In the Bible, the term “wild animals” often refers to creatures that live in the wilderness and cannot be tamed or domesticated by humans. These are the animals that are not raised by humans or kept under human care, like sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and donkeys. These domesticated animals are created to live in harmony with humans, serving them and submitting to human authority. In contrast, wild animals—such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, and wolves—live in the wild and are not subject to human control. They cannot be tamed or trained to serve humans as domesticated animals can.
This distinction is clear in the biblical context. For example, in Genesis 3:14, after the fall of man, God curses the serpent, saying, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals. You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life” (NIV). Here, “wild animals” are seen as those creatures that roam the wilderness, untamed and uncontrollable by humans.
Wild Animals and Their Characteristics
The Bible often contrasts domestic animals with wild animals to emphasize their different nature and roles. For instance, in Job 39:9-12, God asks Job rhetorical questions about whether wild animals, like the buffalo (nyati), can be tamed and made to serve human needs:
“Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will it stay by your manger at night? Can you hold it to the furrow with a harness? Will it till the valleys behind you? Do you rely on it for its great strength? Do you leave your heavy work to it?” (NIV).
The answer, of course, is no. The wild ox (or buffalo) cannot be used for farming work like domesticated animals, because wild animals are inherently untamable.
This idea is consistent with other scriptural references that emphasize the wildness and unruliness of these creatures. For example, Psalm 50:10 says, “For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” While God claims ownership of both wild and domesticated animals, the wild animals are not meant to live in submission to human authority.
Spiritual Symbolism of Wild Animals
In addition to referring to literal wild creatures, the Bible also uses “wild animals” as a symbol for those who oppose the ways of God or live in rebellion to His authority. The term is sometimes applied to false prophets and enemies of the Gospel, representing people or forces that cannot be tamed by the truth of God’s Word.
For instance, in Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns His followers to be on guard against false prophets: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (NIV). Here, the false prophets are likened to wild wolves—deceptive and dangerous, disguised as harmless but with a destructive agenda.
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 15:32, the apostle Paul uses the phrase “fighting wild beasts” to describe his struggles in spreading the Gospel, which often involved intense opposition: “If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained?” (NIV). This metaphor highlights the fierce and untamable nature of those who opposed him.
False Prophets and Hypocrites as Wild Animals
The Bible also uses the term “wild animals” to describe those who appear outwardly righteous but are inwardly corrupt and wicked. In Titus 1:12, Paul quotes a prophet from Crete, saying, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” (NIV). The term “evil brutes” here is similar to the concept of wild animals, indicating their unruly, destructive nature. Such people are described as having characteristics akin to untamable animals—deceptive, selfish, and corrupt.
Theological Implications
Theologically, the concept of wild animals in the Bible serves as a metaphor for spiritual rebellion. Just as wild animals resist human authority, so too do those who reject God’s sovereignty resist His will. The contrast between domesticated and wild animals reflects the difference between living in submission to God’s rule and living in defiance of it.
The Bible teaches that true followers of Christ are like the domesticated animals—those who submit to the Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and live according to His will. In contrast, those who oppose the Gospel, whether through false teaching or hypocritical living, are like wild animals—untamed and dangerous.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible uses the term “wild animals” both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it refers to creatures that cannot be domesticated and live in the wild. Metaphorically, it is used to describe those who reject God’s authority, whether in the form of false prophets, unrighteous people, or hypocrites. As believers, we are called to be among the “flock” of God’s people, submitting to the guidance of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and avoiding the ways of the “wild animals” who live in rebellion against Him.
Let us, therefore, examine ourselves to ensure we are living as obedient followers of Christ and not as wild, untamable creatures of the world.