The Bible contains many fascinating stories and unique details that teach us about God and his creation. One interesting subject is bears! Let’s explore some Bible verses that mention bears and see what they can reveal to us about God’s power and wisdom.
Bible Verses About Bears
Leviticus 26:22 – God warns of destruction and consequences
“I will send wild animals against you, and they will rob you of your children. You will be unable to do anything to stop them, and your roads will be deserted.” – Leviticus 26:22
2 Kings 2:24 – The power of God’s judgment is seen
“He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.” – 2 Kings 2:24
Proverbs 17:12 – Wisdom warns against foolishness
“Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.” – Proverbs 17:12
Isaiah 11:7 – Creation is restored in God’s perfect kingdom
“The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.” – Isaiah 11:7
Proverbs 28:15 – The dangers of wicked leaders
“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.” – Proverbs 28:15
Lamentations 3:10 – A metaphor for the agony of loneliness
“He is like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding.” – Lamentations 3:10
Micah 1:8 – The prophet laments the destruction ahead
“Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked; I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl.” – Micah 1:8
Psalm 22:12 – The feeling of being encircled by threats
“Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.” – Psalm 22:12
Mark 1:13 – The wildness of the world reflects spiritual trials
“And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” – Mark 1:13
Isaiah 59:11 – The mournful cry of the people in despair
“We all growl like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away.” – Isaiah 59:11
1 Samuel 17:34-35 – A testimony of courage against fierce threats
“But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it.'” – 1 Samuel 17:34-35
Proverbs 30:30 – The strength of creatures offers wisdom
“The lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any;” – Proverbs 30:30
Hosea 13:8 – God’s fierce protection in distress
“Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder; a wild animal will devour them.” – Hosea 13:8
Matthew 18:12 – The value of every single soul
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” – Matthew 18:12
Psalm 50:10 – God’s creation includes all living beings
“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” – Psalm 50:10
Lamentations 3:34 – God’s authority over oppression
“To trample on a human being is to crush it underfoot; to deny justice is to pervert justice.” – Lamentations 3:34
Matthew 7:15 – The warning against dangerous influences
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” – Matthew 7:15
Job 38:39-40 – The Lord questions Job’s understanding of creation
“Do you hunt the prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of the lions when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in a thicket?” – Job 38:39-40
Genesis 8:22 – God’s promise regarding nature’s cycles
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” – Genesis 8:22
Romans 8:19 – All creation waits with hope
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” – Romans 8:19
Psalms 68:15-16 – God’s dwelling places are filled with majesty
“The mountain of God is a mountain of Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan. Why do you fume with envy, you mountain peaks, at the mountain God chose for his dwelling?” – Psalms 68:15-16
Psalm 104:25-26 – Celebrating the diversity of God’s creation
“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.” – Psalm 104:25-26
James 3:7 – The power of the tongue and the instinct of creatures
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,” – James 3:7
Jeremiah 51:38 – The destruction and the wild animals
“So the people will roar like young lions; they will growl like lion cubs.” – Jeremiah 51:38
Acts 10:12 – God’s message to Peter includes every creature
“It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.” – Acts 10:12
Genesis 49:9 – The blessing of Jacob speaks of strength
“You are a lion’s cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?” – Genesis 49:9
Psalms 11:6 – The justice of God against the wicked
“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a terrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.” – Psalms 11:6
Matthew 10:16 – Wisdom in a perilous world
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16
Psalm 91:13 – The promise of safety from dangers
“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” – Psalm 91:13
1 Chronicles 12:8 – The bravery of David’s warriors
“Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear.” – 1 Chronicles 12:8
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses about God Has the Last Word
What Do Bible Verses Say About Bears?
Bears are one of those animals that pop up a few times in the Bible, usually in stories that illustrate important lessons. As we explore these references, we uncover a bit more about the context and the meanings behind these mentions.
Bears are used in the Bible to symbolize strength and danger. For example, in the Old Testament, there is a story about the prophet Elisha and a group of young boys. These boys were mocking Elisha for being bald. As a result, two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them. This story can teach us about the importance of respecting others, especially those who have been given a significant role by God.
In another part of the Bible, bears are mentioned in relation to the dangers and challenges of life. In the Book of Amos, a comparison is made between a person who escapes a lion but then meets a bear. This can remind us that avoiding one danger doesn’t mean we’re safe from another. Life often has multiple challenges, and being prepared for them is crucial.
Another interesting mention of bears is in the Book of Daniel. Daniel interprets a dream where different animals represent kingdoms. A bear in this vision symbolizes a powerful kingdom that exercises great influence and control. This teaches us how imagery can be used to represent larger ideas and powers in the world.
We see bears don’t just appear in random mentions. Their presence always ties back to a larger lesson or warning. Whether it’s about respect, vigilance, or understanding power, these stories use the bear as a strong image to get the point across.
In summary, the Bible’s references to bears help us understand different aspects of life and our relationship with God. They remind us of the need for respect, the realities of danger, and the recognition of power and authority. By reflecting on these stories, we can better appreciate the depth and the lessons the Bible has to share with us.