope of that dominion, including flocks, herds, wild animals, birds, and marine life.
Apes are part of the animal kingdom that is subject to human dominion, highlighting the distinct position and responsibility assigned to humanity.
Job 12:7-9
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”
This passage suggests that observing and interacting with nature can provide valuable lessons and insights. The animals, birds, and even the earth itself bear witness to the might and craftsmanship of the Lord.
Apes, as part of God’s creation, can also inspire awe and learning but are not the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge like God Himself.
Ecclesiastes 3:21
“Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”
This verse poses a question regarding the fate of the human spirit and the spirit of animals after death. It acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding this topic.
While apes and humans share physical mortality, this verse raises the possibility of a distinction between the eternal destiny of human spirits and the spirits of animals.
Genesis 3:19
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
This verse speaks to the consequences of sin for humanity, particularly the toil and labor required for sustenance. It points to the mortal nature of humans and their eventual return to the dust of the earth.
Apes, like humans, are part of the cycle of life and eventual decay, reminding us of the temporary nature of earthly existence.
Ecclesiastes 7:29
“This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”
This verse reflects on the original righteousness and uprightness with which humans were created by God. However, it also acknowledges humanity’s tendency to veer away from that path in pursuit of self-centered agendas and schemes.
Apes serve as a reminder of the natural order established by God, while humans have divisive tendencies that complicate their relationship with both God and creation.
Job 31:15
“Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?”
This verse expresses the belief that both humans and animals are formed by the same Creator within the wombs of their respective mothers. It highlights the shared origin and divine craftsmanship in the creation of all life.
While apes and humans may have similarities, this verse emphasizes the unity of creation under God’s design.
Psalms 104:24-25
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small.”
This psalm exalts the wisdom and abundance of God’s creation. It marvels at the diversity of creatures both on land and in the sea, acknowledging their vast numbers.
Apes are part of this tapestry of life, displaying the creativity and wisdom of God in fashioning such a rich and varied world.
Jeremiah 10:12
“But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.”
This verse praises God as the creator of the earth and the heavens, attributing these works to His power, wisdom, and understanding.
Apes form part of God’s created order, reflecting the beauty and intricacy of the world established by His divine wisdom.
Job 39:9-10
“Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will it stay by your manger at night? Can you hold it to the furrow with a harness? Will it till the valleys behind you?”
This passage highlights the wild and untamed nature of certain animals, such as the wild ox. It demonstrates the limited control that humans have over some creatures.
Apes, while exhibiting their own unique behaviors and characteristics, remind us of the diversity and untamed aspects within the animal kingdom.
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of righteous individuals caring for the needs of animals under their stewardship. It highlights the responsibility to show compassion and kindness towards God’s creatures.
Apes, like other animals, should be treated with care and respect, as Christians are called to be good stewards of all of God’s creation.
Psalms 147:9
“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.”
This psalm acknowledges God’s provision for various creatures, including cattle and young ravens. It underscores the role of God as the ultimate provider for all living beings.
Apes, like other animals, depend on God’s provision for their sustenance and well-being, further illustrating His care for all of creation.
Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
This passage directs individuals to observe the industriousness and wisdom displayed by ants. It encourages learning and applying lessons from their behavior.
Apes, while exhibiting their own unique characteristics, can also serve as a source of inspiration and lessons in God’s intricate design and order.
Romans 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
This verse asserts that God’s eternal power and divine nature are displayed through His creation. It suggests that observing the natural world should lead to an understanding of God’s existence and character.
Apes, as part of God’s creation, help reveal His invisible qualities, inspiring awe and wonder as we contemplate the complexity and diversity of life on earth.