What Does The Bible Say About Aliens (2025)
Are aliens real? You may have asked this question before. You may have watched a lot of sci-movies, such as E.T. and Star Wars, that portray aliens or extraterrestrial forces. For the past century, people have asked this question, but no one has the answer. In the Christian world, some think that aliens are actually angels or demons, others think that they are actual creatures from another planet, and many do not believe in the existence of possible life forms outside of planet earth.
As the world is progressing in technological advancement, it seems understandable that the topic of aliens seems to be arising. There are those who believe that we are not alone in the universe and that there are other intelligent life forms out there. Then there are those who believe that these aliens have been visiting our planet for centuries, and have been responsible for everything from wars to natural disasters.
Therefore, we’ll tackle this question: what does the Bible say about aliens? Are they friends, foes, or fictional? If you’re curious, then please read on to discover what the Bible says.
1. Does The Bible Mention Contemporary Ideas Of Aliens?
The Bible does not specifically talk about aliens the way our society portrays it. However, it doesn’t stop people from reading their presuppositions into the biblical account.
In Genesis 6:4, for example, the text says that “the Nephilim were on the earth in those days.” Christians interpreted these beings as a race of giants. Some interpret the word, “Nephilim,” as a reference to an extraterrestrial race, but that is far from the truth. According to Numbers 13:33, the Nephilim were considered giant people that occupied the land of Canaan. Nonetheless, they were still human beings with huge stature.
In Ezekiel 28:12-19, the prophet describes a being known as the “king of Tyre,” who is said to have been created by God and given wisdom and power. Some think that this could refer to aliens, but this being is often thought to be a reference to an angel demon, or the king of Tyre himself. Also, some reference aliens to Isaiah 14:12-14, but it speaks of the king of Babylon in a poetic form. Some have alluded to this text as Lucifer or Satan as a being who falls from the sky.
While these perplexing passages do provide some food for thought on the subject, ultimately, they are not definitive answers on the existence of aliens. In fact, we must be careful of reading our own ideas and biases into the text (i.e. eisegesis). We must always be faithful to let the text speak for itself in its own context (i.e. exegesis).
2. Are The Strange Creatures In Revelation Aliens?
The Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, mentions a number of strange creatures, including a dragon, a beast with seven heads, and a lamb with seven horns. Some people have interpreted these creatures as aliens, but they are inaccurate in the interpretation of the text. While biblical scholars debate on the interpretation of Revelation, they generally agree that these strange creatures are symbolic representations of something else. In any case, the mention of these creatures in Revelation does not provide concrete evidence for the existence of aliens.
3. How Should Christians Respond To The Claims Of Aliens?
Attempts to insert the concept of aliens ultimately end in speculation rather than knowing the truth.
People have made claims about the existence of alien life for centuries, such as the alleged spotting of a UFO spaceship. Believers in aliens often point to Bible passages as evidence of their beliefs. However, Christians should approach such claims with caution and skepticism. While the Bible might contain references to otherworldly beings, such as Satan, demons, and evil spirits, these references are primarily metaphors for evil forces. In addition, the vast majority of scientific evidence suggests that aliens are unlikely to exist. Therefore, Christians should be careful not to put too much stock in claims about aliens. We should not chase after the “what ifs” in vain.
Some believers may find the notion of aliens to be entertaining. However, Scripture gives the following instruction to believers when responding to topics such as this:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…
2 Corinthians 10:5
If scientists and astrologers discover the existence of aliens, will that impact the Christian faith?
Michael Heiser, who does not believe in aliens, gave this remark, “I’m not theologically alarmed by the possible existence of intelligent extraterrestrials.” If aliens do exist, he thinks that biblical theology can somehow accommodate that notion.
However, some think that the Christian faith may experience a major blow if aliens exist. The Bible makes no mention of aliens, and if they were found to exist, it would call into question the accuracy of the Bible. If there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, then is it possible for them to receive salvation through Jesus Christ? This would be a major shift in traditional Christian thinking and would cause many believers to re-examine and reinterpret Scripture.
However, God focuses His story of redemption on planet earth. God could have chosen to incarnate Himself on whichever planet He chose, but He came to earth in a little town called Bethlehem located in Israel. When Jesus came to die on the cross, He did so to redeem the offspring of Abraham and no other (Hebrews 2:16-17).
4. What Does The Bible TRULY Say About Aliens?
Not the way our society talks about it. Rather, Scripture uses the word, “aliens,” as a reference to sojourners. A sojourner was a sociopolitical label used to designate those who are outsiders of Israel, who eventually assimilated with Israel’s life and culture.
Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.
Exodus 23:12
And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him.
Deuteronomy 1:16
In the New Testament, Gentiles were considered aliens to the life of Israel. However, through Jesus Christ, God has provided a way for the Gentiles to be included in His family. No longer are Gentiles called aliens, but heirs of the promise of God (Ephesians 3:6). This is a marvellous truth that should lead us to rejoice in the LORD. The Apostle Paul about this reality in the letter to the Ephesians, which was a letter written to Gentiles.
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…
Ephesians 2:17-19
Conclusion
The topic of aliens is a controversial one, but they do not exist. The Bible does not provide a clear answer on the subject, but that doesn’t stop people from speculating and chasing this idea in vain. Since there is no scientific evidence to suggest their existence, Christians should approach claims about aliens with caution and skepticism, and not get lured into them.
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
1 Timothy 1:3–4
Resources
If you want to learn more about aliens and the Bible, be sure to check out these articles on the topic.
