From a biblical point of view, animals have what can be loosely called a “soul” in the sense of their life and instinctive capacities, but they do not have thoughts or a will as humans do. Let us explore this, using the Scripture as our standard:
The “Soul” of Animals in the Bible
In the Bible, the Hebrew word nephesh (translated as “soul” or “living being”) is sometimes used for both humans and animals:
- Genesis 1:20 (NKJV): “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures (nephesh).”
- Genesis 2:7 (NKJV): “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (nephesh).”
This use of nephesh for animals indicates that they are “living beings” with life and consciousness. However, the Bible distinguishes between the nephesh of animals and the eternal, moral, and God-conscious spirit of humans.
Animals and Their Instinctive Capacities
Animals have instinctive behaviors and natural capacities that God has designed for them:
- Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJV): The ant is commended for its industrious behavior, which is instinctive and not the result of conscious thought or reasoning.
- Job 39:26-30 (NKJV): God speaks of the hawk and the eagle’s behaviors, which He programmed into them.
These passages reflect that animals operate primarily on instinct, which is divinely embedded in their nature.
Do Animals Have Thoughts or a Will?
Animals do not have a will or thoughts in the way humans do.
- Humans Are Unique in Their Will and Reasoning:
Humans are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) with the ability to think, reason, and make moral decisions. This capacity is tied to the human spirit, which connects us to God and makes us accountable to Him. - Animals Lack Moral Accountability:
Animals do not have the capacity for moral reasoning or spiritual decisions. They cannot sin or choose to follow or reject God. Their behaviors are governed by instinct, not free will. - Ecclesiastes 3:21 (NKJV): “Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?”
The use of the “spirit of the animal” in this verse is referring to the life of an animal. Therefore, this passage highlights the distinction between humans and animals: humans have a spirit that is eternal, while animals’ life ends with their physical existence.
Luke 8:32-33 and the Demons Entering the Pigs
Please refer to part-1 of this article. (Do Animals Have Spirits or Souls? (1) – Feast of light)
When the demons entered the pigs, they manipulated the animals’ instinctive behaviors. The demons caused the pigs to act violently and irrationally, leading to their destruction.
- Influence on Instincts:
The pigs’ reaction was not the result of conscious thought but rather a disruption of their natural instincts by the demons’ destructive influence. - Demons and Control:
Demons did not possess a “will” or “thoughts” in the pigs because animals do not have these capacities. Instead, the demons influenced the animals’ physical and behavioral instincts, causing chaos.
Conclusion
- Animals have nephesh (life and soul) in the sense of being conscious, living beings with instincts.
- They do not have thoughts, a will, or the capacity for moral or spiritual reasoning.
- Their behaviors are governed by God-given instincts, which can sometimes be manipulated or influenced (as seen in Luke 8:32-33).
This aligns with the biblical understanding that humans, not animals, are uniquely created in God’s image with eternal spirits, free will, and the capacity for moral and spiritual decision-making.
God bless you richly in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
