where do animals go when they die according to the bible

According to the Bible, the fate of animals after they die is not explicitly stated. The Bible portrays animals as part of God's creation and acknowledges they have "breath of life," but animals are not described as having eternal souls like humans, who are made in God's image. Scriptural passages such as Ecclesiastes 3:19-21 ponder the similarity between human and animal mortality but do not specify if animals have an afterlife. However, some Bible verses hint at animals being part of a future restored creation. Isaiah 11:6-9 describes a peaceful kingdom where predators and prey coexist harmoniously, and Revelation 5:13 speaks of all creatures praising God, which implies animals may be present in the new creation or heaven. Romans 8:20-22 speaks of all creation eagerly awaiting freedom and restoration, which some interpret as possibly including animals. Overall, the Bible does not give a clear or definitive answer that animals go to heaven, but it suggests hope for animals in the renewed creation. The primary focus of eternal life and resurrection in the Bible is on humans rather than animals. Believers are encouraged to trust God's wisdom and care for all creatures, recognizing the special spiritual status of humans while also acknowledging God's care for animals.