Welcome to our chronological list of wolves that appear in the Bible, either in a symbolic or literal sense. Let’s explore what each reference means in its biblical context.
Check out our A-Z hub for more thematic lists!
This list may not be exhaustive due to the sheer size of the Bible – but we’ve tried our best to include most key mentions. Did we miss a major one? Drop us a line to let us know!
Genesis
Genesis 49:27
“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.”
Explanation: This is part of Jacob’s prophetic blessing over his son, Benjamin. The “ravenous wolf” symbolizes Benjamin’s warlike nature and strength in battle, which would characterize his descendants, the tribe of Benjamin. This imagery is not necessarily negative, but rather, highlights their fierce warrior spirit. The tribe of Benjamin produced notable warriors, including Ehud and King Saul. This verse reminds us that God uses diverse traits, even aggressive ones, to fulfill His purposes, working through different personalities and gifts within His people.
Isaiah
Isaiah 11:6
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat …”
Explanation: This verse is central to Isaiah’s vision of the Messianic kingdom, a time of peace under Christ’s rule. The imagery of predators and prey living together symbolizes reconciliation and the end of natural conflict. It points to the transformative power of Christ’s redemption, which restores harmony not just among people but within all creation. This verse anticipates the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1), where the effects of sin are completely removed. It reveals God’s ultimate plan for perfect peace and shalom under His reign.
Isaiah 65:25
“…The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food …”
Explanation: Like Isaiah 11:6, this verse strengthens the picture of the new creation. The “wolf and the lamb” feeding together signifies the total absence of violence and the presence of perfect peace. This underscores God’s ultimate triumph over evil and the restoration of all things to their intended state. The reference to “my holy mountain” shortly after connects this peace to God’s presence and holiness. True, lasting peace, this verse implies, is found only in God’s kingdom, where His righteous rule is fully expressed.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah 5:6
“… a wolf from the desert will ravage them …”
Explanation: Here, the “wolf,” along with the lion and leopard, symbolically represents the instruments God uses to judge Judah because of their ongoing sin and rebellion. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of choosing to disobey God’s covenant. While God is merciful, continued disobedience eventually leads to judgment. The imagery of wild, predatory animals highlights sin’s destructive power and the danger of turning away from God’s protection. It’s a serious warning about sin and the need for repentance.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel 22:27
“…Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain…”
Explanation: This verse uses the “wolves” metaphor to condemn Jerusalem’s corrupt leaders. Their predatory actions show a complete lack of justice and care for the people they should be protecting. This points to the serious sin of misusing power and authority. God desires leaders to be just and compassionate, reflecting His own nature. The image of wolves “tearing their prey” emphasizes how greed and oppression harm the vulnerable, violating God’s standards for leadership.
Habakkuk
Habakkuk 1:8
“…Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk, their cavalry gallops headlong …”
Explanation: The prophet uses “wolves” to describe the fierce and relentless Babylonian army, the instrument God is using to bring judgment upon Judah. The verse isn’t literally about wolves but uses their predatory nature to emphasize the devastating power of the invading force. It shows us that God can use even nations that don’t acknowledge Him to carry out His purposes, including administering judgment. It speaks to God’s control over all nations and events.
Zephaniah
Zephaniah 3:3
“… her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning …”
Explanation: Like Ezekiel 22:27, this verse condemns corrupt leadership through animal imagery. “Evening wolves” are portrayed as especially greedy and destructive. This underscores the idea that leadership is a position of trust and responsibility. Leaders who exploit their power for personal gain are acting against God’s will and cause great harm. The phrase “leave nothing for the morning” emphasizes their extreme selfishness and disregard for the people’s future well-being.
Matthew
Matthew 7:15
“… Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves …”
Explanation: Jesus warns His followers about the danger of false prophets, using the vivid image of “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” This highlights the reality that spiritual deception exists. False teachers may appear harmless or even righteous (“sheep’s clothing”), but their true intentions and teachings are harmful (“ferocious wolves”). This calls for careful discernment in spiritual matters, relying on God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to separate truth from falsehood.
Matthew 10:16
“… I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves …”
Explanation: Jesus recognizes the hostile world His disciples will enter, comparing them to “sheep among wolves.” This acknowledges that believers will face opposition and spiritual warfare. The call to be “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” is a call to balance wisdom with purity. We must be discerning and aware of dangers but also maintain our integrity and avoid being corrupted by worldly tactics. It’s a call to engage with the world strategically, without sacrificing our Christian values.
Luke
Luke 10:3
“…Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves…”
Explanation: Similar to Matthew 10:16, this verse emphasizes the disciples’ vulnerability as they spread the gospel. The “lambs among wolves” imagery highlights the contrast between the gentleness of Christ’s followers and the world’s hostility. This underscores the need to rely completely on God’s power and protection. It also challenges the notion that Christian ministry will always be easy or without risk. It calls for courage and faith when facing opposition.
John
John 10:12
“…The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away …”
Explanation: In this parable, Jesus contrasts Himself, the Good Shepherd, with a “hired hand” who doesn’t truly care for the sheep. The “wolf” represents any threat to believers – persecution, false teaching, or other dangers. This highlights the difference between true and false spiritual leadership. True shepherds, like Christ, are willing to sacrifice themselves for their sheep, while false leaders prioritize their own safety over the flock’s well-being. It underscores Christ’s sacrificial love and unwavering commitment as our Shepherd.
Acts
Acts 20:29
“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.“
Explanation: Paul, speaking to the Ephesian elders, warns them about future threats to the church using the image of “savage wolves.” These “wolves” represent false teachers and divisive individuals who would harm the church from within. This emphasizes the constant need for vigilance in the church. False teaching and internal conflict can be very destructive, leading believers astray. It underscores the importance of sound doctrine, strong leadership, and a discerning community that can identify and resist these dangers. It reminds us that the spiritual battle continues within the church itself.