Today we will talk about bible verses about dominion over animals. Many Christians do not know what this means. It is essential for us to understand our God-given authority and responsibility over the creatures that share this earth with us. In the beginning, God created the heavens, the earth, and everything that lives in it, calling it “good.” He entrusted us with caring for His creation, emphasizing our responsibility. As we read through these verses, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can fulfill this divine purpose while honoring God’s creations with love and respect. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Bible Verses About Dominion Over Animals
The Creation of Animals
When we explore the topic of dominion over animals, we are reminded of God’s magnificent creation and how He established a harmonious order in the animal kingdom. Understanding that all animals were created by God helps us realize our role in caring for them. The Bible gives us a beautiful perspective on how God created the creatures of the earth and crowned humanity with authority over them. This reflects the loving relationship between God, humanity, and creation. We are called to be responsible stewards of all living beings, reflecting His character in our actions. Let’s appreciate this divine relationship as we dive into God’s Word.
Genesis 1:24-25
“And God said, ‘Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds.’ And it was so. God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that crawl on the ground, and God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:24-25
Genesis 1:20-23
“And God said, ‘Let the water swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.’ So God created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the water swarmed, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:20-23
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.'” – Genesis 1:26
Psalms 104:24-25
“How countless are your works, LORD! In wisdom, you have 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.” – Psalms 104:24-25
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you; or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it 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 12:7-10
The Responsibility of Stewardship
As we ponder the concept of dominion over animals, we must embrace our responsibility of stewardship. God has given us authority, but with that authority comes the duty to care for His creation. Stewardship is about love and respect for all living beings and recognizing their intrinsic value. We should always ponder how our actions affect animals and the environment, honoring the Creator who entrusted us with such responsibilities. By focusing on compassionate stewardship, we exemplify God’s love and protect His creation.
Genesis 2:15
“The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.” – Genesis 2:15
Psalms 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.” – Psalms 8:6-8
Proverbs 12:10
“A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10
Matthew 10:29
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” – Matthew 10:29
Luke 12:6-7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
The Value of Animals
As we explore our dominion over animals, we discover the significant worth God has placed upon His creations. Each animal serves a purpose in the ecosystem and has unique characteristics that contribute to the beauty of our world. Recognizing their value helps us appreciate God’s handiwork and encourages us to treat them with dignity and respect. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s intention for creation, finding joy and inspiration in every living being.
Genesis 1:30
“And to all the animals of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to every creature that crawls on the ground, everything that has the breath of life in it, I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.” – Genesis 1:30
Proverbs 27:23-27
“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds; for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation. After the hay is harvested and the new growth appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats will be sold for the price of a field.” – Proverbs 27:23-27
Matthew 12:12
“How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” – Matthew 12:12
Acts 10:12
“It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'” – Acts 10:12
Psalms 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.” – Psalms 36:6
Our dominion over animals also calls us to display compassion and care. God’s creation should be treated with kindness, understanding, and empathy. Animals, like us, feel pain and fear, and our responsibility extends beyond authority; it includes nurturing and supporting them. Expressing compassion can impact their well-being, demonstrating our faith in action. As we learn how to show care for all living beings, we follow in God’s footsteps and exemplify His love, enriching our spiritual journey.
Proverbs 21:31
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” – Proverbs 21:31
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5
Isaiah 11:6
“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.” – Isaiah 11:6
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
Throughout the Bible, we find reassurance of God’s care and promise for animals. They are part of His wonderful creation, and He does not overlook their needs and welfare. This promise reflects His love for all living beings, reminding us of our responsibility to care for them as He does. Knowing that God encompasses all creatures in His promises empowers us to be kind caregivers, serving as His hands and feet on earth.
Job 39:19-20
“Do you give the horse its strength, or clothe its neck with a flowing mane? Do you make it leap like a locust, striking terror with its proud snorting?” – Job 39:19-20
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Luke 12:24
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” – Luke 12:24
Psalms 145:9
“The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” – Psalms 145:9
Proverbs 30:24-28
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” – Proverbs 30:24-28
Animals play a vital role in various biblical narratives, including those surrounding the life of Jesus. These stories remind us that Jesus valued all living beings and often used animals to illustrate His teachings. By embracing these connections, we reflect on how Jesus cared for the creatures on earth, and we can be inspired to follow suit. When we acknowledge the presence of animals in scripture, we see that they are intertwined with our faith and our call to demonstrate love and compassion.
Matthew 21:1-3
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.'” – Matthew 21:1-3
Mark 1:13
“He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” – Mark 1:13
Luke 2:7
“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2:7
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
Matthew 10:32-33
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32-33
Animals are often used as powerful symbols throughout the Bible, each carrying unique meanings and lessons that impact our understanding of dominion and stewardship. These symbols invite us to delve deeper into our faith, drawing connections between God’s creation and our responsibilities. By reflecting on these teachings, we can better comprehend how they apply to our lives and the way we treat every creature under our care.
Psalm 23:1-2
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” – Psalm 23:1-2
Isaiah 40:11
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” – Isaiah 40:11
Revelation 5:5
“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.'” – Revelation 5:5
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” – Matthew 7:15
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28:1
Final Thoughts
As we explored the topic of dominion over animals, we recognized the profound responsibility and love that comes with the authority God has given us. We learned about the creation of animals, stewardship, their intrinsic value, and the importance of compassion and care. Every verse invited us to reflect on our role as caretakers of God’s magnificent creation. We found comfort in His promises for animals and witnessed the ways they intertwine with our faith. Remember that every time we interact with God’s creatures, we have the opportunity to embody His love and care for His creation. Together, let’s take steps toward being responsible stewards, respecting, cherishing, and ensuring the welfare of animals, for they truly are part of God’s amazing work.
Let us continue being inspired by God’s word as we practice compassion in our daily lives, remembering that our dominion over animals is an act of love, respect, and stewardship.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
