Dinosaurs and the Bible
I am often asked where dinosaurs are in the Bible. Some would say they are not there, but we may need to be cautious jumping to such conclusions. The Bible has many references to great monsters, dragons, etc. could these descriptions fit what we know as dinosaurs?
First, the word “dinosaur” is not an ancient word. According to the Oxford dictionary, the Latin word “dinosauroa” was created in the mid 19th century composing two Greek words (deinos + sauros). Deinos is a masculine Greek word for “terrible,” “horrible,” “skillful,” “astounding,” etc. Sauros is masculine Greek word for “lizard,” and “reptile.” When looking for the word “dinosaur” you would not find a reference to such creatures easily in Biblical texts. In the case of the 1611 King James Version of the Bible, the translation preceded the word. In the original languages, the words for monster or dragon could have been utilized.
Where do we see similar references to “dinosaur?” The Bible uses the Hebrew word “tannim” to refer to “dragon,” “whale,” “serpent” or “sea-monster.” The word occurs in Exodus 4:3; 7:9, 10, 12, 15; Job 30:29; Psalm 44:19; Isaiah 13:22; 34:13; 35:7; 43:20; Jeremiah 9:11; 10:22; 14:6; 49:33; 51:37; Malachi 1:3. The Greek word “Drakon” (meaning dragon) occurs Drakon occurs 12 times in Revelation 12; 13; 16; and 20. In Job 40:15, there is a reference to the word “behemoth.”
david evans is the Senior Pastor of Springfield Baptist Church in Springfield, TN. He has pastored for 25 years and has earned degrees (M.Div, Th.M, Th.M and Ph.D) in the areas of Christian Education, Leadership, Church Growth, Evangelism, Missiology and Apologetics. Check the church out at www.Springfield-Baptist.com. Feel free to contact david via e-mail DavidEvans@Springfield-Baptist.com.