As is often the case with these types of Bible trivia questions, the exact amount of times an animal is mentioned in the Scriptures depends on the version of the Bible being read. For the purpose of identifying the animal that is mentioned most often in the Bible we will use the New International Version. We will also list the 10 animals most often mentioned in the Bible.
The Most Often Mentioned Animal In The Bible
Sheep (212 times)
Regardless of what version you use, sheep are by far the animal mentioned most often in the Bible. A search on the word sheep turns up 212 mentions, which is good enough to claim the most commonly found animal in the Bible, but counting the sheep doesn’t stop there.
Lamb, Lambs (203 times)
You will find the word lamb or lambs a total of 203 times. A lamb is simply another name for a young sheep that is below the age of one, therefore we shall slip these animals into our sheep count as well.
Still Counting Sheep – Ram, Rams (162 times)
The sheep aren’t finished just yet. Rams, which are male sheep that are still intact, are referred to 162 times. So technically speaking sheep are found to be mentioned in the Bible a total of 577 times when we add the total number of times sheep, lambs, and rams are referred to. Now that we can finally stop counting sheep, let’s move on to the rest of the animals.
The Second Most Often Mentioned Animal In The Bible
Goat, Goats (172 times)
Goats are the second most often mentioned animal in the Bible. While not even close to our sheep count, they still get a good amount of mentions at 172 times.
The Rest Of The Top 10 Most Common Animals In The Bible
3. Bull, Bulls (171)
4. Donkey, Donkeys (154)
5. Horse, Horses (166)
6. Lion, Lioness (145)
7. Ox, Oxen (98)
8. Camel (71)
9. Dog (42)
10. Eagle (30)
What Domestic Animal is Not Mentioned In The Bible?
On a side note, what popular domestic animal is not mentioned in the Bible?
It has been said that man’s best friend is a dog. While that statement is debatable, it is true that dogs are found in the Bible around 40 times. Cats are mentioned none.
Our feline friends aren’t the only animals that can’t be found in the Scriptures, but cats are the most popular domestic animal that is not mentioned in the Bible.
Sorry cat lovers.
What animal is mentioned 16 times in the bible!?