The Bible is not silent when it comes to how we treat animals. In fact, Scripture consistently portrays animals as part of God’s good creation. From the very beginning in Genesis, God entrusted mankind with the care and stewardship of the animals He lovingly made. These creatures are not just background characters in a divine story centered on humanity—they are intentionally created, named, and seen by God. He feeds them, watches over them, and even commands that they be treated with kindness and respect.
Loving animals is not a modern sentiment born out of environmentalism or animal rights movements. It’s a biblical one. God commanded rest for animals during the Sabbath, acknowledged their emotional expressions, and used them to teach, guide, and reflect aspects of His nature. Jesus Himself mentioned birds and sheep in His teachings, highlighting God’s awareness and care for even the smallest sparrow. If the Creator values animals so deeply, then surely our hearts should reflect that same compassion.
This list of 35 Bible verses helps us see how God’s love extends to all creatures and why loving animals is not only a moral good but a spiritual reflection of God’s heart. Through these scriptures, we are reminded that animals matter to God, and they should matter to us too.
Bible Verses About Loving Animals
1. Genesis 1:24
And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so.
2. Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
3. Job 12:7-10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you… In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
4. Psalm 50:10-11
For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.
5. Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
6. Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
7. Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat… and a little child will lead them.
8. Exodus 23:5
If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.
9. Deuteronomy 25:4
Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
10. Numbers 22:28
Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”
11. Jonah 4:11
And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people… and also many animals?
12. Genesis 2:19
Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them.
13. Psalm 104:14
He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.
14. Psalm 36:6
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
15. Exodus 23:12
Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest.
16. Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
17. Psalm 147:9
He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.
18. Proverbs 27:23
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.
19. Leviticus 22:28
Do not slaughter a cow or a sheep and its young on the same day.
20. Isaiah 65:25
The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
21. Job 38:41
Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?
22. Hosea 2:18
In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the creatures that move along the ground.
23. Luke 14:5
If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?
24. Genesis 9:10
And with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals… I establish my covenant with you.
25. Psalm 148:10
Wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds.
26. Isaiah 43:20
The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness.
27. Leviticus 19:19
Do not mate different kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed.
28. Ecclesiastes 3:19
Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both.
29. Genesis 7:9
Two of all living creatures, male and female, came to Noah and entered the ark, as God had commanded.
30. Genesis 6:19
You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you.
31. Deuteronomy 22:6-7
If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road… do not take the mother with the young.
32. Job 39:13-18
The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully… yet when she spreads her feathers to run, she laughs at horse and rider.
33. Psalm 104:24-25
How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
34. Matthew 10:29
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
35. Romans 8:21-22
The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay… We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Loving Animals
The heart of God beats for all of His creation, not just humankind. The way Scripture speaks of animals—with care, detail, and reverence—reminds us that they are not accidents or afterthoughts. They are expressions of God’s creativity and compassion. Loving animals is more than a kind gesture. It reflects the righteousness described in Proverbs 12:10, showing that we live in tune with the nature of God.
Whether it’s providing for them, protecting them, or simply enjoying their company, we reflect God’s heart when we treat animals with respect and love. The Bible shows us that God watches over the birds, listens to the cries of wild creatures, and even includes animals in His covenants. When we show kindness to animals, we honor the One who made them. Loving them is part of our calling as stewards of His creation.
Say This Prayer
Father, thank You for the beauty and wonder of Your creatures. Thank You for making animals not just for usefulness, but as part of Your joy-filled creation. Help me to see them through Your eyes—with love, compassion, and care. Teach me to reflect Your kindness in how I treat every living thing. Let my heart grow softer and more in tune with Yours, showing love not only to people but also to the animals You made. Thank You for trusting us to care for them. Help me walk faithfully in that trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.