The Bestiaries suggest that when a lizard is old and blind it points its head toward the rising sun and its sight is fully restored. BAT – The bat symbolizes sin and rebellion because it lives for the night, a time of mischief and rebellion. This is either going for historical accuracy or could be symbolic that all animals paid their respects to God who had come to earth as a child. Archaeology Confirms the Bible Tyre and the Bible Petra and the Bible Egypt and the Bible Babylon and the Bible The Lost Books of the Bible Crossing Musical Boundaries Music is a powerful emotional motivator that crosses cultural and language barriers. In art, the goldfinch is found being held in the hand of Jesus when He was a small child. SAND DOLLAR – A relatively new symbol, the sand dollar symbolizes Jesus. 9. In Isaiah 27:1 the leviathan is given the characteristics of the serpent (Satan) and is sought out to be punished by God. The Bestiaries teach that the beaver’s private parts have medicinal value which lead to it being hunted. Enjoy the site? While that may be true, snake symbolism carries way more meaning for many different cultures than simply being evil. This story is symbolic of a sinner who stops up his ears when the truth is spoken. The high crest is its crown of pride. The basilisk symbolizes sin and Satan. If a bird is pictured with a Chi Rho symbol, it symbolizes the soul meditating on Jesus Christ. when Assyria conquered Israel and took them out of the land as captives, Isaiah 28:1 - 3, Jeremiah 13:17 - 18). It is a foreshadowing of the pain Jesus would have to suffer on the cross and the victory He would have over it. Sheep symbolize Christians. The stag symbolizes solitude and purity of life. Again, the hunter throws down another reflective glass ball, again distracting the tigress. 4. This is symbolic of a person who continues to return to his or her sins. The dream begins with Daniel seeing the four “winds” striving upon the “sea.” Then, four different “beasts” come out of the sea (Daniel 7:1-3). The camel symbolizes temperance because of the long length of time a camel can go without water. The phoenix symbol was very popular during the early church. ASS: Humility. 4. STORK – 1. After the fire burns out, the phoenix rises again from the ashes to live another full life. 3. “Seven doves have been used from the earliest of times as symbols of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. 4. HYDRUS (Hydra) – 1. Instead of sacrificing Isaac, God provided a ram to be the sacrifice. The hyena is a symbol of an unstable man because the Bestiaries teach that the hyena is actually able to change its sex. This is either for historical accuracy or could be symbolic that all animals paid their respects to God who had come to earth as a child. 3. CAMEL – 1. The tiger symbolizes vanity. If the tigress pursues the hunter, the hunter throws down a glass ball. DRAGON (Serpent) – 1. I enjoy learning more about the Bible through signs and symbols of mostly every day things. In a culture of restricted literacy symbolic imagery was vital in helping to spiritually enlighten the common folk. JAY (Jackdaw) – The Bestiaries describe the jay as a talkative bird that, when captured, can be taught to talk. GRIFFIN – 1. Fraud. This can be seen in two Bible stories. WOODPECKER – A woodpecker is a symbol of Satan because of its destructive nature. 2. This symbolizes a wise person discerning the good or bad reputation of another person. They tell us that the young pelicans will strike at their parents.The pelican strikes back so hard it kills the young birds. LIZARD – The lizard symbolizes the power of the Bible, God’s Word. Should the person ever become sleepy with sin, Christ will arouse them out of their slumber. if the saint is holding a scroll or manuscript, the dove symbolizes divine inspiration. (u) – (Uios) – Son and the Nativity. I enjoy learning more about the Bible through signs and symbols of mostly every day things. The stork is symbolic of the Annunciation to Mary that she would bear the Christ child. The The Bestiaries state that lion cubs were born dead. When Satan sees that the Christian has nothing of value, he leaves the person alone. LION – 1. Many things besides animals are used as symbols such as: numbers, objects, colors, people/body parts, etc… It is important to take the time to study what these various things stand for, or many things in the Bible are going to … The frog hibernates in the winter and reappears in the summer, symbolizing the Resurrection. If I met you in the marketplace and I thought you were a Christian I would say, “Ichthus?” If you were a pagan, you would point me in the direction of the local fish market. Idid., p. 165. The hunter grabs the young and sneaks away. BOAR – The boar symbolizes ferocity and lust. 2. (Examples have been found of the lamb wearing a crown and on the cross. The lion symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus. (th) – (Theos) – God’s This interpretation of the dove was very popular in the art of the catacombs. – The Bestiaries speak of this mythical, all white bird as living in the king’s house. For children, these can be symbols to help understand difficult concepts and why we often refer to certain sayings and stories in the bible and connect them to the resurrection. Ibid., p. 163. There are specific colors mentioned in the last days. Symbolism runs all through the Bible. Hulme, Edward, “Symbolism in Christian Art,” (Poole: Blandford Press, 1976), p. 170. PELICAN – The pelican is a symbol of the Atonement. Animals can symbolize the untamed and uncivilized aspects of yourself. 