The question of whether dinosaurs were on Noah’s ark is an interesting one that many people wonder about. The Bible does not specifically say whether dinosaurs were present during Noah’s time and brought onto the ark. However, by looking at what the Bible does say about Noah’s ark and the flood, as well as what we know from science about dinosaurs, we can draw some plausible conclusions.
Let’s start by looking at what the Bible says about Noah’s ark and the animals that were brought on board. Genesis 6:19-20 states that Noah was instructed to bring two of every kind of animal onto the ark to preserve them through the flood. It also states that Noah was to bring seven pairs of all clean animals and seven pairs of all birds (Genesis 7:2-3). The Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of all the species Noah took onto the ark – it merely specifies Noah took representatives of every “kind” of land animal and flying creature.
This leads to the question of what constitutes a “kind” in the Bible. While there is debate around this, many creation scientists argue that the original Hebrew word used here refers to a much broader taxonomic grouping more comparable to the “family” level in modern classification. Under this interpretation, Noah did not need to bring every single species onto the ark, but rather two (or seven for clean animals) representatives from each wider animal “kind” or family.
Most creation scientists believe dinosaurs belonged to several of these “kinds” of land animals. Therefore, under this view, Noah would have taken some representative dinosaur pairs onto the ark along with the other animals. The key question then becomes whether it was physically possible to fit dinosaurs on the ark.
According to Genesis 6, the dimensions of Noah’s ark were 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high. A cubit was approximately 18 inches. This would make the ark around 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Calculations suggest an ark of this size could hold around 125,000 sheep-sized animals, far more capacity than needed for pairs of all known land animal kinds.
Even the largest known dinosaurs were nowhere near the size of the ark. The sauropods were the biggest dinosaurs, some estimated up to 120 feet long. But even dinosaurs of this size could readily fit on a 450-foot long ark. Also keep in mind the dinosaurs taken on board would most likely have been younger and smaller than full grown. So physically speaking, it clearly would have been possible for Noah to accommodate dinosaurs of all kinds on the ark if they were still living at that time.
This brings us to the science side of things. According to evolutionary timelines, dinosaurs went extinct around 65 million years ago, while Noah’s flood occurred only about 4,500 years ago. So were dinosaurs still alive and around during Noah’s day? Some creation scientists argue that evolutionary timelines are greatly inflated, and that dinosaurs went extinct far more recently than millions of years in the past. Some claim fossils and other evidence suggest some dinosaurs may have survived well past the flood.
Thus, the question hinges in large part on when we believe dinosaurs went extinct. If they were still alive and thriving at the time of Noah, then it is very plausible some dinosaurs did accompany Noah on the ark. However, if dinosaurs had already died off long before Noah’s time, then we would conclude that no dinosaurs were present on the ark. The Bible does not provide definitive statements on whether specific species like dinosaurs were preserved through the flood.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly mention dinosaurs, given the size and capacity of the ark it seems plausible Noah could have taken some dinosaur kinds aboard, assuming dinosaurs were still alive and common at the time. The answer is dependent on when we believe dinosaurs went extinct, which creation scientists and evolutionists disagree on. While we cannot say definitively, the evidence suggests dinosaurs could have been on the ark if their extinction was more recent than evolutionary timelines suggest.
Ultimately, our faith does not depend on the specific details of which animals were on Noah’s ark. The key truths we can take away are: 1) God judged sin through the flood, while graciously preserving righteous Noah and representatives of all animal kinds; 2) the global flood was a real historical event that demonstrates God’s wrath against sin and His power to deliver those who trust Him; 3) the ark was physically large enough to carry all the animal kinds; 4) the Bible is truth we can depend on, even when details are unclear. Whether dinosaurs accompanied Noah or not does not change these important lessons from this Genesis account.
The main point is that God is sovereign over all His creation and the flood serves as a warning of the coming final judgment, while the ark symbolizes salvation by grace through faith. Speculating about dinosaurs on the ark should not distract us from this central biblical truth. The biblical flood account calls us to faith and obedience to God’s word. In the end, that is far more essential than questions about what specific animals may have been on Noah’s ark.
In summary, due to the size and capacity of Noah’s ark, it seems plausible that dinosaurs could have been on the ark if they were still alive and common at the time of the flood. However, the Bible does not definitively state whether dinosaurs or other specific species accompanied Noah. More important than speculating about dinosaur details are the crucial spiritual truths we learn from the Genesis flood account about God’s judgment of sin, His power to save those who trust Him, and the call to faith and obedience to God’s Word.
Evidence dinosaurs lived with humans
While the Bible does not specifically address whether dinosaurs were on Noah’s ark, there are some biblical clues that dinosaurs may have lived much more recently than millions of years ago and potentially even alongside early humans after the flood:
- Dinosaur depictions – Ancient artifacts, carvings, embroideries and paintings from multiple cultures contain depictions that strongly resemble specific dinosaur species. If humans lived millions of years after dinosaurs went extinct, it seems unlikely so many cultures would have clear depictions of dinosaurs in their art.
- Dragon legends – The characteristics of dragons in historical legends closely mirror features we know about dinosaurs such as the stegosaurus. This suggests ancient peoples may have encountered living dinosaurs which became the basis for dragon myths.
- Soft tissue in fossils – Bone cells, blood vessels and proteins have been found remarkably preserved in some dinosaur fossils. Current science holds that such soft tissue could not survive millions of years of decay, suggesting many dinosaur remains may actually be only thousands of years old.
- Carbon-14 in fossils – Carbon-14 is an unstable isotope with a half life of only 5,730 years, and would decay away in 100,000 years at most. Yet C-14 has been detected in dinosaur bones, indicating they are far younger than evolutionary timelines claim.
