What does the bible say about aliens?

The Bible does not directly mention aliens as understood in modern terms, but it refers to heavenly beings, celestial entities, and ‘foreigners’ in various contexts. It highlights a divine entity with the power to create life across the universe, subtly suggesting the possibility of otherworldly life.

From as early as we can remember, the universe has fascinated humans with its infinite vastness and mysterious wonders. One of the most enduring questions posed by mankind is whether we are alone in this expansive cosmos. The contemplation of extraterrestrial life has transcended the realms of science, sparking our curiosity and infiltrating spiritual and religious contexts. This article seeks to examine the Bible’s perspective on extraterrestrial life and unravel any subtle insinuations about the existence of aliens in this ancient, sacred text.

Extraterrestrial Life as Perceived in the Bible

Before we delve into the topic, it is essential to clarify that the Bible does not explicitly mention “aliens” as we understand them in popular culture. However, it does speak of celestial beings and entities that exist beyond the earthly realm. These could be considered “extraterrestrial” in the broader sense of the term, dwelling outside the terrestrial domain.

The Bible suggests the existence of an entity that ‘inhabits eternity’ in Isaiah 57:15. This being is described as dwelling in a high and holy place, which could be interpreted as a dimension beyond our own. This notion of existence beyond our earthly and temporal bounds can be likened to the concept of extraterrestrial life.

Further supporting the idea of otherworldly beings are the “cosmic powers of this dark age” and the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” described in Ephesians 6:12. These references can be interpreted as hinting at the existence of powerful entities outside of our world.

Bible Verses Referencing Extraterrestrial Phenomena

Here, we’ve gathered a selection of Bible verses that can potentially be linked with extraterrestrial life or phenomena, followed by their interpretations:

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him
Colossians 1:16

This verse could suggest that all forms of life, terrestrial and otherwise, originate from a single divine source.

And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven
Deuteronomy 4:19

And he has done evil in the eyes of the Lord your God and has violated his covenant by serving other gods or by worshiping the sun, the moon, or any of the stars—the forces of heaven—which I have strictly forbidden.
Deuteronomy 17:3

These verses warn against being led astray by the host of heaven and worshipping other gods or celestial bodies. It may be interpreted as an indirect mention of beings associated with the ‘host of heaven.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household
Ephesians 2:19

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12

These passages talk about our citizenship in heaven and struggle against cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.
Exodus 12:49

Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
Exodus 22:21

Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt
Exodus 23:9

These verses reiterate the fair treatment of sojourners or aliens in the land, in a metaphorical sense.

I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human, but each of them had four faces and four wings.
Ezekiel 1:4-7

Ezekiel’s vision of the heavenly beings and the ‘wheels’ they travel on is one of the most intriguing accounts that has been linked to extraterrestrial beings.

Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.
Genesis 1:26

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array
Genesis 2:1

These verses describe God’s creation of man in His image and the creation of the heavens and the earth, leading to various interpretations of the origins of life in the universe.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth
Hebrews 11:13

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2

These verses talk about believers being strangers on earth and the possibility of entertaining angels unawares.

These passages and their interpretations merely scratch the surface of the extensive discussion regarding extraterrestrial life and the Bible. Different scholars might have varied interpretations, leading to diverse perspectives and debates. It’s important to approach these discussions with an open mind and a keen interest to understand the multifaceted nature of the scriptures.

Unraveling the Meanings: Interpretation of Selected Verses

To further comprehend the Bible’s perspective on extraterrestrial life, it’s crucial to scrutinize and interpret several key verses. These include passages from Ezekiel and Genesis, which recount visions and interactions with celestial entities.

For instance, Ezekiel 1 is a detailed record of Ezekiel’s encounter with four living creatures that descended from the heavens. These beings, described as having human forms but with multiple faces, wings, and strange spherical structures accompanying them, have led some to suggest that the account could be a symbolic representation of extraterrestrial beings.

Genesis 6 tells the story of the “sons of God” who came down to Earth and had children with human women. These offspring were the Nephilim, described as “heroes of old, men of renown.” Some interpretations suggest that the “sons of God” were fallen angels or divine beings, while others propose that they might be analogous to extraterrestrials.

The varying interpretations among biblical scholars highlight the complexity of the subject matter and the rich symbolism inherent in these sacred texts.

All Bible verses are quoted from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.

FAQ

Are there references to extraterrestrial life in the Bible?

The Bible does not directly mention extraterrestrial life in the context of alien beings from other planets. However, it does speak about spiritual beings and entities existing beyond our earthly realm (Isaiah 57:15, Ephesians 6:12).

What does the Bible say about aliens and UFOs?

The Bible doesn’t directly reference aliens or UFOs in a modern understanding. Passages may suggest celestial beings or spiritual entities beyond our world, but there’s no mention of alien life forms or unidentified flying objects as we interpret them today.

Can the concept of aliens in the Bible be connected to spiritual beings?

Yes, the concept of “aliens” in the Bible can be linked to spiritual beings, as it often refers to celestial entities and forces beyond our earthly realm. These could be viewed as “extraterrestrial” in a broader sense.

How do biblical verses about aliens relate to our understanding of the universe?

The Bible’s references to celestial beings and spiritual forces (like in Ephesians 6:12) can enhance our understanding of the universe as more than just the physical cosmos. It invites us to consider spiritual dimensions that extend beyond our earthly existence.

Do aliens mentioned in the Bible refer to beings from other planets?

The Bible doesn’t explicitly speak of beings from other planets. When it refers to celestial or spiritual entities, it’s usually in a spiritual or divine context, rather than extraterrestrial life as understood in a scientific context.

Are there any biblical warnings about worshiping aliens or other gods?

The Bible warns against the worship of false gods or idols (Exodus 20:3-5). While it doesn’t specifically caution against worshiping aliens, this principle could extend to any entity considered outside of the one God it portrays.

What is the significance of the Nephilim in relation to aliens in the Bible?

The Nephilim are mentioned in Genesis 6 as the offspring of the “sons of God” and “daughters of men”. While some have theorized that the “sons of God” could be alien beings, the Bible does not provide concrete evidence to support this interpretation. They are more commonly interpreted as fallen angels.

How does the Bible address the existence of alien life forms in the universe?

The Bible does not explicitly address the existence of alien life forms in the universe. Its focus is on spiritual beings and entities that exist beyond our earthly realm. Any connections to extraterrestrial life as we understand it today are largely speculative and rely on broad interpretations of the text.