32+ Bible Verses About Hunting (with Explanations)

The biblical narrative offers profound insights into various aspects of life, guiding believers on matters of morality, stewardship, and the interconnectedness of humanity with the natural world.

While the Bible doesn’t explicitly discuss hunting as a contemporary recreational activity, it does touch on themes related to the treatment of animals, responsible stewardship, and the recognition of God’s sovereignty over creation.

In exploring the biblical perspective on hunting, we delve into verses that indirectly address the subject within the broader context of ethical considerations, compassion towards animals, and the acknowledgment of God’s role as the ultimate provider.

Let’s begin!

Also Read: Bible Verses About Sadness (with Explanation)

Bible Verses About Hunting

Genesis 27:3 (NIV)

“Now then, get your equipment—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.”

In Genesis 27:3, Isaac instructs his son Esau to go and hunt wild game for him. This instance, occurring in a historical and cultural context, reflects a practical need for sustenance rather than a recreational pursuit. The passage highlights the reliance on hunting for food in ancient times, underlining the necessity of providing for one’s family through various means available in that era.

Proverbs 12:27 (NIV)

“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”

Proverbs 12:27 employs hunting as a metaphor for diligence and hard work. The verse contrasts the lazy, who do not roast the game they catch, with the diligent, who enjoy the fruits of their hunting labor.

While the focus is on industriousness rather than the activity of hunting itself, it conveys the principle of reaping the rewards of effort and diligence.

Genesis 10:9 (NIV)

“He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; that is why it is said, ‘Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord.'”

Genesis 10:9 introduces Nimrod as a mighty hunter. The mention of Nimrod’s hunting prowess is part of a historical account, portraying him as a powerful and influential figure. The verse doesn’t provide moral judgment on hunting but rather emphasizes Nimrod’s strength and prominence in his historical context.

1 Samuel 24:3-4 (NIV)

“He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, ‘This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, “I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.”‘ Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.”

While not explicitly about hunting, 1 Samuel 24:3-4 narrates an instance where David, in a tense encounter with King Saul, stealthily cuts off a piece of Saul’s robe. This event takes place in a cave and echoes the strategy of a hunter stalking his prey. The passage demonstrates David’s resourcefulness and restraint in dealing with a difficult situation.

Amos 3:4 (NIV)

“Does a lion roar in the thicket when it has no prey? Does it growl in its den when it has caught nothing?”

Amos 3:4 uses the metaphor of a lion’s roar to convey a principle of cause and effect. Just as a lion roars when it has caught prey, actions have consequences. While not directly addressing human hunting, the verse emphasizes the interconnectedness of actions and outcomes, urging reflection on the implications of one’s pursuits.

Job 12:7-10 (NIV)

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

In Job 12:7-10, Job reflects on the wisdom that can be gained from observing the natural world. While not directly addressing hunting, these verses highlight the interconnectedness of all living creatures and the acknowledgment of God’s hand in the life of every being. It encourages a profound respect for the balance and order established by the Creator.

Psalm 104:14-15 (NIV)

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”

Psalm 104:14-15 emphasizes God’s provision for both humans and animals. It acknowledges the cultivation of the land for sustenance. While not directly related to hunting, it underscores the divine design for humans to responsibly partake in the natural resources provided for their nourishment.

Proverbs 12:27 (NIV)

“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”

Proverbs 12:27 contrasts the lazy with the diligent, using the imagery of roasting game. While not a direct endorsement of hunting, the verse emphasizes the value of diligence and hard work. It suggests that those who engage in activities like hunting, with diligence and skill, enjoy the benefits of their efforts.

Psalm 8:6 (NIV)

“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”

Psalm 8:6 speaks more broadly about humanity’s dominion over creation. While not explicitly about hunting, it acknowledges human responsibility for the natural world. This verse implies the need for wise and respectful stewardship, which extends to activities like hunting where balance and conservation are essential considerations.

