Question:
Is there evidence of dinosaurs in the Bible?
Answer:
Due to evolutionary teaching, many have been conditioned to think that humans and dinosaurs never lived together. Yet, the Bible teaches that “everything that creeps on the earth” (including dinosaurs) was created on the sixth day and man was also created on the same day (Genesis 1:24-31). Thus, according to the Bible, both man and dinosaur lived together for a period of time in this earth’s history.
If this is the case, the Bible may provide some additional evidence. It is true the word “dinosaur” is not used in the Bible. However, just because the term “dinosaur” (a word coined in 1841 by Sir Richard Owens) does not occur does not mean we cannot find possible dinosaur descriptions. Two possible descriptions exist of dinosaur-like creatures in Job 40 and Job 41. Interestingly, though the book of Job appears later in the Old Testament it is about a character who lived during the same time period as the patriarchs.
The first creature is called “behemoth” and is described in Job 40:15-24. The second creature is called “leviathan” and is described in Job 41. Some have tried to claim that the section describing “behemoth” refers to an elephant or hippopotamus. Yet, textual clues prohibit such an identification.
For example, Job 40:16 says behemoth’s “strength is in his hips, and his power is in his stomach muscles.” This does not sound like the soft-bellied elephant. Verse 17 says “his tail is like a cedar.” Does that sound like the puny tail of an elephant or hippo? The honest reader will see the similarity to the powerful tails of many dinosaurs. Indeed, “behemoth” was “the first of the ways of God” (40:19). This indicates behemoth’s greatness. If this were the hippo greater creatures could be found.
Likewise, some have suggested that “leviathan” describes a whale or crocodile. Yet, does a whale have “rows of scales” (41:15)? Is a crocodile able to breathe “sparks of fire” or “flames” as leviathan is able to do (Job 41:18-21)? Is a crocodile’s underbelly soft and vulnerable or are his “under sides . .. like sharp potsherds” (41:30)? Finally, is the crocodile any more intimidating when he “raises himself up” than when he is in the water (see Job 41:25)?
Some have tried to claim Job is referencing mythical creatures. Yet, the context describes several other real creatures (lions, mountain goats, donkeys, oxen, ostriches, horses, hawks, eagles, etc.—Job 38,39). Second, God’s overall message to Job, and the reason He uses behemoth and leviathan, is to prove He is Almighty and should not be questioned (40:1-9). God’s point is moot if He is merely describing a mythological creature.
Let me know if you would like additional material on this subject and I’ll refer you to sources.
April 2008