2. Then it lies lifeless until a bird comes along to eat the carcass. Animal symbols can also be clean or unclean. These horns are sharp and shaped like saws. But animals like the goat can also represent animals that used to be clean, but have turned against God. Like the ostrich, Christians are encouraged to leave the world behind and focus their attention on Heaven. This story is full of symbolism. The Hand of Authority You’ve probably heard the phrase “he’s my right hand man” but where does this phrase come from? It feeds only on dead fish that float to the surface. 5. VULTURE – 1. The butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. The jay is symbolic of gossips who cannot keep their mouth shut in spreading untruths. 6. Metaphor and symbolism were powerful word tools in the Jewish culture. The hair of the camel is a symbol of John the Baptist, who … Lust. Because it is a predator, it symbolizes Satan. 2. The passage of Genesis 49:9 is referenced, which suggests the raising of the lion. Sometimes it uses its sharp crest to destroy the bottoms of passing ships. Monastic life. A representation of the swallow in the Middle Ages symbolizes the Incarnation of Jesus. 4. When it lays the eggs, it covers them with sand and then leaves them to hatch on their own. It stays close to where food is present. 6. 8. 3. This symbolizes proper Bible interpretation. GRASSHOPPER (Locust) 1. The ichthus fish is one of the first Christian creeds: (i) – (Iasous) – Jesus PIG (Swine) – 1. Legend tells us that the only way to capture a unicorn is by placing a young, virgin girl in the woods. 3. This is found in several events in the Bible. Satan is pictured as a snake. 3. 4. 2. 2. The sphinx symbolizes silence, secrecy and mystery. This symbolizes the repentant thief who waited until the very last minute to turn his life over to Jesus. PHOENIX – 1. The egg is then hatched by a frog or snake. Cruelty. Famine. However, this form is greatly discouraged, as it is believed the actual human form of Christ should always be on the cross.) If the bird is placed in front of a sick person and looks at the person, he or she will get well. 9. This is symbolic of Jesus who concealed His Divinity to all but His followers. They were all numberedamong the clean animals, or … The fallen elephant symbolizes a person fallen into sin. In this way the beaver will manage to stay alive. 3. The dropped meat is symbolic of foolish people giving up the blessings God has given them to go after sinful desires. The bee represents the Christian and the beehive symbolizes the church. FALCON – 1. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Banet12 The Bestiaries tell us that the female vulture does not need to mate to become pregnant. The dragon symbolizes Satan, that crafty serpent who tempted Adam and Eve to sin for the first time against God. After three days it lets out a great roar, emitting a wonderfully smelling fragrance that attracts all animals to it. 4. The dragon has a high crest on its head and a small mouth. QUAIL – 1. Let's take a look at the meaning and symbolism of each color. A goat that is stationary and appears to be chewing is symbolic of meditation. “Thou shalt tread upon the adder and the basilisk...the lion and the dragon” (KJV). Animal Symbols. In modern times, a raven is the symbol of ill-fortune. Now in the commandments, there are animals that God gave to the Isrealites to eat, these were the clean animals. The lion symbolizes Satan who goes around like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour (I Peter 5:8). 2. The bad chicks are forced to live in darkness and despair. 2. LEOPARD – 1. If the dove is shown hovering over a saint or resting on the saint’s shoulder, particularly With the Renaissance, animals were nearly banished, except as an accessory to the human figure. 3. Because it is a sacrificial lamb it symbolizes atonement (forgiveness) from sins. From the catacombs, the animals would begin to appear in the mosaic art of the early churches. Unclean animals represent kingdoms that are not related to God. CHIMERA – A symbol of destruction, terror and alarm. When the pelican started to prune its feathers, it appeared to be ripping open its breast so as to feed its young with its own blood. It was an early symbol of Jesus’ sacrificial death on behalf of all people. 3. This is appropriate because the basilisk is said to be the king of the serpents and is around six inches in length. 3. The connection is derived from Matthew 25:32 where Christians are likened to lambs, and non-Christians are likened to goats. © 2001-2020 by Doug Gray. 3. 9. The dove is the only shape ever given to the Holy Spirit. Copyright © JesusAlive.cc All rights reserved. When attacking the sheepfold, it acts like a tame dog. It is one of the few symbols that has retained both its appearance and its meaning from the beginning of Christianity to the present day. 4. 5. 3. 3. In the Bestiaries there are many different descriptions of this mythical animal, from a variety of water snakes (most probable) to the hydra which has numerous heads (often nine). (ch) – (Christos) – Christ If the goat is shown together with a sheep, it is symbolic of Jews and Gentile Christians. 6. According to the Bestiaries, during harvest time, the ant climbs the grain stocks and separates the wheat from the barley, taking only the wheat. The Bestiaries tell us that the elephant symbolizes the fall of man because it was believed that the elephant had no knee joints. Fighting with an animal may reflect a part of you that you are trying to reject. What Do Butterflies Symbolize A butterfly is a symbol of transformation, romance, renewal, playfulness, spirituality, individuality, responsibility, gracefulness, celebration, and expansion. According to the Bestiaries, the basilisk is a mythical creature said to spring from an egg accidentally laid in manure by a chicken. Because the fly spreads disease and death, it is symbolic of sin and death. The same God who takes a caterpillar and changes it into a butterfly, transforms sinners into saints. 