Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Killing Animals?
9 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Killing Animals in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about killing animals. This collection of 9 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 9 Verses About Killing Animals
- 1Genesis 1:26
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
KJV - 2Genesis 1:29
“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. bearing: Heb. seeding seed yielding: Heb. seeding seed”
KJV - 3Genesis 9:3
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
KJV - 4
- 5Leviticus 24:21
“And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.”
KJV - 6Deuteronomy 25:4
“Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. treadeth: Heb. thresheth”
KJV - 7Proverbs 12:10
“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. tender: or, bowels”
KJV - 8Isaiah 11:6
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”
KJV - 9Isaiah 66:3
“He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. lamb: or, kid burneth: Heb. maketh a memorial of”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Killing Animals? (9 Verses)
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. bearing: Heb. seeding seed yielding: Heb. seeding seed”
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
“Thou shalt not kill.”
“And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.”
“Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. treadeth: Heb. thresheth”
“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. tender: or, bowels”
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”
“He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. lamb: or, kid burneth: Heb. maketh a memorial of”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Killing Animals
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about killing animals. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about killing animals and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about killing animals is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on killing animals needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about killing animals with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about killing animals, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Killing Animals?
You have studied 9 verses about killing animals. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.