1 Samuel 24:3-4 (NIV)

“He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, ‘This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, “I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.”‘ Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.”

1 Samuel 24:3-4 recounts a situation where David had the opportunity to harm Saul while he was hunting him. This historical narrative doesn’t provide a direct commentary on hunting itself but highlights the ethical choices and consequences surrounding actions in the context of pursuit.

Jeremiah 16:16 (NIV)

“But now I will send for many fishermen,” declares the Lord, “and they will catch them. After that, I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill and from the crevices of the rocks.”

Jeremiah 16:16 uses the metaphor of fishermen and hunters to describe the gathering of people for judgment. This imagery is symbolic, illustrating God’s sovereignty over human destinies. It’s essential to interpret such verses within the broader theological context rather than as an endorsement or condemnation of hunting as a human activity.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NIV)

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

In 1 Timothy 4:4-5, the focus is on the idea that everything God has created is good and should be received with thanksgiving. While this verse does not specifically address hunting, it emphasizes an attitude of gratitude for the sustenance provided by God, which can include the products of hunting when approached with reverence and acknowledgment of God’s provision.

9. Psalm 42:1 (NIV)

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

Psalm 42:1 uses the imagery of a deer panting for water to express the deep longing of the soul for God. While this verse does not discuss hunting, it indirectly brings attention to the dependence of animals, including those that might be hunted, on the resources provided by their Creator. It encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual thirst for God.

Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

“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. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Matthew 6:26, spoken by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizes God’s care for His creation. While not directly addressing hunting, it underscores the concept of God’s provision for all creatures. This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s care and providence, fostering an attitude of stewardship and responsibility toward the natural world.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5 (NIV)

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5 reflects on the seasons of life and the appropriate times for various activities. While not specifically addressing hunting, the broader theme suggests that there is a time and place for different actions. This encourages believers to approach activities such as hunting with discernment, considering the ethical and responsible aspects of engaging in such practices.

Proverbs 12:27 (NIV)

“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”

Proverbs 12:27, discussed earlier, contrasts the lazy with the diligent, using the imagery of hunting. It does not endorse or condemn hunting but underscores the value of diligence and hard work. This verse encourages believers to approach their tasks, including hunting for sustenance, with a sense of responsibility and diligence.

Romans 14:3 (NIV)

“The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.”

Romans 14:3 addresses the broader context of dietary choices and personal convictions. While not specifically about hunting, it promotes a spirit of understanding and acceptance among believers with differing perspectives. This verse encourages mutual respect, urging Christians to consider diverse viewpoints regarding activities like hunting.

Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17 serves as a general guideline for the Christian life, urging believers to conduct themselves in a manner that glorifies God. While not addressing hunting directly, it encourages believers to approach all their activities, including those related to the natural world, with a heart of gratitude and a desire to honor God.

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 (NIV)

“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.”

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 offers guidance related to the treatment of birds and their offspring. While this verse doesn’t specifically address hunting, it reflects a concern for the well-being of wildlife. It encourages a responsible and considerate approach to interactions with animals, promoting a sense of stewardship and care.

Leviticus 17:13-14 (NIV)

“Any Israelite or any foreigner residing among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth, because the life of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, ‘You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.'”

Leviticus 17:13-14 emphasizes the sanctity of life and the requirement to treat animals with respect. While this verse is primarily about dietary practices, it indirectly touches on the process of obtaining food, including hunting. It underscores the importance of draining the blood and treating animals with care, aligning with principles of responsible resource use.

Psalm 50:10-11 (NIV)

“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.”

Psalm 50:10-11 emphasizes God’s ownership of all creatures and the vastness of His creation. While not directly addressing hunting, it reminds believers of the divine perspective on the natural world. This verse encourages an awareness of God’s sovereignty over creation, fostering a sense of humility and responsibility in our interactions with the environment.

Genesis 9:3 (NIV)

“Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.”

