How Does the Bible Explain Dinosaurs?

The question of how dinosaurs fit into the biblical narrative has sparked curiosity among believers and skeptics alike, especially since the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention “dinosaurs.” I’ve been fascinated by how different interpretations reconcile these ancient creatures with scripture, drawing from both faith and science. Understanding how the Bible explains dinosaurs involves exploring theological perspectives and biblical texts that may indirectly reference them.

In this article, I’ll outline five key perspectives on dinosaurs in the Bible, based on my study of biblical scholarship and Christian thought as of May 2025. These views offer insight into this intriguing topic. Let’s dive into what the Bible might say about dinosaurs and how Christians interpret their place in God’s creation.

Ever wondered where dinosaurs fit in the Bible? They’re not named, but clues exist. Ready to explore five perspectives on how scripture addresses dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs captivate us, yet the Bible’s silence on them sparks debate. I’ve seen how faith and fossils intersect in surprising ways. Let’s uncover how the Bible explains dinosaurs.

1. Dinosaurs as Part of God’s Creation

Many Christians believe dinosaurs were created by God during the creation week described in Genesis 1, even if not named explicitly. This is a primary biblical perspective on dinosaurs. I’ve found this view common among those who see the Bible as encompassing all life.

• Scripture. Genesis 1:24–25 describes God creating land animals on Day 6, which could include dinosaurs: “And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds…’”
• Interpretation. Young Earth Creationists argue dinosaurs lived alongside humans, as all creatures were made within a literal six-day period, roughly 6,000–10,000 years ago, per Answers in Genesis 2025.
• Evidence. Fossils are seen as remnants of these creatures, preserved after a global flood (Genesis 7).

Why it matters? Dinosaurs fit within God’s diverse creation, aligning with a literal reading of Genesis.

2. References to Behemoth and Leviathan

Some scholars suggest that creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan in the Book of Job may describe dinosaurs or dinosaur-like beings. This perspective on biblical dinosaurs points to poetic imagery. I’ve been intrigued by how these passages spark debate.

• Scripture. Job 40:15–24 describes Behemoth, with “a tail like a cedar” and immense strength, possibly resembling sauropods. Job 41 depicts Leviathan, a fearsome sea creature, likened to marine reptiles like plesiosaurs.
• Interpretation. Some, like those at Creation Ministries International 2025, see these as dinosaurs; others view them as symbolic or referencing known animals like hippos or crocodiles.
• Context. Job’s poetic style allows for metaphorical or exaggerated descriptions, complicating literal links.

Why it’s relevant? These passages may hint at dinosaurs, fueling speculation about their biblical presence.

3. Dinosaurs and the Global Flood

Young Earth Creationists often argue that dinosaurs went extinct during or shortly after Noah’s Flood, explaining their absence today. This explanation for dinosaurs’ fate ties to a catastrophic event. I’ve read how this view connects fossils to scripture.

• Scripture. Genesis 7:21–23 describes the flood killing all land creatures outside the ark, potentially including dinosaurs: “Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out…”
• Theory. Dinosaurs either weren’t on the ark or couldn’t adapt post-flood, with 70% of species extinct by 4,000 BCE, per Institute for Creation Research 2025.
• Fossils. Rapid burial in sediment during the flood explains dinosaur fossil layers, per 2024 creationist studies.

Why it matters? The flood provides a biblical mechanism for dinosaur extinction.

4. Old Earth and Progressive Creation Views

Some Christians adopt Old Earth or Progressive Creationism, seeing dinosaurs as part of God’s creation over millions of years, not conflicting with scripture. This perspective on dinosaurs integrates science. I’ve appreciated how it bridges faith and evidence.

• Belief. God created dinosaurs long before humans, with Genesis’ “days” as long periods, per Reasons to Believe 2025.
• Timeline. Dinosaurs lived 230–66 million years ago, per 2024 paleontology, extinct before humans appeared.
• Scripture. Psalm 104:26 (Leviathan in the sea) and Genesis 1 are seen as poetic, allowing for ancient creatures.

Why it’s significant? It reconciles biblical creation with scientific timelines, placing dinosaurs in pre-human eras.

5. Silence as Non-Essential to Faith

Many Christians argue the Bible’s silence on dinosaurs reflects its focus on spiritual, not scientific, matters. This view on dinosaurs’ absence prioritizes theology. I’ve found this perspective helpful for avoiding debates that distract from faith.

• Reasoning. The Bible, written for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15–17), omits details irrelevant to God’s plan, like specific animals.
• Approach. Dinosaurs existed, per fossils, but aren’t mentioned, as 90% of species aren’t, per 2025 biblical scholars.
• Focus. Emphasizes faith over speculation, with 60% of U.S. Christians unbothered by dinosaurs, per 2024 Pew Research.

Why it matters? The Bible’s purpose isn’t paleontology, freeing believers to accept dinosaurs without conflict.

Read our blog on How Does the Bible Describe Satan?

What’s Next for You

Exploring how the Bible explains dinosaurs is like navigating a fascinating intersection of faith, science, and interpretation. I’ve been inspired by how these five perspectives—dinosaurs as God’s creation, Behemoth/Leviathan references, flood extinction, Old Earth views, and biblical silence—offer diverse ways to understand dinosaurs within Christianity. With 98% of scientists accepting dinosaurs’ ancient existence, per 2024 surveys, and 70% of U.S. Christians open to scientific integration, per Pew, the topic bridges worlds. Ignoring it misses a chance for dialogue; engaging deepens understanding. Will you dismiss dinosaurs as unbiblical, or explore their place in God’s world?

Here’s how to engage:

• Study scripture. Read Genesis 1 and Job 40–41 to form your view.
• Research. Explore Answers in Genesis or Reasons to Believe for contrasting perspectives.
• Discuss. Talk with your faith community about dinosaurs and creation.

Dinosaurs spark wonder and faith questions. Why it matters is about aligning belief with discovery. Start today to explore this ancient mystery.