Animal Symbolism in the Bible- Part 1

The Bible is full of symbolism: the story beneath the story. By studying various types and symbols in the Word of God, we gain deep and rich insight into the Lord and His ways. I have selected just some of the animal symbols in the Bible for us to explore together. I encourage you to search out more to enhance your spiritual growth.

Lion

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 (KJV)

A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; Proverbs 30:30 (KJV)

The righteous are to be bold like a lion. The lion fears no one and turns away from no one. He is a strong and courageous king and rules the jungle. He is portrayed as the strongest of the wild animals. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah and is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Jesus is the King of all kings and will rule forever. As believers, we are are to be like Him- bold and courageous.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: I Peter 5:8 (KJV)

We must note that the lion is also used to describe the way the devil tries to act, because he understands the strength, boldness, and rulership possessed by a lion. Notice that it says he walks around AS a lion. It does not say he IS a lion. He is always trying to mimic and twist the same symbols and attributes ascribed to God.

Lamb/ Sheep

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:12 (KJV)

Jesus is the Lamb who was slain to save His sheep. Jesus is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 (KJV)

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. John 10:4 (KJV)

Sheep need a shepherd to care for them. Sheep are not the brightest of animals and are prone to stray, making them easy prey for predators. We must listen to our Shepherd and follow where He leads.

Dove

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

Holy Spirit is symbolized by a dove. A dove is gentle, harmless, tender, and sensitive. It flies away easily. The Holy Spirit is gentle and can be grieved when mistreated or disobeyed, causing Him to withdraw His manifest presence. He can be grieved, resisted, and quenched by our disregard for Him.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

The dove is also something we are to emulate, being harmless as a dove. However, we are to be wise, which is the Greek word pronimas, meaning prudent, careful, cunning, discerning, thoughtful, intelligent, and sensible. The devil, often portrayed as a serpent, is cunning, but we are to be wiser and smarter than he is so he can’t outsmart us and take advantage of us.

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Daniel 1:20 (KJV)

In Babylon, God’s people were smarter than the devil’s crowd so they were placed above the devil’s crowd. Jesus sends us out equipped to overcome the devil, his demons, and his crowd so our witness and ministry are effective.

In tomorrow’s post, we will explore more animal symbolism in the Bible.