Proverbs Woman

The Bible mentions a variety of animals and birds, often symbolically. This list shows how animals and birds convey spiritual truths, embody nations, and symbolize characteristics or actions in biblical prophecy and teachings.

Job

• Behemoth and Leviathan (Job 40-41): Symbolize strength and chaos.
• Lion, Raven, Eagle, Hawk, Horse, Ox, Donkey, Ostrich (Job 39): Described to demonstrate God’s wisdom in creation.

Psalms

• Deer (Psalm 42:1): Longing for God.
• Lion (Psalm 22:13): Symbol of danger.
• Eagle (Psalm 103:5): Renewal of strength.
• Oxen, Sheep, Birds, Fish (Psalm 8:7-8): Dominion of mankind.

Proverbs

• Ant (Proverbs 6:6): Wisdom and diligence.
• Lion (Proverbs 30:30): Strength and bravery.
• Leech (Proverbs 30:15): Greed.
• Lizard, Spider, Eagle (Proverbs 30): Cleverness and adaptation.

Ecclesiastes

• Birds (Ecclesiastes 10:20): Carrying messages.

Song of Songs

• Dove (Song of Songs 1:15): Innocence and love.
• Gazelle (Song of Songs 2:17): Beauty and grace.
• Fox (Song of Songs 2:15): Problems in relationships.

Isaiah

• Lion, Wolf, Lamb, Goat (Isaiah 11:6): Peaceful coexistence in God’s kingdom.
• Eagle (Isaiah 40:31): Strength and renewal.
• Serpent (Isaiah 27:1): Chaos and opposition to God.

Jeremiah

• Lion, Bear, Leopard, Eagle (Jeremiah 5:6; 12:9): Represent nations and destruction.
• Ox, Donkey (Jeremiah 31:18): Restoration and repentance.
• Birds of prey (Jeremiah 12:4): Judgment.

Lamentations

• Eagles (Lamentations 4:19): Swiftness of enemies.
• Jackals (Lamentations 5:18): Desolation of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel

• Eagle (Ezekiel 17:3): Represents Babylon.
• Sheep, Goats (Ezekiel 34): God’s care for His people.
• Lions, Wolves, Bears, Foxes (Ezekiel 19, 22): Symbolic of rulers and enemies.

Daniel

• Lion, Bear, Leopard, Beast (Daniel 7): Represent successive kingdoms.
• Ram, Goat (Daniel 8): Symbolize the Medo-Persian and Greek empires.

Hosea

• Lion, Leopard, Bear (Hosea 13:7-8): Represent God’s judgment.
• Dove (Hosea 7:11): Israel’s naivete.

Joel

• Locusts (Joel 1-2): Symbolize an invading army.
• Lion (Joel 3:16): Represents God’s power.

Amos

• Lion (Amos 3:8): God’s voice and judgment.
• Bird (Amos 3:5): Symbolizes a snare.
• Sheep (Amos 3:12): The remnant of Israel.

Obadiah

• Eagle (Obadiah 1:4): Pride and judgment.

Jonah

• Fish (Jonah 1:17): Swallows Jonah.
• Worm (Jonah 4:7): Symbol of destruction.

Micah

• Wolf, Lion, Lamb (Micah 5:8): Peaceful restoration.
• Eagle (Micah 1:16): Symbol of lamentation.

Nahum

• Lions (Nahum 2:11): Represent Assyria’s rulers.

Habakkuk

• Fish (Habakkuk 1:14): Represents the oppressed people.

Zephaniah

• Birds, Fish (Zephaniah 1:3): Symbolize widespread judgment.

Zechariah

• Horses (Zechariah 6:1-8): Represent God’s judgment and spirit.
• Sheep (Zechariah 11): Symbolize Israel.

Malachi

• Calf (Malachi 4:2): Symbolizes joy and victory.

Revelation

• Lamb (Revelation 5:6): Represents Christ.
• Beasts (Revelation 13): Represent empires and opposition to God.
• Locusts (Revelation 9): Symbolize demonic forces.
• Birds of prey (Revelation 19:17-18): Feast on the defeated enemies of God.
• Serpent/Dragon (Revelation 12): Represents Satan.