2. The Bestiaries describe the kite as a bird that perches near meat butchering shops to feast on the leftover meat. 2. The panther symbolizes Jesus, who drew all of humanity to Him. Four dogs represent truth, justice, mercy and peace. Answer: Lions are legendary for their strength, beauty, and fearlessness. Because the worker bees do not mate it symbolizes virginity and chastity. After three days, the lioness would bring the cubs back to life. Satan is likened to a dragon because of its crafty nature. 2. A dove proceeding from the mouth of a dying martyr symbolizes the person’s soul departing the body and heading towards Heaven. The twelve elephants are the twelve prophets of the Old Testament who also cannot help the person. Holiness. 6. For most people, these slithery beasts symbolize evil, death, the devil, and all things scary and dark. In the Bible, He used certain animals to communicate, both literally and symbolically, with His people.One such creature was the dove, seen multiple times to communicate God’s long-reaching presence, security, and the promise of guaranteed hope. The symbolism is connected to the story of Noah. SPHINX – 1. A dog can symbolize orthodoxy [right doctrine]. One may ask, what do the beasts of Daniel 7 represent? The donkey symbolizes fulfillment of prophecy. HARPY – A harpy is a fabled creature that symbolizes evil, selfishness and pillaging. The lion symbolizes alertness and watchfulness. The Bible Symbols List is searchable and filterable. Jesus spent three days in the tomb, then let out a triumphal cry, conquering death. The story was used by Jesus to illustrate His Resurrection (Matthew 12:38-41). The hawk, as a sharp-eyed bird, symbolizes watchfulness. A picture with a single lamb and shepherd is symbolic of the sinner and Jesus. God warned the northern ten tribes of Israel that they wore a "crown of pride" that would ultimately lead to their punishment (which occurred in 723 B.C. CHRISTIAN SYMBOLOGY On the back is an image of the Poinsettia, a symbol of Jesus’ birth. In addition, many of these individual animals are used to symbolize more than one thing. This story is symbolic of Jesus, who took our sins upon Himself and died on the cross so that we may live. The tiger symbolizes cruelty, treachery and martyrdom. When symbolizing the Resurrection, it is sometimes portrayed standing upon a ball or globe. The wolf symbolizes Satan. 2. The Bestiaries tell us a great deal about dragons. Webber, F. R., “Church Symbolism,” (Cleveland: J. H. Jansen, 1934), p. 74-75. CROCODILE – 1. It then flies up towards the sun. The Search box is at the top-right of the … The story symbolizes the Christian who remains faithful to the church by refusing to chase after heresy. 5. 3. This mythical creature is depicted as a snowy white animal with a horse’s head, a goat’s beard, an antelope’s legs and a lion’s tail. Sin and evil. As befits such an important symbol, it resists easy interpretation: at first, it seems that the okapi—an exotic African mammal, once thought to be mythical—is a symbol for the Congo itself, in all its mystery and strangeness. They will wait in hiding until their prey comes by, grab them and strangle them. Upon falling to the earth, the eagle plunges into the water three times, which renews it to full health. The sweet words of Jesus call all of humanity to Him. Hearing the wailing cries of the antelope, hunters easily track it down and kill it. 2. The sticks catch fire by the sun and the phoenix is consumed in the flames. The old life is gone, and the new life has begun ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). BASILISK: A fabled creature, based on Psalm 91:13: naming four animals for the Antichrist The basilisk is dangerous because its stare can kill a man, its smell can kill snakes and fire from its mouth can kill birds. The animals of the earth have played a vital role in shaping our existence. The peacock is a symbol of vanity because of its brilliant colors and its strutting about. A large elephant would try to lift it, but fail. Pigs are mentioned three times in the Bible, each time in a negative light. 2. 3. 2. 4. If the image is of two dogs fighting, it can symbolize two theologians quarreling. The dog healing its wounds is symbolic of people confessing their sins. Hulme, Edward, “Symbolism in Christian Art,” (Poole: Blandford Press, 1976), p. 169. The donkey symbolizes defilement. The Bestiaries tell us that the quail likes to fly high into the heavens. 2. If birds are drinking, they symbolize souls drinking the water of life. Temptation. The pelican was a very popular symbol during the Middle Ages. The eagle is symbolic of the resurrection and of renewal (Isaiah 40:31). She immediately takes them to meet their father. A symbol of Jesus being the “Lion of Judah” based on Revelation 5:5. As it struggles to get free, the antelope lets out loud cries of despair. A: Yes, many of the dozens of animals mentioned in the Bible are symbols for other things. Mountains are mentioned frequently in the Bible because they dotted the landscape where the stories in the Bible take place. The elephant, if ridden by Peter, symbolizes the church going forth to conquer the world. GOOSE – 1. In the Bible, the ram was the substitute for 'human' sacrifice. OTTER – The symbol of the otter represents Jesus’ descent into Hell to fully defeat death and Satan. CENTAUR – 1. They can smell a person better than any other animal. 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