35 Bible Verses About Hunting for Faith & Wisdom

Bible verses about hunting reveal God’s perspective on humanity’s relationship with wildlife and creation. Throughout Scripture, hunting appears in various contexts—from survival and sustenance to spiritual lessons about stewardship. 

The Bible doesn’t explicitly condemn or endorse hunting as a recreational activity, but it does provide clear teachings about how we should treat animals and honor God’s creation. Understanding these passages helps Christians navigate modern ethical questions while staying rooted in biblical truth.

Many believers wonder what the Old Testament and New Testament reveal about this practice. Ancient Israel relied heavily on hunting for food and survival in the wilderness, making it a necessary part of daily life.

Prophets and kings lived in times when hunting wasn’t a hobby but an essential provision. Today’s interpretation requires wisdom and careful context to apply these ancient principles to contemporary life. 

The Word of God offers timeless guidance that transcends cultural shifts and technological advances.Examining Scripture through the lens of stewardship and dominion reveals deeper spiritual insights. God granted humans authority over wildlife, but this authority comes with responsibility and accountability.

The commandments and laws in both Testaments emphasize respect for life and thoughtful use of resources. Jesus and the disciples lived during times when hunting was common, yet their focus remained on eternal truths. The Holy Spirit provides understanding and revelation to help believers discern right actions in their specific circumstances.

These verses aren’t merely historical records—they carry relevance for modern Christian faith and practice. Whether you’re a hunter seeking biblical affirmation or someone questioning the morality of the practice, these passages offer clarity. 

The Lord cares about how we interact with His creation, and His truth provides the foundation for making informed decisions. Let’s explore what God’s Word actually says about hunting and how we can honour Him in our relationship with the natural world.

Read Also : 35 Bible Verses For When Someone Steals From You

Bible Verses About Hunting

Genesis 10:9 – He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, "Like Nimrud a mighty hunter before the Lord."

Proverbs 12:27 – The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

Genesis 25:27 – So the boys grew. And Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents.

Proverbs 6:5 – Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Leviticus 17:13 – Whatever man of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with dust.

Job 38:39–40 – "Can you hunt the prey for the lion? Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions, when they crouch in their dens, or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait?"

Psalm 91:3 – Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

Ezekiel 13:18 – and say, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive?"'

Jeremiah 16:16 – "Behold, I will send for many fishermen," says the Lord, "and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks."

Amos 3:5 – Will a bird fall into a snare on the earth, where there is no trap for it? Will a snare spring up from the earth, if it has caught nothing at all?

Isaiah 11:6–7 – "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox."

Psalm 104:21 – The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their food from God.

Genesis 9:2–3 – "And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even the green herbs."

Deuteronomy 12:15 – "However, you may slaughter and eat meat within all your gates, whatever your heart desires, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you; the unclean and the clean may eat of it, of the gazelle and the deer alike."

Deuteronomy 14:5 – the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the mountain goat, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

Genesis 27:3 – "Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me."

Genesis 27:5 – Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it.

Psalm 124:7 – Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.

Ezekiel 19:3 – She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion; he learned to catch prey, and he devoured men.

Micah 7:2 – The faithful man has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; every man hunts his brother with a net.

Psalm 10:9 – He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor; he catches the poor when he draws him into his net.

Isaiah 51:20 – Your sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, like an antelope in a net; they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of your God.

1 Kings 4:23 – ten fatted oxen, twenty oxen from the pastures, and one hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fatted fowl.

Numbers 11:31–32 – Now a wind went out from the Lord, and it brought quail from the sea and left them fluttering near the camp, about a day's journey on this side and about a day's journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the ground. And the people stayed up all that day, all night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail (he who gathered at least ten homers); and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp.

1 Samuel 17:34–35 – But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it."

Lamentations 3:52 – My enemies without cause hunted me down like a bird.

Proverbs 1:17 – Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

2 Kings 9:36 – Therefore they came back and told him. And he said, "This is the word of the Lord, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Titbit, saying, 'On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel; and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as refuse on the surface of the field, in the plot at Jezreel, so that they shall not say, "Here lies Jezebel."'"

Isaiah 5:29 – Their roaring will be like a lion, they will roar like young lions; yes, they will roar and lay hold of the prey; they will carry it away safe, and no one will deliver.

Psalm 22:13 – They gape at Me with their mouths, like a raging and roaring lion.

Job 18:8 – For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks into a snare.

Isaiah 7:24 – With arrows and bows men will come there, because all the land will become briers and thorns.

Daniel 6:24 – And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.

Lamentations 3:10–11 – He has been to me a bear lying in wait, like a lion in ambush. He has turned aside my ways and torn me in pieces; He has made me desolate.

Psalm 91:13 – You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Hunting

The Bible’s teaching on hunting isn’t black and white, which is why thoughtful interpretation matters. Our perspective recognizes that Scripture addresses hunting within the framework of stewardship and dominion over creation. 

God never intended for humans to exploit animals recklessly, nor did He forbid using wildlife for sustenance and provision. The biblical approach emphasizes balance—respecting life while acknowledging humanity’s legitimate needs. 

This understanding shapes how Christians should view hunting in contemporary contexts.When we examine the scriptural evidence, we see that hunting was permissible and sometimes necessary for survival. 

However, Christian ethics demand more than just legality—they require righteousness and wisdom. The doctrine of creation responsibility calls believers to be conservation-minded and thoughtful about their practice.

Hunting isn’t inherently sinful, but the attitude and morality behind it matter deeply. Our position is that hunting can be acceptable when done with guidance from the Holy Spirit and respect for God’s nature.

Say This Prayer

Lord, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance in all things. Father, You’ve given us dominion over creation, and we want to honour that responsibility with righteousness. 

We pray for understanding as we navigate questions about how to live faithfully in contemporary times. Jesus, Your life showed us what it means to surrender to God’s will and purpose. Help us apply biblical truth to every practice and decision we face.

Heavenly Father, grant us strength and courage to live according to Your plan. We offer thanksgiving for the provision you give through nature and animals. May our faith and trust in You guide our actions toward stewardship and balance. 

Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, souls, and minds with Your presence. We speak this prayer with sincere devotion, asking for Your direction in how we interact with creation. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about hunting?

Scripture permits hunting for provision and sustenance, emphasizing respectful stewardship of animals and creation.

Is hunting a sin?

Hunting isn’t sinful when done ethically; God allows it, but morality and wisdom should guide the practice.

Who were hunters in the Bible?

Biblical hunters include Nimrod, Esau, and Ishmael—each mentioned in Scripture with distinct context and significance.

Does God allow hunting?

Yes, God permits hunting; it’s lawful and acceptable when practiced with responsibility, respect, and biblical stewardship.

What does hunting symbolize in Scripture?

Hunting symbolizes provision, survival, and sometimes spiritual pursuit; its meaning varies depending on scriptural context and metaphor.