35 Bible Verses About Loving Animals More Than Humans

Loving animals more than humans isn’t directly endorsed in scripture, but the Bible does address our responsibilities toward both creatures and people. 

Many Christians wonder where compassion for pets fits within biblical teachings about relationships and priorities. God’s creation includes all living things, yet humanity holds a unique value in His eyes. 

Understanding this balance requires examining what verses reveal about stewardship, care, and the divine order established from the beginning. We’ll explore how faith informs our treatment of animals while maintaining proper regard for human life.

The tension between affection for creatures and devotion to people often surfaces in modern life, where pets sometimes receive more attention than family members. 

Scripture consistently places humanity above other parts of creation, reflecting our unique worth as beings made in God’s image. However, this hierarchy doesn’t excuse cruelty or neglect toward animals—biblical texts emphasize mercy and kindness as moral duties. 

The question isn’t whether we should love animals, but whether that love should ever eclipse our concern for humans. Through examining biblical principles, we gain wisdom about maintaining proper priorities while honouring our responsibility toward all living things.

Read Also : 35 Bible Verses About Family Problems

Bible Verses About Loving Animals More Than Humans

Genesis 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 creped upon the earth.

Proverbs 12:10 – A righteous man cares for the life of his animal: but the tender mercy of the wicked is cruel.

Matthew 10:31 – Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Job 12:7–10 – But ask now the animals, and they shall teach thee; and the birds of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee… and the breath of all mankind.

Luke 12:6–7 – Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? … Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Psalm 36:6 – Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy justice is a great deep: O LORD, thou preserves humans and animals.

Ecclesiastes 3:19–21 – …they have all one breath… Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

Genesis 9:9–10 – And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your descendants after you; And with every living creature that is with you…

Romans 1:25 – Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creation more than the creature…

Matthew 6:26 – …your heavenly Father feuded them. Are ye not much more of value than they?

Exodus 23:12 – …on the seventh day thou shalt rest… that thy servant… may be refreshed.

Psalm 145:9 – The Lord is goodness to all: and his compassions are over all his creation.

Jonah 4:11 – …should not I spare Nineveh… and also much cattle?

Luke 15:7 – …joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repented…

Genesis 2:19–20 – …the LORD God formed every beast… and Adam gave names to all cattle…

Deuteronomy 22:6–7 – If a bird’s nest chance to be before thee…

Isaiah 11:6–9 – …and a little child shall lead them…

Matthew 12:12 – How much then is a human better than a sheep? …to do good on the sabbath days.

Hebrews 2:7 – Thou maddest him a little lower than the angels; thou crowned him with glory and honour…

Psalm 8:6–8 – Thou modest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands…

Proverbs 27:23 – Be thou diligence to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Leviticus 25:6–7 – And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you…

1 John 4:20 – If a man say, I love God, and hatred his brother, he is a liar…

Mark 12:31 – Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself… commandment…

Isaiah 65:25 – The wolf and the lamb shall feed together…

Genesis 6:19–20 – …two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark…

Proverbs 14:21 – …he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Philippians 2:3 – …let each esteem others better than themselves.

Matthew 25:40 – …unto one of the least of these my brothers, ye have done it unto me.

James 3:9 – …men, which are made after the likeness of God.

Isaiah 1:11–17 – …Learn to do well; seek justice…

1 Peter 4:8 – …have fervent love among yourselves…

Matthew 22:37–39 – Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart… love thy neighbour as thyself.

Colossians 3:12–14 – …put on compassion, kindness, humility… above all… love… unity.

Titus 3:2 – …to be no brawlers, but gentleness, shewing all humility unto all men.

Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Loving Animals More Than Humans

Scripture doesn’t condemn affection for animals, but it establishes clear priorities regarding humans and creatures. 

Throughout biblical texts, people consistently hold greater significance than other parts of creation, reflecting the divine design where humanity bears God’s image. 

This hierarchy isn’t about diminishing compassion toward animals—it’s about recognizing the unique value each human carries. Christians are called to exercise stewardship over creation while maintaining proper perspective on relationships. 

When devotion to pets surpasses care for people, we’ve inverted the order God intended. Balance means showing mercy to all living things without neglecting our greater duty toward humanity.

The heart that genuinely follows Christ will naturally extend kindness to both people and creatures, but wisdom requires understanding which relationships take precedence. 

Biblical teachings emphasize that love for God flows into love for humans, then extends to proper treatment of animals. This doesn’t mean pets are unimportant—many verses highlight our responsibility for their care. 

However, when preference for animals replaces concern for people, we’ve missed the spiritual and moral framework scripture provides. 

Faith demands we examine our priorities, ensuring our affection aligns with divine will rather than personal convenience or emotional attachment that distorts God’s intended purpose for creation.

Say This Prayer

Lord, guide my heart toward proper priorities as I navigate relationships with both people and creatures in Your creation. Help me show compassion without losing sight of the unique value you’ve placed on humanity. 

Jesus, teach me to exercise stewardship with wisdom, treating animals with mercy while honoring my greater responsibility toward humans. I ask for discernment to balance my affection and care according to Your will. 

Holy Spirit, transform any misplaced devotion that might have taken root in my life. Grant me understanding of biblical teachings about love, priorities, and the divine order You established.

God, forgive me when I’ve allowed preference for pets to overshadow concern for people who need my attention. Strengthen my faith so I can reflect Your love appropriately across all relationships. 

Give me a heart sensitive to Your guidance, recognizing where I’ve inverted the hierarchy You designed. Help me practice kindness toward animals without neglecting the humans You’ve placed in my life. 

Christ, may my treatment of all living things honor You while maintaining the balance scripture teaches. I trust Your wisdom to shape my priorities, my affection, and my daily choices. Transform me through Your grace, making me a better steward of everything You’ve entrusted to me. Amen.

Frequently Asked Question

Does the Bible support loving animals more than humans?

No, scripture prioritizes humanity while teaching compassion for animals within proper biblical hierarchy and balance.

What does the Bible say about animal care?

The Bible teaches responsibility and stewardship, requiring Christians to show mercy in treatment of creatures under their care.

Is prioritizing pets over people biblical?

Scripture establishes humans hold greater value; prioritizing pets contradicts biblical order regarding relationships and priorities.

Are there Bible verses on animal compassion?

Yes, numerous verses address compassion, kindness, and proper treatment, emphasizing mercy toward animals as moral duty.

How should Christians view animals?

Christians should practice stewardship and responsibility, recognizing animals as part of God’s creation deserving respectful care.