On Thursdays I share verses and hymns as a means of encouragement because I think we can all use it (including me). My hope is for this to be uplifting and to fill my blog with truth, hope, and beauty.
The Medieval Faire is coming to town this weekend (a town nearby actually, but plenty close enough), and I started reading a fantasy book about dragons this week; to go along with this impromptu theme, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the Bible verses that mention dragons in this week’s Thursday Encouragement. I even came across a hymn which mentions dragons recently!
As a side note, when I share Bible verses I usually use the English Standard Version (ESV) because it seems to be the most reliable modern translation. Today I’m using the King James Version, which is an older translation using language that we consider old-fashioned (all those “thees and thous” etc), with a substantial amount of politics involved in its creation. The ESV and other modern translations usually use the term “serpent” or “monster” where the KJV says dragon. Just something to keep in mind if you’re curious about discrepancies! No, the Bible does not say that fairy tale creatures exist or used to exist; it does occasionally reference now-extinct animals, but in the context of the verses below the word dragon is referring either to something like a large serpent or a generic monster/beast.
Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: Thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.
Psalm 74:13
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Psalm 91:13 (KJV)
Praise the LORD from the earth, Ye dragons, and all deeps
Psalm 148:7
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
Isaiah 35:7
I hope you’ve enjoyed this somewhat different edition of Thursday Encouragement! Did you know that the Bible mentions dragons? It also mentions the sea beast leviathan, and the KJV mentions “the unicorn” (rhino). It’s interesting to see how language has changed over time, while the message and truth of the Bible remains the same.
Until the next chapter,
Jana
Reviews From the Stacks 
I’m an atheist but I love sacred music and hymns and this column had your desired effect.I felt both touched and encouraged.Thank you.
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