The Bible, a profound source of wisdom and guidance, mentions various animals, including rabbits. While they appear briefly, their mention often carries deeper meanings related to diet, creation, and God’s intricate design. This collection of scriptures will help you understand the context and significance of rabbits in the Bible.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Lambs
The Role of Rabbits in Biblical Dietary Laws
The Bible specifically mentions rabbits in the context of dietary restrictions. Rabbits are classified as unclean animals under Old Testament law, offering insights into the guidelines given to the Israelites regarding holiness and obedience to God.
Leviticus 11:6
“The hare chews the cud but does not have a split hoof, so it is unclean.”
Deuteronomy 14:7
“But these are the animals you may not eat: those that chew the cud or have split hooves, such as the hare.”
Genesis 1:29-30
“Then God said, ‘Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.'”
Romans 14:14
“I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person, it is wrong.”
Mark 7:15
“It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
God’s Creation and Small Creatures
Rabbits are among the small creatures that testify to God’s creativity and provision. The Bible emphasizes God’s care for all His creation, regardless of their size or prominence.
Psalm 104:24
“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”
Job 12:7-10
“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you. For they all know that my disaster has come from the hand of the Lord. For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.”
Proverbs 30:24-26
“There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. Hyraxes—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks.”
Genesis 9:3
“I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables.”
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”
The Symbolism of Rabbits in Scripture
Though not extensively mentioned, rabbits can be seen as symbols of dependence and humility, reflecting our reliance on God’s provision and protection.
Psalm 145:15-16
“The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.”
Isaiah 40:11
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
Matthew 6:28-30
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Psalm 34:10
“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”
Also Read: Bible Verses For Dog Lovers
Lessons of Wisdom from Small Creatures
The Bible uses small creatures, like rabbits and hyraxes, to teach us about wisdom and foresight. These lessons remind us that even the smallest beings can exhibit great understanding through God’s guidance.
Proverbs 6:6-8
“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.”
Proverbs 30:24-28
“There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. Hyraxes—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation. Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”
Psalm 19:1-2
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.”
Job 38:39-41
“Can you stalk prey for a lioness and satisfy the young lions’ appetites as they lie in their dens or crouch in the thicket? Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God and wander about in hunger?”
Rabbits as Part of God’s Provision
Rabbits, like all animals, are part of God’s provision and design. Their role in creation points to God’s meticulous care for every living being and the interconnectedness of His creation.
Genesis 1:24
“Then God said, ‘Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.’ And that is what happened.”
Genesis 2:19
“So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one.”
Psalm 50:10-11
“For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.”
Matthew 10:29-31
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Colossians 1:16
“For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.”
Faith and God’s Care for All Creation
The Bible demonstrates that God deeply cares for all creatures, including the smallest ones. This care assures us of His constant provision and invites us to trust in Him for all our needs.
Luke 12:6-7
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Psalm 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.”
Matthew 6:25-26
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Psalm 100:3
“Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”