As a theologian, I have always been fascinated by unique creatures like bats. Some cultures associate bats with darkness and speculate that bats are evil. While studying the Bible, I realized that it depicts bats negatively in different verses.
This made me take a special interest in this topic, and I decided to research whether bats are evil. Besides reading the Bible, I read different articles to discover cultural beliefs about bats and consulted some clergy members to get more insights.
Last Tuesday, in an online forum, someone started a discussion about bats, and I couldn’t hide my excitement. One of the members asked whether bats are evil in the Bible, and another asked whether this mammal has symbolic meaning.
Since I had done a lot of research on this topic, I was the first to enlighten them on everything I had learned. Our discussion was quite productive, and it inspired me to write this article to share my knowledge on the topic we had on the forum.
So, are bats evil in the Bible?
The Bible does not state that bats are evil. However, it states that bats are unclean and detestable birds that should not be consumed in Leviticus 11:13-19 and Deuteronomy 14:11-18. However, some Christians look down on bats since they consider them unclean, while some associate them with darkness.
I invite you to join me in this article as we examine what the Bible says about bats. Keep reading to find out whether bats are evil in the Bible, why Christians look down on bats, the symbolic meaning of bats, and much more.
What does the Bible say about bats?
The Bible warns people against eating bats. Leviticus 11:13-19 says that certain birds are detestable and are not fit for consumption. Some of the birds mentioned in this verse are the bat, white owl, raven, and hawk.
This verse reminds us that not all birds, including the bat, are clean. Though science defines bats as mammals, the Bible calls bats birds.
Christians speculate that a bat in this verse is categorized as a bird because it flies like the other birds.
Deuteronomy 14:11-18 also gives us a list of the flying creatures that we should not eat. It says we should not eat eagles, vultures, falcons, kites, ravens, ostriches, seagulls, or bats, among others.
This verse also says that birds, like the bat, are unclean.
Isaiah 2:17-20 says that man shall cast away the idols of gold and silver that they worshiped to the bats that lodge in dark holes.
Christians believe that bats in this passage represent God’s judgment to the Israelites.
What is the symbolic meaning of bats?
Rebirth
Some people believe that bats symbolize the end of old ways. They speculate that bats symbolize rebirth and are a sign that you are going through a change in your life.
People with this school of thought imply that bats have great senses that help them navigate obstacles, just like humans.
Uniqueness
According to some people, a bat symbolizes uniqueness since it is the only mammal that flies. They speculate that a bat is unafraid to stand out from the crowd.
A bat is believed to be a resourceful and unique mammal that can sleep upside down and soar through the skies.
Luck
The Chinese have associated bats with good luck since the fourteenth century. They believe that bats symbolize blessings.
That is why the luck bat has been a common element in Chinese art for centuries.
Why do Christians look down on bats?
Though bats are part of God’s creations, some Christians look down on them. Since the Bible instructed the Jews not to consume bats, most Christians look down on this mammal since they still view it as unclean.
Additionally, some Christians look down on bats since every time the Bible mentions bats, it does not mention something good about this mammal.
Others look down on bats since they associate them with darkness. Bats are believed to be more active at night, and darkness often evokes feelings of fear.
Due to associating bats with darkness, some Christians speculate that this mammal symbolizes impurity or evil.
What powers are associated with bats?
Some cultures believe that bats have the power to protect them from potential risks or certain diseases. While some associate bats with long life, others associate them with negative things like death, vampires, and witchcraft.
Bats are believed to have an ability referred to as echolocation. This helps them perceive food, dangers, and obstacles in the dark.
They emit certain sounds and use the echoes produced to locate obstacles in their paths.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.
