From the giant fish that swallowed Jonah to God creating the sea creatures, the Bible has some fascinating references to ocean life. But beyond these stories, what do these creatures symbolize? The Bible uses sea creatures to illustrate God’s power and the vastness of His creation, reminding us of His sovereignty over all life.
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What Does The Bible Say About Sea Creatures
Psalm 104:25-26
“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.”
These verses celebrate the magnitude of the sea and the vast array of creatures that inhabit it. It highlights the beauty and diversity of God’s creation, emphasizing His sovereignty over all living things, from the smallest to the largest.
It also mentions the Leviathan, a legendary sea creature often seen as a symbol of God’s power and majesty. These verses remind us of the wonders of the oceans and inspire awe and gratitude for the creator.
Job 41:1
“Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook or tie down its tongue with a rope?”
This verse continues the theme of the mighty Leviathan, challenging humanity’s ability to control or comprehend the power of God’s creation. It highlights the vastness and strength of sea creatures, emphasizing our limited understanding and the need to trust in the Creator’s wisdom.
It serves as a reminder of our humility before God and the importance of respecting and cherishing the natural world around us.
Genesis 1:21
“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”
These verses describe God’s act of creation, highlighting how He specifically created the great sea creatures and all the living things that dwell in the waters. It portrays the intentional design and order in which God brought about life, expressing His delight in His creation.
These verses also emphasize God’s role as the ultimate source of goodness and beauty in the world.
Job 12:8
“Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you.”
In these verses, Job encourages his friends to look to the natural world for wisdom and understanding. He suggests that even the fish of the sea can provide lessons and insights into the ways of God.
This verse reminds us of the interconnectedness of all creation and encourages us to seek knowledge and wisdom from the world around us.
Leviticus 11:9
“Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales.”
These verses are part of the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus. They provide guidance on which sea creatures are considered clean and can be eaten by the Israelites.
Though these regulations no longer apply in the same way for Christians today, they reflect God’s concern for the well-being and health of His people. They also highlight the importance of discernment and obedience in following God’s instructions.
Psalm 69:34
“Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them.”
This verse speaks to the universal praise and worship of God. It calls on both the heavens and the earth, including the seas and all its inhabitants, to join in glorifying the Lord.
It reminds us that all of creation has a role in lifting up God’s name and expressing gratitude for His goodness and faithfulness.
Matthew 17:27
“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
In this narrative, Jesus instructs Peter to find a specific provision for paying taxes by catching a fish with a coin in its mouth. It demonstrates Jesus’ authority over creation, showcasing a miraculous event that fulfills a practical need.
This verse reveals the care and provision of God, reminding us that He can use unlikely sources to meet our needs and guide our steps.
Revelation 10:2-3
“He was holding a small scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.”
These verses depict a visionary scene from the book of Revelation, where a mighty angel stands with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, symbolizing his dominion over both realms.
The loud shout and the thunderous voices represent the power and authority of God and His divine messages. It signifies that God’s voice can be heard and understood in all corners of creation.
Jonah 1:17
“Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
This verse recounts the well-known story of Jonah’s disobedience and subsequent punishment. God sends a great fish to swallow Jonah, preserving his life while teaching him a lesson about obedience.
It serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all creation and can use even unconventional means to accomplish His divine purposes.
Psalms 148:7-8
“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding.”
In these verses, the psalmist calls upon all of creation to praise the Lord, including the great sea creatures and the depths of the ocean. It expands the invitation to all aspects of the natural world, recognizing God’s authority over every element.
This verse reminds us of our interconnectedness with the rest of creation and encourages us to join in the chorus of praise for our Creator.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
This verse records Jesus’ call to His disciples, using the metaphor of fishing to illustrate their future mission of evangelism. It implies that just as they were skilled fishers, they would become fishers of people, sharing the message of salvation.
This verse highlights the importance of sharing the gospel and spreading the love of Christ to others, drawing people into a relationship with Him.
Psalm 148:1-4
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.”
These verses call for praise to the Lord from all aspects of creation, including the celestial bodies and the waters above the skies. It declares the greatness of God’s creation and the majesty of His heavenly realm.
It reminds us of the vastness and wonder of the universe and encourages us to join in the praise and adoration of the Creator.
Revelation 21:1
“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”
This verse speaks of the visionary scene in the book of Revelation where a new heaven and a new earth are foretold. It mentions the passing away of the first earth and the absence of the sea in the new creation.
While the absence of the sea may be symbolic, it signifies a new order and restoration, highlighting the hope and promise of a future where all things will be made new in Christ.
Psalm 93:3-4
“The seas have lifted up, Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the Lord on high is mighty.”
In these verses, the psalmist depicts the power and strength of the roaring seas. It acknowledges the force of the pounding waves and declares the might and supremacy of the Lord, who reigns over them.
These verses remind us that even the most powerful forces in nature are subject to the authority and sovereignty of God.
Exodus 14:21
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided.”
This verse recounts the miraculous event of the parting of the Red Sea as the Israelites were escaping from Egypt. It illustrates God’s power to control and manipulate the waters, providing a path of deliverance for His people.
It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to intervene in extraordinary ways in our lives.
Psalm 8:8
“the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.”
These verses celebrate the breadth of God’s creation, including the fish that inhabit the seas. It acknowledges the vastness and variety of marine life, confirming God’s role as the creator and sustainer of all things.
It reminds us of the intricate beauty and diversity found in the natural world and invites us to marvel at the greatness of our Creator.
Jonah 2:10
“And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”
These verses complete the story of Jonah, where God commands the fish to release Jonah after spending three days and three nights in its belly. It signifies God’s mercy and His willingness to give second chances.
This verse serves as a reminder that God is in control even in the most challenging situations, and He can bring about unexpected deliverance.
John 21:6
“He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”
In this scene, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, instructing them on where to cast their net for a bountiful catch. It showcases His authority over the natural world and His ability to provide for their needs.
It reminds us that when we follow Jesus’ guidance, we can experience His abundance and blessings in our lives.
Psalm 107:23-24
“Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.”
These verses depict sailors who witness the powerful works of the Lord while navigating the sea. It portrays God’s involvement in their lives and His ability to perform extraordinary acts even in the depths of the ocean.
It encourages us to be attentive to the works of God and to recognize His presence and power in all aspects of our lives.
Matthew 14:25
“Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”
This verse describes the miraculous event of Jesus walking on the water to meet His disciples during a storm. It showcases His authority over the elements and His ability to defy the laws of nature.
It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ power to bring peace and calm in the midst of life’s challenges, encouraging us to trust in Him.
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
These verses declare the all-encompassing ownership of the Lord over the earth and everything in it. It emphasizes that all living creatures, including sea creatures, ultimately belong to God.
It reminds us that as stewards of God’s creation, we have a responsibility to honor, protect, and care for all living things.
Ezekiel 47:9
“Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.”
These verses describe a prophetic vision of a future river that brings life and transforms the saltwater into freshwater, resulting in an abundance of living creatures, including fish.
This verse symbolizes the spiritual renewal and transformation that comes through the presence of God’s Spirit. It represents the life-giving power of God at work, bringing restoration and vitality to all areas of our lives.