Can animals be evil according to the Bible?

Throughout history, people have attributed various moral qualities to animals, labeling some as cunning or cruel, and others as innocent or noble. But does the Bible ever describe animals as evil, or capable of moral wrongdoing? To answer this, we need to examine biblical passages, the nature of evil from a scriptural perspective, and the role animals play in the biblical narrative.

Understanding 'Evil' in the Biblical Context

In the Bible, evil is fundamentally a moral concept, closely tied to rebellion against God’s will, intentional wrongdoing, and the capacity for moral choice. Humans, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), are portrayed as moral agents who can choose between good and evil. The Bible consistently holds people accountable for their actions, commanding them to love God and neighbor, and to avoid sin.

The concept of evil in scripture is not simply about harmful actions or destructive behavior, but about a willful turning away from God. Evil is often described as a condition of the heart and mind, involving intent, knowledge, and responsibility. With this understanding, we can begin to assess whether animals fit this framework.

Animals in the Creation Narrative

The opening chapters of Genesis provide essential insight into the biblical view of animals. God creates animals alongside humans, declaring all of creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Animals are given their own roles, habitats, and purposes, but they are not described as moral agents. In fact, the dominion given to humans over animals suggests a fundamental distinction between the two: humans are to care for, steward, and oversee animals, not because animals are evil or good, but because humans bear God’s image and unique responsibility.

Animal Behavior in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, animals are depicted acting according to their instincts. Lions hunt, serpents slither, and birds fly. Sometimes, animals are used as symbols for certain characteristics or behaviors—lions for strength, serpents for cunning, doves for peace. Occasionally, animals are involved in biblical stories in ways that impact humans, but their actions are never portrayed as the result of moral deliberation or rebellion against God.

For example, in the story of Balaam (Numbers 22), a donkey speaks to its master after being given the ability by God. The donkey acts to save Balaam’s life, but its actions are prompted by divine intervention, not moral choice. Similarly, ravens feed Elijah at God’s command (1 Kings 17:4-6), and a great fish swallows Jonah as part of God’s plan (Jonah 1:17). In all these instances, animals function as instruments of God’s will, not as independent moral actors.

The Serpent in the Garden of Eden

One might point to the serpent in Genesis 3 as an example of animal evil. The serpent tempts Eve, leading to humanity’s fall into sin. However, the Bible later clarifies that the serpent is not acting on its own initiative, but is being used by Satan (Revelation 12:9). The serpent is a vessel for a spiritual being’s agenda, not an animal making a moral choice. The evil in this story is attributed to Satan, not to the animal itself.

Sacrificial Animals and Moral Innocence

The Old Testament sacrificial system also sheds light on the moral status of animals. Animals offered as sacrifices had to be “without blemish”—physically perfect—but there is no mention of moral purity or evil (Leviticus 1:3). The animals are substitutes, their deaths symbolizing the cost of human sin, but the Bible never suggests that animals themselves are sinful or capable of evil. In fact, their innocence is part of what makes the sacrifice meaningful.

Jesus’ Teaching and the Value of Animals

Jesus frequently used animals in his teachings and parables, but never as examples of moral evil. He spoke of sparrows to illustrate God’s care for creation (Matthew 10:29), sheep to describe his followers (John 10:11), and even foxes to make a point about cunning or homelessness (Luke 9:58). While animals are used metaphorically, they are not condemned as evil; rather, they help illuminate human nature and spiritual truths.

Conclusion: Animals and Moral Agency in the Bible

Taken as a whole, the Bible does not describe animals as evil in the moral sense. While animals can cause harm, act aggressively, or be used as symbols of danger or deceit, they do not possess the moral agency necessary to be truly evil. Evil in the Bible is a matter of the heart, will, and choice—qualities the scriptures attribute uniquely to humans and spiritual beings. Animals act according to their nature, fulfilling the roles God has assigned them in creation.