The concept of animals being under a curse originates from the biblical narrative of the Fall in Genesis. According to Scripture, the disobedience of Adam and Eve brought about a curse not only upon humanity but also upon the entire creation, including animals. This entry explores the implications of this curse on animals as depicted in the Bible.

The Fall and the Curse

In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden tree, God pronounces a series of curses as a consequence of their disobedience. While the primary focus is on humanity, the curse extends to the ground and, by extension, to all living creatures. Genesis 3:17-19 states, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."

The curse on the ground implies a disruption in the harmony of creation, affecting the natural world and the animals within it. The introduction of thorns and thistles signifies a world now subject to decay and struggle, impacting the habitats and food sources of animals.

The Serpent

The serpent, used by Satan to deceive Eve, is explicitly cursed among the animals. Genesis 3:14 records, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field! On your belly you will go, and dust you will eat all the days of your life." This curse on the serpent symbolizes the enmity between humanity and certain animals, reflecting a broader disharmony introduced into creation.

The Animal Kingdom Post-Fall

The effects of the curse are evident in the altered relationships between humans and animals. Before the Fall, Adam is given dominion over the animals (Genesis 1:28), suggesting a harmonious stewardship. However, post-Fall, this relationship is marred by fear and conflict. Genesis 9:2 states, "The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand."

This verse, spoken to Noah after the Flood, indicates a shift in the dynamic between humans and animals, where fear replaces the original harmony. The curse has introduced a world where survival often involves predation and competition, contrasting with the peace of Eden.

Redemption and Restoration

Despite the curse, the Bible holds out hope for the redemption and restoration of all creation, including animals. Romans 8:19-22 speaks of creation's eager expectation for liberation from its "bondage to decay" and its participation in the "glorious freedom of the children of God." This passage suggests that the curse is not the final word for animals or creation. The prophetic vision in Isaiah 11:6-9 of a peaceable kingdom, where "the wolf will dwell with the lamb," points to a future restoration of harmony among all creatures.

In summary, the biblical narrative presents animals as being under the curse due to the Fall, resulting in a world marked by struggle and disharmony. However, Scripture also anticipates a future redemption where creation, including the animal kingdom, will be restored to its intended peace and order.Genesis 3:14
And the LORD God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, you are cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; on your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life:
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 6:7,17
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repents me that I have made them.
Nave's Topical Index

Listen Also to what I have to Say on this Other Expression which ...
... then, that He is still making heaven, or sun, or man, or animals, or trees ... to gather
a bundle of wood upon the Sabbath, he was placed under the curse of the ...
/.../31 listen also to what.htm

Galatians Chapter iii.
... sacrificed," signifying that their teachers took and slew them like animals, while
they ... was justifying, but that the Law brought its adherents under a curse. ...
/.../galatians chapter iii.htm

As a Child
... of the young was regarded as under the curse of God ... Under the training of the rabbis
the powers of the youth ... He studied the life of plants and animals, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 7 as a child.htm

Of the Blessings with which the Creator Has Filled this Life ...
... Filled This Life, Obnoxious Though It Be to the Curse. ... towards the earth, like the
irrational animals; but his ... the vital parts of all that lies under the skin ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 of the blessings with.htm

The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching
... Chapter 20 Now of these one fell under a curse, and the two others ... Chapter 61 Now
as to the union and concord and peace of the animals of different kinds? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/

Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ...
... burying those noble qualities which distinguish us from the lower animals, it is ...
that since by his transgression we are all placed under the curse, he is ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 through the fall.htm

On the Church of the Old Testament, or under the Promise
... of the guilt of sins and of the curse, and might ... latter respect, she was under the
law and under the Old ... blood of a testator or mediator, but of brute animals. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation li on the church.htm

Atonement.
... the sabbath; as administering to the sick, relieving the poor, feeding animals;
and in ... as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xxv atonement.htm

Chapter v
... it be for securing the pelts of animals for clothing. ... deliverance or at least for
comfort under the burden ... their wretchedness back to the curse pronounced upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter v.htm

The Savanna of Aripo
... place all over the world since the present forms of animals and vegetables ... future,
the lands of warmer climates will surely fall under that curse, so well ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xii the savanna of.htm

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