Majestic, powerful, and enigmatic, bears have captivated our imagination for centuries. But what does the Bible say about these remarkable creatures? Join us as we embark on a biblical journey through passages that mention bears, unraveling their symbolism, significance, and lessons we can glean from their presence in biblical narratives.
Bible Verses About Bears
1. 2 Kings 2:24
“Then he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the LORD. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.”
In this verse, we see a cautionary tale of disrespect and disobedience towards God’s chosen prophet, Elisha. The bears, sent by God, serve as a reminder of the consequences that can follow rebellious behavior.
2. Proverbs 17:12
“Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.”
Comparing the danger of encountering an angry bear to the foolishness of dealing with a senseless person, this verse highlights the potential harm that can come from engaging with a fool’s unwise actions.
3. Amos 5:19
“As if a man fled from a lion and a bear met him, or went into the house, leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.”
In this passage, the prophet Amos paints a vivid picture of dire circumstances. Just as encountering a bear in the midst of escaping from a lion intensifies the danger, so too does seeking refuge indoors only to be bitten by a snake emphasize the severity of the situation.
4. Proverbs 28:15
“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.”
This verse uses the imagery of a charging bear and a roaring lion to depict the oppressive and destructive nature of wicked rulers who exploit and mistreat the vulnerable.
5. Hosea 13:8
“Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder.”
God, speaking through the prophet Hosea, uses the metaphor of a bear robbed of her cubs to describe the ferocity and intensity with which He will bring judgment upon those who have turned away from Him.
6. Proverbs 17:12
“Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.”
This proverb reiterates the earlier verse, emphasizing the danger and potential harm that can come from engaging with a fool who persists in his foolishness.
7. 2 Samuel 17:8
“Hushai continued, ‘You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is an experienced soldier; he will not spend the night with the troops.'”
Hushai, advising King David’s son Absalom, uses the imagery of a fierce bear robbed of her cubs to describe the strength and battle-hardened nature of David’s loyal men, cautioning Absalom against underestimating their capabilities.
8. Isaiah 11:7
“The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in Isaiah that speaks of the coming peace and harmony in God’s future kingdom. Here, the peaceful coexistence between a bear and a cow, along with their young ones, symbolizes the restoration and reconciliation that will take place under God’s reign.
9. Proverbs 28:17
“A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; let no one help him.”
This proverb warns against the consequences faced by individuals who are burdened with guilt and the weight of their violent actions. It employs the imagery of a person pursued by a bear, seeking refuge in a pit but finding no help or escape.
10. Proverbs 17:12
“Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.”
Repeated once more, this proverb emphasizes the preference of encountering a fierce bear robbed of her cubs over dealing with a person persistently pursuing foolish and harmful endeavors.
11. 1 Samuel 17:34
“But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock.'”
As David recounts his experience as a shepherd, he mentions encountering both lions and bears that threatened his sheep. This verse serves as an example of David’s bravery and his trust in God’s deliverance.
12. 1 Samuel 17:36
“‘Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.'”
Continuing from the previous verse, David confidently asserts his ability to overcome formidable adversaries by referring to his past victories against lions and bears. He draws a parallel between the giant Philistine warrior, Goliath, and the wild beasts he has faced.
13. Psalm 17:12
“He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.”
Although not explicitly mentioning bears, this verse uses the imagery of a lion eager to tear and a young lion in ambush to describe the aggressive and predatory nature of the enemy seeking to harm the psalmist.
14. Isaiah 59:11
“We all growl like bears; we moan and moan like doves; we hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us.”
This verse portrays a lamentation, describing the collective frustration and despair of people who long for justice and salvation. The comparison of their growling to that of bears expresses their deep discontent and yearning for deliverance.
15. Lamentations 3:10
“He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding.”
The author of Lamentations uses the metaphor of a bear lying in wait and a lion in hiding to describe the menacing presence and pursuit of an adversary who seeks to harm him.
16. Proverbs 28:15
“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.”
This proverb reiterates the earlier verse, highlighting the destructive impact of a wicked ruler who oppresses and takes advantage of the vulnerable, using the imagery of a roaring lion and a charging bear.
17. Hosea 13:8
“I will fall upon them like a bear robbed of her cubs; I will tear open their breast, and there I will devour them like a lion, as a wild beast would rip them open.”
In this verse, God describes His fierce judgment upon those who have turned away from Him using the imagery of a bear robbed of her cubs, signifying the intensity and devastation of His wrath.
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Women Cutting Their Hair (With Commentary)
18. Isaiah 59:15
“Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.”
This verse laments the absence of truth and justice in society, emphasizing that those who strive to do good and depart from evil become targets. The imagery of becoming prey invokes the vulnerability and danger faced by those who stand for righteousness.
19. Hosea 13:8
“Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder.”
God, speaking through the prophet Hosea, employs the metaphor of a bear robbed of her cubs to emphasize the ferocity and severity of His judgment upon those who have turned away from Him.
20. Proverbs 17:12
“Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.”
This proverb underscores the danger of engaging with a fool’s folly, using the comparison of meeting a bear robbed of her cubs as a preferable alternative. It highlights the destructive and foolish nature of persisting in unwise behavior.
21. Isaiah 11:7
“The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.”
In this prophetic verse, Isaiah depicts a future scene of peace and harmony, where even natural predators like bears will coexist peacefully with other animals. This image represents the reconciliation and restoration that will take place in God’s coming kingdom.
22. Hosea 13:8
“I will fall upon them like a bear robbed of her cubs; I will tear open their breast, and there I will devour them like a lion, as a wild beast would rip them open.”
God, expressing His anger and judgment, compares His fierce wrath to that of a bear robbed of her cubs, conveying the intensity and devastation that will befall those who have rebelled against Him.
23. Isaiah 59:11
“We all growl like bears; we moan and moan like doves; we hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us.”
This verse reflects the collective discontent and longing for justice and salvation among the people. The comparison of their growling to that of bears emphasizes their frustration and yearning for deliverance.
24. 2 Samuel 17:8
“Hushai continued, ‘You know your father and his men; they are mighty men, and as fierce as a bear robbed of her cubs. But the king’s army is advised, and the men of Israel are brave.'”
Hushai, advising Absalom against underestimating King David and his loyal soldiers, uses the metaphor of a bear robbed of her cubs to depict their strength and ferocity in battle. He warns Absalom not to underestimate their capabilities.
25. Proverbs 28:17
“A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; let no one help him.”
This proverb illustrates the fate of someone burdened with guilt and involved in bloodshed. The imagery of fleeing into a pit and finding no assistance portrays the dire consequences faced by those trapped in their own wrongdoing.