Have you ever wondered if animals have a place in heaven? Let’s explore the Scriptures to uncover insights about the eternal fate of animals and how they fit into God’s divine plan.
What Does the Bible Say About Animals In Heaven?
The Bible does not explicitly state whether or not animals will be in heaven. However, there are some indications that suggest the presence of animals in the new heaven and new earth. In Isaiah 11:6-9 and Isaiah 65:25, there are references to the wolf and the lamb living together, and the lion eating straw like the ox. These verses paint a picture of harmonious coexistence among animals, which could be a glimpse of the future restoration of all creation, including animals, in the new heaven and new earth.
Additionally, the Bible teaches that all creation eagerly awaits the revealing of the sons of God and the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:19-23). This includes the whole of creation, which would logically include animals, as they are part of God’s creation.
It’s also worth noting that when God originally created the world, He declared everything He had made to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). This would naturally include the animals. Therefore, it’s reasonable to believe that God cares for and values His animal creations and that His plan for the new heaven and new earth includes them as well.
Ultimately, while the Bible does not provide a definitive answer about animals in heaven, it does give us hope that all creation, including animals, will be part of God’s future plans for a restored and renewed creation. This should encourage us to appreciate and care for all living creatures as part of God’s beloved creation.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Sheep
Bible Verses About Animals In Heaven
Isaiah 11:6-9
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.”
This passage from Isaiah paints a picture of harmony and peace in God’s kingdom. It describes a scene where wild animals live peacefully with domesticated animals, and even a child can safely interact with potentially dangerous creatures. This verse reminds us that in heaven, all creation will be in perfect harmony with one another and with God.
It gives us hope that one day, there will be no more violence or harm towards animals, and they will exist in an environment where they can thrive without fear. This passage also emphasizes the abundance of God’s knowledge and the all-encompassing nature of His presence in the new heaven and earth.
Psalm 50:10-11
“For every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.”
These verses from Psalm highlight God’s ownership and care for all animals. It reminds us that every creature, whether wild or domesticated, belongs to God and is under His jurisdiction. The psalmist acknowledges God’s intimate knowledge of every bird, insect, and animal, indicating that God values and cares for even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures.
These verses also serve as a reminder to us as humans that we should respect and care for animals as God’s creation. They are not just resources for our use but living beings deserving of love and proper treatment.
Genesis 1:25
“God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
In the creation account of Genesis, God declares the goodness of all the animals He has made. This verse emphasizes that God intentionally created each animal according to their own kind. It is a testament to the diversity and beauty of God’s creation, including the animals.
These words remind us that animals have inherent worth and value. They were not an afterthought but a deliberate part of God’s plan. As stewards of creation, we are called to recognize the goodness of animals and treat them with respect and care.
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they 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?
In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.”
Job’s words in these verses highlight the wisdom that can be gained from observing and learning from animals. He encourages us to pay attention to the natural world and its creatures, as they can teach us valuable lessons about God’s power and creativity.
These verses also emphasize that all life, both animal and human, is sustained by God’s hand. It reminds us that our existence is intricately connected to the rest of creation, and we share a common dependence on God. Through these words, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things and the responsibility we have to care for the world and its inhabitants.
Psalm 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 proclaims the vastness and diversity of God’s creation. It acknowledges the wisdom and creativity displayed in the multitude of creatures that fill the earth and the seas. It is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the awe-inspiring nature of His handiwork.
These verses also highlight the inherent worth and value of every creature. Each animal, regardless of its size or significance in human eyes, is an essential part of God’s creation. They are part of a beautifully balanced and interconnected ecosystem that reflects God’s wisdom and design.
Matthew 10:29-31
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
In these verses, Jesus reassures His disciples of the Father’s care for even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. He uses sparrows, which were commonly sold for a small price, to illustrate God’s intimate knowledge and concern for every detail of creation.
Jesus emphasizes that if God cares for the birds of the air, how much more does He care for His children? It reminds us of our great value and worth in God’s eyes. These verses bring comfort and encouragement, assuring us that we can trust in God’s providence and loving care.