Genesis 9:3, following the flood, grants permission for humans to consume the flesh of animals. While not specifically about hunting, it acknowledges the role of animals as a source of sustenance. This verse underscores the concept of responsible use and stewardship, urging humans to appreciate the resources provided by God.

Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)

“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”

Proverbs 27:23, while not about hunting, highlights the importance of responsible care for domesticated animals. This verse encourages believers to be attentive to the well-being of animals under their care, fostering a sense of stewardship and ethical consideration.

Psalm 104:21 (NIV)

“The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.”

Psalm 104:21 describes the natural behavior of lions seeking their prey, highlighting the dependence of all creatures on God for sustenance. While this verse doesn’t specifically address human hunting, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of the animal kingdom and the role of God as the ultimate provider.

Genesis 10:9 (NIV)

“He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; that is why it is said, ‘Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord.'”

Genesis 10:9 introduces Nimrod as a mighty hunter. This verse is often cited as the only direct reference to hunting in the Bible. While Nimrod’s hunting skills are acknowledged, the verse doesn’t provide moral commentary on hunting. It’s essential to recognize that the Bible describes the actions of various individuals without necessarily endorsing or condemning their behavior.

1 Corinthians 10:26 (NIV)

“for, ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.'”

1 Corinthians 10:26 echoes the sentiment from Psalm 24:1, emphasizing God’s ownership of the entire earth. While not specifically about hunting, this verse reinforces the biblical principle of stewardship, reminding believers that all of creation ultimately belongs to God. It encourages a sense of responsibility and ethical consideration in our interactions with the environment.

Isaiah 31:4 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord says to me: ‘As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey— and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor— so the Lord Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.'”

Isaiah 31:4 uses the imagery of a lion over its prey to convey the Lord’s unwavering strength and sovereignty. While the primary focus is on divine power, the use of hunting imagery reinforces the biblical acknowledgment of the natural order and the role of predators in the animal kingdom.

Hosea 4:3 (NIV)

“Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea are swept away.”

Hosea 4:3 illustrates the consequences of human actions on the environment, leading to the suffering of both animals and humans. While not explicitly about hunting, this verse underscores the biblical principle of the interconnectedness of all creation. It prompts believers to consider the impact of their actions on the broader ecosystem and to strive for responsible and sustainable practices.

Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”

Proverbs 12:10 emphasizes the importance of compassion towards animals. While not directly addressing hunting, the verse underscores the broader biblical principle of responsible care for God’s creation. It encourages believers to approach activities involving animals, including hunting, with a sense of empathy and kindness.

Matthew 10:29 (NIV)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”

Matthew 10:29 highlights God’s intimate knowledge and care for even the smallest creatures. While not specifically addressing hunting, this verse reinforces the biblical concept of God’s providence over all living beings. It prompts believers to consider their actions in light of God’s care for His creation, fostering an attitude of responsibility and mindfulness.

Romans 8:19-21 (NIV)

“The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”

Romans 8:19-21 speaks to the redemption of creation and its longing for liberation from decay. While not directly related to hunting, this passage underscores the biblical narrative of creation’s groaning for restoration. It encourages believers to approach their interactions with the natural world, including hunting, with a sense of hope for the ultimate redemption of all creation.

Psalm 23:1-2 (NIV)

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”

Psalm 23:1-2 portrays the Lord as a shepherd providing for His flock. While not specifically addressing hunting, the imagery emphasizes God’s role as a provider and guide. This verse encourages believers to approach activities related to the provision of sustenance, including hunting, with a reliance on God’s guidance and gratitude for His provision.

Genesis 9:12 (NIV)

“And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come.'”

Genesis 9:12 is part of the covenant between God, Noah, and every living creature. While not directly about hunting, this verse reinforces the interconnectedness of humanity and the animal kingdom in God’s covenant. It encourages believers to consider their relationship with the natural world in the context of God’s overarching plans.