The Bible provides insight into humanity’s relationship with animals, including hunting and the use of animals for food. While Scripture speaks of dominion over animals, it also encourages stewardship and care for all creation. Let’s explore what the Bible says about hunting, killing animals, and the balance between dominion and compassion.
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What Does The Bible Say About Hunting And Killing Animals
Genesis 9:3
“Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.”
In this verse, God gives permission for humans to eat animals, indicating that hunting and killing animals for food is permissible.
Leviticus 17:13
“Any Israelite or any foreigner residing among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth.”
While hunting is allowed, this verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the animals by properly draining the blood and burying it, ensuring appropriate handling and reverence for the life taken.
Deuteronomy 12:15
“Nevertheless, you may slaughter your animals in any of your towns and eat as much of the meat as you want, as if it were gazelle or deer, according to the blessing the Lord your God gives you. Both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it.”
This passage acknowledges that animals can be hunted and slaughtered for food, allowing for the consumption of meat in various forms.
1 Samuel 14:32-34
“So the men pounced on the plunder, and took sheep, cattle, and calves. They butchered them on the ground and ate them, together with the blood. Then someone said to Saul, “Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.” “You have broken faith,” he said. “Roll a large stone over here at once.”
This verse illustrates the importance of adhering to God’s instructions regarding the killing and consumption of animals. Saul corrects the error of eating meat with blood, emphasizing the need to follow God’s laws.
Psalm 8:6
“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
This verse reminds us that God has given humans dominion over all creation, including animals. Hunting can be considered a way to exercise this authority responsibly and sustainably.
Proverbs 12:27
“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”
This proverb highlights the rewards of diligent hunting, emphasizing the importance of actively pursuing one’s needs and not relying solely on the efforts of others.
Proverbs 27:23
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”
This verse encourages responsible stewardship over animals, which can include hunting to maintain a balanced ecosystem and ensure the well-being of both domestic and wild animals.
Ecclesiastes 3:19
“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.”
This verse reminds us of the shared mortality between humans and animals, highlighting our interconnectedness. It implies that the killing of animals for food is not inherently immoral.
Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.”
This prophetic verse depicts a future harmony between animals, where predation and killing will no longer exist. While hunting currently serves a purpose for sustenance, it points to a future where hunting will no longer be necessary.
Daniel 2:35
“Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace.”
This verse, while not directly about hunting, illustrates the transient nature of worldly things. It serves as a reminder that hunting, as an activity tied to the physical world, is impermanent and subject to change.
Matthew 26:52
““Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Although not explicitly about hunting, this verse urges caution and highlights the potential consequences of violence. It encourages a mindset of using hunting as a means for sustenance rather than for unnecessary brutality.
Mark 1:17
““Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.””
While this verse refers to fishing for people metaphorically, it can also be seen as an analogy for our responsibility to share the message of Christ. It does not specifically address hunting animals.
Luke 5:4-6
“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”
This story recounts a miraculous catch of fish, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith. While it specifically addresses fishing, it does not provide direct guidance on hunting or killing animals.
Romans 14:2
“One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.”
This verse addresses personal dietary choices based on individual faith. It acknowledges that different beliefs and convictions can lead to varying dietary preferences, but it does not directly address hunting or killing animals.
Romans 14:3
“The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.”
Building upon the previous verse, this passage urges believers not to judge or look down upon others based on differing dietary choices. It promotes unity and acceptance among believers without offering specific guidance on hunting or killing animals.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
This verse encourages believers to consider the impact of their actions on others. While it does not specifically address hunting or killing animals, it emphasizes the importance of love and avoiding actions that may lead to the stumbling of fellow believers.
Romans 15:1
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Along similar lines to the previous verse, this passage emphasizes the need for patience and understanding towards those with differing beliefs or convictions. It does not provide direct guidance on hunting or killing animals.
1 Corinthians 9:9-10
“For it is written in the Law of Moses: ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.’ Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.”
This verse, while not specifically addressing hunting, emphasizes fair treatment and care for animals. It suggests that animals should be allowed to enjoy the fruits of their labor, highlighting the importance of treating animals with respect.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
While this verse encourages believers to do all things for the glory of God, including eating, it does not explicitly address hunting or the killing of animals.
1 Corinthians 15:39
“Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another, and fish another.”
This verse acknowledges the inherent differences between humans and animals. It recognizes that each has its own distinct nature and purpose, but does not directly address hunting or killing animals.
Colossians 1:16
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
This verse emphasizes that all creation was brought into being by God and exists for His purposes. While it encompasses animals, it does not explicitly address hunting or killing animals.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
This verse affirms that all of God’s creation is good and can be enjoyed with thankfulness. While it does not specifically address hunting or killing animals, it highlights the need to approach all things with gratitude and reverence.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse speaks to the responsibility of caring for one’s family and ensuring their provision. While it does not directly address hunting or killing animals, it implies the importance of responsibly utilizing available resources.
Revelation 19:17-18
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, ‘Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.’”
In this apocalyptic passage, birds are depicted as participating in a divine judgment, feeding on the flesh of the wicked. While it does not address hunting animals for consumption, it highlights the symbolic role of animals in eschatological events.