Animals

Animals (Hebrew behemah, chayah; Greek zoa) occupy a significant place in biblical theology as part of God's creation, governed by his care, and integral to Israel's sacrificial worship. God created the animals on the fifth and sixth days, bringing them to Adam to be named — an act signifying human dominion over them (Gen. 1:24; 2:19). After the Flood, God extended his covenant to "every living creature" (Gen. 9:10) and permits humans to eat animals with restrictions (Gen. 9:3; Lev. 11).

The Mosaic law regulated the use of animals extensively: distinguishing clean from unclean, prescribing which could be offered in sacrifice (unblemished cattle, sheep, goats, doves), and providing protections for working animals (Deut. 25:4; Ex. 23:12). Jesus invoked God's care for sparrows as an argument for his care for people (Matt. 10:29–31). Animals also populate biblical imagery extensively — the lion for power and royalty, the lamb for innocence and sacrifice, the dove for peace and the Spirit — culminating in the four living creatures of the divine throne in Ezekiel and Revelation.