{"id":61903,"date":"2025-11-18T15:01:44","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T12:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=61903"},"modified":"2025-11-19T18:51:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T15:51:35","slug":"61903","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2025\/11\/18\/61903\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cIs it right for God\u2019s people to use the names of animals to call (refer to) others?\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n

Question:<\/strong>
\nIs it appropriate for God\u2019s people to call others by animal names? For example, saying, \u201cHey hyena, come here,\u201d like how Jesus referred to Herod as a \u201cfox\u201d in Luke 13:32.<\/p>\n

Answer:<\/strong>
\nIn the Bible, we see people being called by various animal names, such as \u201cwolves\u201d (Matthew 7:15), \u201csheep\u201d (John 10:27), and \u201cserpents\u201d (Matthew 13:34). Other animal names used include \u201cfox,\u201d \u201cdove,\u201d \u201cpig,\u201d \u201clion,\u201d and \u201cgoat.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to understand the context and intent behind these names. These terms were not meant as insults, mockery, or disrespect. Rather, they were used to describe a person\u2019s character or behavior accurately.<\/p>\n

For example, when Jesus called Herod a \u201cfox,\u201d He did not intend to insult or demean him. Instead, He was pointing out Herod\u2019s cunning and predatory nature\u2014like a fox that sneaks around and preys on smaller animals. This was evident even at the time of Jesus\u2019 birth when Herod sought to kill Him (Luke 13:32).<\/p>\n

So, if someone is described in such a way because of their behavior, it is not a curse or insult according to the Bible.<\/p>\n

However, when people use animal names to insult, mock, or show disrespect driven by hatred or anger, that is forbidden in Scripture and is sinful.<\/p>\n

For instance, saying, \u201cHey hyena, come here,\u201d clearly reveals anger, disrespect, or hatred behind the words.<\/p>\n

Consider these verses:<\/p>\n

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):<\/strong>
\n\u201cDo not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Colossians 3:8 (ESV):<\/strong>
\n\u201cBut now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Matthew 5:22 (ESV):<\/strong>
\n\u201cBut I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, \u2018You fool!\u2019 will be liable to the hell of fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Therefore, guard your tongue. Always consider the intention behind every word you speak.<\/p>\n

May the Lord bless you.<\/p>\n

Share this good message with others by spreading it around.<\/p>\n