While these do not definitively prove dinosaurs lived during or after Noah’s time, they give plausibility to the idea that dinosaurs survived the flood and went extinct far more recently than secular science maintains. This suggests some dinosaurs could have accompanied Noah on the ark approximately 4,500 years ago.
Addressing objections
Some criticize or raise objections to the idea of dinosaurs on the ark. Here are some common objections and how creation scientists respond:
Not enough space on the ark
This is one of the most common objections, but as already explained, calculations show the massive size of the ark was plenty sufficient to accommodate pairs from all dinosaur kinds, as well as all other animal kinds. The largest dinosaurs were smaller than the ark dimensions, and most dinosaurs were far smaller.
Dinosaurs only lived millions of years ago
This stems from the evolutionary timeline, which creation scientists reject. As mentioned above, evidence suggests many dinosaurs may have lived more recently than evolutionists claim, potentially even after the flood 4,500 years ago.
Why are no dinosaur fossils mixed with human fossils?
Fossilization is an extremely rare occurrence requiring very specific conditions. The fossil record is an incomplete picture of life on earth. Moreover, flood models would predict the separation of marine creatures like dinosaurs from most terrestrial mammals. Finding fossil evidence of dinosaurs and humans coexisting is improbable, but lack of such fossils cannot rule out the possibility.
God said to only take two of each animal kind
As mentioned earlier, the Bible specifies two (male and female) of every land animal kind, seven pairs of clean animals and seven pairs of birds. It defines kinds, not species. Noah only needed representational pairs of the wider family level animal kinds. He did not need every single species or variant. Dinosaurs would have been members of certain animal kinds.
Dinosaurs were too big and dangerous
While large, dinosaurs were not prohibitively large for the giant Ark. Potentially dangerous animals like lions were also brought on board, so this does not preclude dinosaurs. Young juveniles or smaller species could have been brought. God could also have supernaturally caused lethargy during the ark stay.
In conclusion, while objections can be raised, none seem to conclusively rule out the possibility of dinosaurs accompanying Noah on the ark. The evidence appears consistent with dinosaurs surviving the flood and going extinct far more recently than traditionally thought by science. Thus, though the Bible does not explicitly say, it seems plausible some dinosaurs could have been on the ark just a few thousand years ago.
Different viewpoints among Christians
Christians have various perspectives on dinosaurs and Noah’s ark which we should thoughtfully consider:
Traditional view – Dinosaurs extinct long before Noah
This view believes dinosaurs went extinct millions of years before humans evolved or Noah’s flood. Thus, there were no dinosaurs on the ark, as they had already died out before human history began.
Young earth creation – Dinosaurs survived the flood
Proponents believe dinosaurs were created on day 6 along with other land animals. They went extinct far more recently than secular science says, potentially as late as a few hundred years ago. Some smaller dinosaur kinds were on the ark.
Old earth creation – Dinosaurs extinct before flood
This view accepts mainstream evolutionary timelines but believes God created and used evolution. Dinosaurs went extinct millions of years before the flood. They view the flood account as symbolic rather than literal history.
Theistic evolution – Dinosaurs died before humans
They fully accept evolution and secular timelines. Dinosaurs lived and went extinct millions of years before humans evolved. The flood account is non-historical symbolic mythology. No dinosaurs were on the ark.
Christians can thoughtfully debate these viewpoints while affirming shared beliefs: God as Creator, the authority of Scripture, Jesus Christ as Savior, and the call to share the Gospel. Whether dinosaurs were on the ark is a secondary doctrinal issue.
The most biblically consistent views believe Noah’s flood was global, literal history and thus allow for the possibility of some dinosaurs on the ark. But Scripture is not definitive on this specific zoological question. As long as we hold foundational biblical truths clearly revealed in God’s Word, some diversity can exist on secondary issues like dinosaurs on the ark.
Practical implications
What are some key practical implications from this discussion?
- The Bible presents a coherent history we can rely on and build our lives upon, even if some details are not exhaustive.
- Science should be approached with humility, recognizing our knowledge is limited.
- While lesser details like dinosaur specifics may elude us, God’s Word equips us for salvation and righteous living.
- Seeking to know God and declaring the Gospel should be our priority, not getting sidetracked arguing secondary issues.
- God calls us to unity in Christ amid secondary doctrinal differences between Christians.
In summary, were there dinosaurs on Noah’s ark? The biblical and scientific evidence suggests it’s plausible. But Scripture’s silence about such specifics directs our focus instead to the spiritual truths and implications that matter most – truths vital for our walk with Christ and sharing the Gospel with others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Bible does not state definitively whether particular species of dinosaurs accompanied Noah on the ark, examination of the biblical text and scientific evidence suggests it was feasible for Noah to have taken some dinosaur kinds aboard the ark. The massive size of the ark makes it plausible dinosaurs could fit. Dinosaurs may have survived past the flood if their extinction was more recent than traditionally believed. Thus, though debatable, it seems reasonable that some dinosaurs could have been on Noah’s ark just thousands, not millions, of years ago. However, the scriptural silence about dinosaur specifics on the ark precludes dogmatic conclusions. The important takeaway is that Noah’s flood was a real global event and the account highlights spiritual truths about God’s judgment on sin and His salvation through Christ. The central message of Scripture does not hinge on peripheral zoological details. In the end, our priority should be proclaiming the Gospel, not arguing over specifics about dinosaurs on the ark. The biblical flood account calls us to faith in God’s word and obedience to His commands as we live for Christ and await His return.