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
This proverb highlights the importance of compassion and care for animals. It emphasizes that the righteous, those who are in right relationship with God, have a responsibility to attend to and meet the needs of their animals.
The verse also contrasts the righteous with the wicked, implying that those who mistreat animals demonstrate cruelty and lack of kindness. It reminds us that our treatment of animals reveals something about our character and our relationship with God.
As followers of Christ, we are called to show kindness and compassion not only to fellow humans but also to all creatures under our care. This verse serves as a reminder of our responsibility to care for animals with love and consideration.
Genesis 9:9-10
“I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth.”
These verses mark the establishment of God’s covenant with Noah and all living creatures after the flood. It signifies God’s committed relationship not only with humanity but also with every living creature on Earth.
This covenant demonstrates God’s love and care for His creation. It acknowledges the intrinsic value of animals and affirms their place in God’s plan. It reminds us that our responsibility as stewards of creation includes being mindful of the impact our actions have on the well-being and survival of all creatures.
Proverbs 27:23-27
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants.”
This passage from Proverbs focuses on the practical aspects of caring for animals and the blessings that come from responsibly tending to them. It encourages farmers and animal owners to pay attention to the well-being of their flocks and herds.
The verses emphasize the need for diligence and attentiveness in caring for animals as a valuable resource. It also highlights the potential benefits and provision that can come from properly managing and utilizing animal resources.
In a broader context, these verses underscore the importance of responsible stewardship and wise management of the earth’s resources, including animals.
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.”
These verses in Proverbs encourage us to learn from the example of ants and their diligence in preparing for the future. It urges us to be wise and industrious in our own lives, taking responsibility for our needs and future provisions.
While the primary focus of this passage is on human behavior and work ethic, it also reminds us of the wisdom and order found in the natural world, represented here by ants. It highlights the interconnectedness between humans and animals, reinforcing the idea that we can learn valuable lessons from observing and appreciating God’s creation.
Ecclesiastes 3:19-21
“Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”
This passage from Ecclesiastes ponders the mortality and equality of humans and animals. It acknowledges that both humans and animals experience death and return to the earth from which they were formed.
While the verses express uncertainty about the afterlife for humans and animals, it highlights the temporal nature of earthly existence. It serves as a reminder of our shared mortality with the animal kingdom and the need to value and care for all living beings during our time on earth.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.”
Though this verse does not explicitly mention animals, it speaks to the importance of our attitudes and intentions. It reminds us that our values and actions stem from the condition of our hearts.
Applying this verse to our relationship with animals, it prompts us to examine and guard our hearts against callousness, neglect, or cruelty towards them. It calls us to cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility in the way we interact with and care for animals.
Psalm 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”
This verse from Psalm proclaims that God’s righteousness and justice extend to both humans and animals. It emphasizes that God preserves and cares for all living beings.
The verse highlights the divine attribute of justice and the importance of recognizing and upholding the rights and well-being of animals. It reminds us that God’s care and protection extend to all of His creation, underscoring our responsibility as His image-bearers to advocate for the welfare and rights of animals.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,
but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
While this verse does not explicitly mention animals, its underlying principle applies to our treatment of all beings, including animals. It points to the importance of kindness, generosity, and fairness towards others.
Applying this verse to animals, it reminds us to extend compassion and care to all living creatures, offering help, and provision to those in need. It calls us to reject cruelty and exploitation and instead embrace a posture of love and generosity towards all beings, as we are all part of God’s interconnected creation.
Leviticus 25:6
“Whatever the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you—for yourself, your male and female servants, and the hired worker and temporary resident who live among you, as well as for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. Whatever the land produces may be eaten.”
This verse from Leviticus highlights God’s provision and care for both humans and animals during the sabbath year. It specifies that the abundance of the land is not only intended for human consumption but also for the well-being of animals.
It serves as a reminder of our role as stewards of the earth, responsible for providing for the needs of both ourselves and the animals under our care. This verse encourages us to consider the well-being of animals as we steward the resources entrusted to us.
