Biblical References to Extraterrestrial Life or Beings
The Bible does not directly refer to "extraterrestrial life" in the modern sense of beings from other planets. However, it frequently mentions non-human, non-earthly beings, primarily angels and other spiritual entities, which exist outside the human realm [6].
The biblical worldview includes a spiritual dimension inhabited by various non-physical personages. These include figures like Sheol, Hell, Gehenna, and Tartarus, which are names for the abode of the dead or places of judgment [1]. Other non-physical entities mentioned are pagan deities such as Amon, Chemosh, Asherah, Baal-berith, Bel, Nergal, and Nebo, which the biblical text portrays as false gods or demonic powers [1]. The term "Belial" is also used, sometimes equated with Satan [1].
Angels are prominent non-human beings in the biblical narrative. For instance, Psalm 18:10 refers to a "mighty angelic being," specifically a cherub [6]. These beings are often depicted as messengers or agents of God. The Bible also describes divine visitations on Earth, sometimes in human form, which are seen as foreshadowing the incarnation of Jesus [5].
The heavens and the earth are frequently presented as witnesses to human events, emphasizing a cosmic scope to God's interaction with humanity [3]. God's presence is often associated with powerful natural phenomena like deepest darkness and wildfire, particularly in contexts of judgment [2]. God's omnipresence is also described as filling "heaven and earth" with His omniscience, providence, power, and essential being [4].
While the Bible does not speculate about life on other planets, it consistently portrays a universe created and governed by God, where spiritual beings play a significant role. The focus remains on God's relationship with humanity and the Earth, which is presented as the primary stage for salvation history.
Sources
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: Title - Name of a non-physical personage or place or monster: Sheol|[email protected]; Pit|[email protected]; Gehenna|[email protected]; Tatarus|[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Belial|[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]”
- Job (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Job 20:26: 20:26 Images such as deepest darkness and wildfire are often associated with God’s presence (Deut 4:11; 5:22-23; Heb 12:18) and especially with his judgment (Exod 9:23-24; 10:21-29).”
- Jeremiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jeremiah 2:12: 2:12 The heavens and the earth are often portrayed as witnesses to events among humans (see 51:48; Deut 32:1, 43; 1 Chr 16:31; Ps 96:11; Isa 1:2; 44:23; 49:13).”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 23:24: (Psa 139:7, &c.; Amo 9:2-3). fill heaven and earth--with My omniscience providence, power, and essential being (Kg1 8:27).”
- Jude (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jude 13:19: 13:19-22 It is not possible for human beings to take in the full revelation of God’s holy presence and still live (cp. 6:20-24; Exod 19:21; 33:20). The Old Testament frequently reports divine visitations on earth in human form; these visitations foreshadow the full appearance of God on earth in the incarnation of Jesus.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 18:10: 18:10 a mighty angelic being (Hebrew a cherub): See study notes on 1 Chr 28:18; 2 Chr 3:10-13.”