What does the Bible say about animal cruelty?
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The Bible teaches that animals are God’s creatures, entrusted to human care, and that needless cruelty is contrary to righteous character. Proverbs 12:10 commends the righteous person who cares for an animal’s needs, while Deuteronomy 25:4 and Exodus 23:5 show concern even for working animals, including an enemy’s. God’s goodness extends to all he has made, as Psalms 145:9 declares, and Jesus notes the Father’s care for birds in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:6. Genesis 1:28 grants humanity dominion, but this is stewardship under God, not permission for harshness or exploitation. Christians should therefore treat animals with practical compassion, gratitude, and responsible care.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
- Ecclesiastes 3:19
For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity.
- Exodus 23:5
If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don't leave him, you shall surely help him with it.
- Proverbs 27:23
Know well the state of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds:
- Deuteronomy 25:4
You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out [the grain].
- Psalms 145:9
Yahweh is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.
- Matthew 6:26
See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?
- Genesis 1:28
God blessed them. God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
- Luke 12:6
"Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.
- Genesis 1:30
To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food." And it was so.
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