Behemoth.

Every word of God rings true. We’ve gone through a series of passages in the last several week that point to the veracity of the Bible: John 17:17 Your Word is truth; Isaiah 40:8 the word of our God will stand forever. How do these Biblical insights on the truth of God’s Word play out when we don’t see the word dinosaur in the Bible? In my searching I have not found even one translation of the Bible that has the word “dinosaur" in it; and this could be a shocking disappointment as a Christian. 

But, like any challenge, question or doubt about the Christian faith or the Bible, it is important to take a rational look at the issue and apply logic and reason to better understanding. 

First, let’s ask where and when the word “dinosaur” originated. Sir Richard Owen in 1841 coined the word dinosaur from a combination of two Greek words: it means “terrible lizard”. Since the Bible was complete 1700 years before the term dinosaur was created, it would make sense that the term would not be used to describe creatures that fit our modern-day understanding of a dinosaur. 

Here is a passage from the book of which opens up a whole section of verses that describe a creature which we would call a dinosaur: Job 40:15 “Behold, Behemoth, which I made with you; he eats grass like an ox.” As you examine these verses you might call to mind a specific dinosaur such as the diplodocus. And your insight could be spot on. 

God’s Word is dependable; God’s Word speaks truth. As believers, it is very important that we keep looking to what God has spoken and be willing to let the Holy perfect God instill in us His perfect understanding of all creation, including the dinosaur or the behemoth, as Job describes.

Blessings to you this week as you search out the Scriptures to better learn about creation and to better understand and appreciate our Creator.