The Bible does not use the word “dinosaur,” as that term was coined in the 19th century, but it does describe large, powerful creatures that align with what we understand about dinosaurs. In Job 40:15-24, God describes Behemoth, saying, “He moves his tail like a cedar… His bones are like beams of bronze, his ribs like bars of iron.” This was a massive, land-dwelling creature created by God.
In the next chapter, Job 41, Leviathan is described as a fearsome sea creature, with verses saying, “Out of his mouth go burning lights; sparks of fire shoot out” (Job 41:19). It is portrayed as untamable and terrifying, with armor-like scales and immense strength. While some suggest these could be poetic metaphors or known animals like the crocodile or hippo, the descriptions go beyond known species and point to now-extinct creatures.
Genesis teaches that all animals, including land beasts and sea creatures, were created during the six days of creation. Genesis 1:21 says, “So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves,” and Genesis 1:25 describes the creation of “beast of the earth.” These creatures, including what we call dinosaurs, were made by God during creation week and coexisted with mankind.
The Bible affirms that all creation was subject to the effects of the Fall, and extinction is a result of the broken world we now live in (Romans 8:20-22).
