Why does the Bible not mention germs or diseases caused by bacteria and viruses?

Historical and Cultural Context

During the centuries in which the biblical texts were written, the people of the Ancient Near East lacked the scientific tools and knowledge we now possess regarding microbiology. It was not until the seventeenth century AD that scientists such as Antonie van Leeuwenhoek began to observe microorganisms like bacteria. Consequently, explicit information about germs, bacteria, or viruses would have been outside the scope of the Bible’s ancient cultural setting. The biblical authors communicated through the lens of primary experiences (agricultural life, familial responsibilities, temple worship, etc.) rather than modern scientific terminology.

Because the books of the Old and New Testaments were composed by human authors immersed in specific historical periods, they naturally employed the language, categories, and understanding of their times. Though the Bible is not a science textbook, its principles and teachings remain timeless.

Focus on Theological and Moral Revelation

Scripture’s primary purpose is to reveal the nature of God, His relationship with humanity, and the way of salvation (cf. John 20:31). Its central concerns include moral, spiritual, and theological truths rather than detailed scientific explanations. The Bible speaks to why creation exists and humanity’s purpose within it, emphasizing the Creator’s sovereignty and love, rather than dissecting the intricacies of microbiology.

In passages such as Genesis 1:1, we see the emphasis on God as the sole Creator—“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”—a statement of divine intention and sovereignty, not a technical discourse on microscopic organisms. The biblical focus is on humans’ responsibility to reflect God’s holiness and righteousness, and to enjoy fellowship with Him.

Biblical Laws of Purity and Quarantine

Though Scripture does not name bacteria or viruses specifically, it contains numerous commands that reflect an awareness of contagion and physical cleanliness. Leviticus 13–14 presents detailed instructions regarding the isolation, observation, and purification of individuals with contagious skin conditions (commonly described as “leprosy” at the time). These sanitation regulations helped protect the community from the spread of infection, even if ancient Israelites did not understand the microbial causes.

In Leviticus 13:46, for instance, the directive is clear: “He must live alone in a place outside the camp.” This command minimized contact, essentially functioning as a quarantine. Another example is Numbers 31:22–24, which discusses purifying garments, metals, and objects—a practice consistent with preventing disease transmission, even though the text does not reference microscopic pathogens.

Illness, Healing, and Divine Provision

The Bible recounts many instances of disease and healing. Though the exact etiology (bacterial, viral, or otherwise) is not detailed, the narratives convey trust in God’s power and processes for restoration. For example, King Hezekiah’s illness in 2 Kings 20:1–7 is met by prayer and a practical remedy: “Then Isaiah said, ‘Prepare a poultice of figs.’ So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and he recovered” (2 Kings 20:7). The text uses the common medical knowledge of the time to illustrate God’s intervention and mercy without needing to reference a specific pathogen.

In the Gospels, Jesus heals numerous ailments, such as blindness, paralysis, and severe fevers (e.g., Matthew 8:14–15). The details emphasize divine authority over sickness and the compassionate nature of God. Even in these healing accounts, there is little reason for the biblical writers to delve into microscopic causes, since the spiritual message (the Messiah’s rule over all creation) was the central focus.

God’s Timeless Wisdom and Progressive Revelation

Many biblical instructions, especially those regarding hygiene and dietary guidelines, show discernment that transcends the common scientific understanding of the age. Though the biblical text does not mention bacteria or viruses, its principles often align with what humanity later discovered scientifically.

This does not imply the Bible concealed microbiology, but rather that God’s revelation through Scripture addresses primarily spiritual and moral foundations, leaving humanity free to explore and understand the physical world through scientific inquiry. The pattern of progressive revelation allows for both biblical truth and the progress of human knowledge to stand together in harmony.

Relevance to Modern Readers

The absence of germ theory in the biblical text does not negate Scripture’s reliability or its consistency with observed reality. Christians throughout history have embraced legitimate science—positioning God as the Designer of the natural laws science uncovers. Discoveries in archaeology, such as ancient near-eastern records aligning with biblical events (e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming the textual stability of Old Testament writings), further support the Bible’s authenticity across historical contexts. These findings underscore that Scripture operates accurately within its intended theological and historical framework, while also being compatible with modern medical discoveries.

In the context of intelligent design, the complex structures within living organisms point to purposeful arrangement consistent with a Creator who established not only grand cosmic systems but also the smallest details of biology. Though the biblical authors never named viruses or bacteria, the principle that God is intimately involved in life’s design finds resonance with modern scientific observations of specified complexity.

Conclusion

The Bible does not explicitly mention germs or diseases caused by bacteria and viruses because it was written in a pre-scientific historical context where microscopic life was simply unknown. Its emphasis lies in revealing theological and moral truths—God’s nature, humanity’s need for redemption, and the call for holiness. Yet Scripture’s laws and practices reflect safeguards that correlate with health principles later understood in medical science.

From a broader perspective, the lack of microbiological terminology in the biblical text does not undermine the trustworthiness of Scripture. Rather, it highlights the Bible’s primary purpose: to unveil God’s plan of salvation and guide people toward a meaningful relationship with Him. In this way, while the Bible is not a manual on microorganisms, it remains a foundational source of truth for spiritual life, ethical conduct, and hope in the God who crafted the entire universe—visible and invisible.