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.”
These verses from Psalm marvel at the authority and dominion given to humans over all creatures. It acknowledges the vast array of animals that God has placed under human stewardship.
This verse emphasizes the responsibility that comes with this position of authority. We are entrusted with the care and well-being of animals, as well as the preservation and sustainable management of their habitats. It reminds us that our dominion over animals should not be exploited for selfish gain but exercised with wisdom and love.
Job 39:13-17
“The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
though they cannot compare
with the wings and feathers of the stork.
She lays her eggs on the ground
and lets them warm in the sand,
unmindful that a foot may crush them,
that some wild animal may trample them.
She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers;
she cares not that her labor was in vain,
for God did not endow her with wisdom
or give her a share of good sense.”
These verses in Job illustrate the contrast between God’s design for certain animals and their apparent lack of wisdom or understanding. In this case, the ostrich is portrayed as lacking in care and understanding for her eggs and offspring.
This passage serves as a reminder that not all animals possess the same level of understanding or care for their young as humans do. It underscores the vast diversity and complexity of God’s creation and His intentional design in granting different qualities and behaviors to various species.
These verses also prompt us to reflect on the responsibility we have as humans to care for and protect animals when they are unable to do so themselves.
Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.”
This verse celebrates God’s goodness and His compassion for all creation. It affirms that God’s love extends to every being He has made, including animals.
It reminds us that compassion and care are essential attributes of God, emphasizing the importance of mirroring these characteristics in our own treatment of animals. We are called to cultivate empathy and kindness towards all living beings, recognizing that God’s love extends to every creature.
Proverbs 27:23
“Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds.”
These words from Proverbs emphasize the importance of understanding and taking care of the well-being of animals under our care. It speaks to the responsibilities of livestock owners and shepherds, urging them to be attentive to the needs of their flocks and herds.
While the direct context of this verse is focused on the practicalities of animal husbandry, it also reminds us of our more general responsibility to be informed and knowledgeable about the well-being of animals under our care.
As individuals and as a society, we are called to advocate for the welfare and protection of animals, ensuring that their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs are met. This verse prompts us to be attentive and informed in our care for animals.
Job 12:10
“In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.”
This verse from Job affirms God’s sovereignty and power over all life. It acknowledges that every creature, human and animal alike, owes its existence and breath to God.
These words prompt us to recognize the inherent worth and value of animals as they are sustained by the very breath of God. It calls us to honor and protect this shared life and to treat animals with the dignity and respect they deserve as part of God’s creation.
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
This verse highlights the importance of caring for the needs of animals. It points out that the righteous show kindness and compassion towards their animals, while the wicked neglect or mistreat them.
It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to ensure the well-being of animals under our care. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend kindness and compassion to all creatures, reflecting the love and care that God has for His creation.
This verse challenges us to examine our own actions and attitudes towards animals, evaluating whether we are truly being righteous in our care for them or if there are areas in which we need to show more compassion and concern.
Psalm 104:10-11
“He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.
They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.”
This psalm describes the provision of water by God to sustain animals in their habitats. It highlights the intricate balance of ecosystems and the physical needs of animals, which are met by God’s provision.
These verses remind us of the interdependence of all creatures on a healthy and sustainable environment. They prompt us to recognize our role as stewards of the earth, responsible for ensuring the availability of resources necessary for the well-being of animals.
By acknowledging God’s provision and considering the water needs of animals, we are called to take action to protect water sources and habitats, contributing to the preservation and care of God’s creation.
Jonah 4:11
“And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”
In this verse from the book of Jonah, God expresses concern not only for the inhabitants of Nineveh but also for their cattle. It reveals God’s compassion for all living beings, extending to animals in a city threatened with judgment.
These words serve as a reminder of God’s desire for the redemption and well-being of all creatures. It prompts us to consider the broader implications of our actions on the welfare of animals and to advocate for their protection and thriving.
Just as God’s compassion extends even to animals, we should also seek to demonstrate love and concern for the well-being of animals in our own lives and communities.