Does the Bible Say Anything About Aliens and UFOs?

In 1938, aliens and UFOs were the subject of a mass prank. Around Halloween, Orson Welles performed a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. This ended up causing a panic throughout the United States—many people took it to mean that aliens had really attacked New Jersey.¹

Something like this tells us that not only do people consider “alien” life a possibility (it wouldn’t be so panic-inducing if no one believed it could happen), but that our collective first reaction to this possibility is fear. Fear of the unknown.

But that doesn’t mean the subject isn’t also approached with genuine curiosity and scientific interest. Even spiritual interest.

This being the case, many people wonder if the Bible addresses this question. And what might it mean for a Christian to believe in the possibility of alien life?

And what do we really mean by “alien”?

Scripture doesn’t provide a direct statement about life in space or on other planets. (The idea of “planets” hadn’t even been conceived of yet.) But its principles do give us what we need to approach this topic with wisdom.

So with the Bible as our guide, let’s explore the answers to the following questions:

• What are “aliens”?
• Does the Bible say anything about “aliens”?
• Is God an “alien”?
• Could there be other worlds?

Before we examine whether the Bible supports the existence of aliens, let’s get a clear definition of them.

What are aliens? What we mean when we use this word.

Image by Paweł from Pixabay

In a general sense, aliens are defined as “belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing: strange.”²

But when most people think of aliens, they think of the fourth definition listed in the Merriam-Webster dictionary: “extraterrestrial (being from another world).³” Yes, the little green people flying around in technology unknown to us, which is why we associate them with the terms UFO (Unidentified Flying Objects) and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena).

And that’s what we’re focusing on in this post. The existence of extraterrestrial life.

Does the Bible say anything about aliens?

The Bible does not mention “aliens” in this sense at all. However, you might find the word “alien” in some versions of Scripture, such as the King James Version.

“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12, KJV).

“And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land” (Exodus 18:3, KJV).

In both these examples, the word alien is used to describe strangers or foreigners—non-natives. And it’s the same for any other passages that use the word “alien” too.

So, while the Bible doesn’t discuss extraterrestrials, there is a verse suggesting that life does exist in other worlds and galaxies. Here’s Hebrews 1:2:

“[God] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (NKJV, emphasis added).

Notice, God created these other worlds. Anything out there is going to be something God created because He made the entire universe. So they probably aren’t going to be planets of scientifically-advanced yet morally-primitive, violent races that eventually come to conquer our planet, ray guns blazing.
But there are some times that Scripture seems to hint at otherworldly beings. Let’s look at a few of these passages.

Genesis 6:1-4—“the Nephilim”

We don’t have to start too many pages in—the first passage in question is about a time not long before the Flood:

“Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

And the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’

There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown” (NKJV, emphasis added).

Who are these “sons of God,” and these giants who were also called Nephilim in Hebrew? Are they humans? Are they literal “sons” of God? Are they angels…or fallen angels? Are they somehow the offspring of demons?

Or could they be extraterrestrial in origin?

Let’s break it down.

Looking at the phrase “sons of God,” we also see this used to describe Adam, since he was made by God as the first human (Luke 3:38). But scholars debate whether these sons of God are supernatural beings or if they are humans, like the descendants of Seth or Cain.⁴

However, Adventists stick to what we believe is the simplest explanation.

Since “sons of God” or “children of God” can be used to describe humans in general or especially those who follow and remain loyal to God, that seems to fit best in this context.

There is no other mention of spiritual beings in this passage. Plus, there is a distinction being made between the line of Seth (who remained loyal to God) and the line of Cain (who did not). And the “sons of God” marrying the “daughters of men” is more likely to refer to the inter-marrying of the two family lines.⁵

“…[P]unishment soon to be meted out was for the sins of human beings (see v. 3), and not of angels. Further, angels do not marry (Matthew 22:30). The ‘sons of God’ were none other than the descendants of Seth…”⁶ (emphasis added).

Because Seth’s line would eventually include renowned followers of God such as Noah, Abraham, etc., Seth’s descendants were called God’s sons, as Christians today can be God’s sons and daughters (1 John 3:1).

As far as the giants, or Nephilim, are concerned, it’s likely that this statement is parenthetical. Used as a time period marker. As in, this inter-marrying of Cain and Seth’s line was happening “while the Nephilim were still in the land.”⁷

The Hebrew word Nephilim doesn’t have an English translation, and there aren’t many historical details about them except that they are “men of reputation” and “giants.” And it’s possible this could refer to some of the older human characteristics before the Flood, of living longer and growing taller.

But whatever the case, there’s no indication that anything other than human biology is being mentioned here. Nothing extraterrestrial.

Deuteronomy 17:3—the “host of heaven” that is not to be worshiped

Photo by Nick Owuor (astro.nic.portraits) on Unsplash

This verse reads,

“[If there is found among you anyone] who has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, either the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded, [he’ll be stoned]” (NKJV, emphasis added).

Some have wondered if the “host of heaven” mentioned here could refer to beings from other worlds, or from other planes of existence.

So is God saying that there are other powers, other worlds, or other beings outside the earth?

Let’s first consider the focus and intent of this verse.

This is God warning His people not to worship the “gods” of other countries around them.

These nations typically worshiped phenomena they didn’t understand, often having to do with the sky, the weather, etc. So this would turn into a god of the sun, of different stars, the moon, and/or other celestial objects that they would perceive to have routines or temperaments.⁸

But God is reminding the Israelites how futile it is to try to worship these things…because they know that He created them!

The Israelites were still a spiritually-immature, distractible nation of people who were also surrounded by other nations with deceptive influences. So He was reminding them who their God truly is, and that nothing could possibly compare with His power.

So the phrase “host of heaven” is used as a catch-all to refer to anything and everything visible in the sky that catches people’s attention and awe (Deuteronomy 4:19).

Other versions of the Bible say “heavenly lights” (NASB), “heavenly array” (NIV), or simply “all the stars in the sky” (ESV).

So when this phrase shows up in Scripture, it isn’t a reference to extraterrestrial life. It’s a way to sum up what appears in the sky from the perspective of people on the ground.

Ezekiel 1—the creatures from the prophet’s vision

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

This chapter describes a vision the prophet Ezekiel received from God. Here are a few verses often wondered about:

“Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw the visions of God” (verse 1, NKJV, emphasis added).

Also from within [a great cloud] came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings” (verses 5-6, NKJV, emphasis added).

“…behold, a wheel was on the earth beside each living creature with its four faces. … The appearance of their workings was…a wheel in the middle of a wheel. When they moved, they went toward any one of the four directions; they did not turn aside when they went. As for their rims, they were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them. When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up” (verses 15-19, NKJV, emphasis added).

In countless stories about aliens, they are sometimes described or designed to resemble human beings, but with additional parts or hybridizations. So it’s not a stretch for a description like this to make people think of something extraterrestrial.

And these “wheels” that move in ways the prophet had never seen, and that levitated with the creatures…it almost reminds you of the iconic “flying saucer” image, doesn’t it?

We could gather together and speculate the nature of these creatures until we’re blue in the face. But later on in the book of Ezekiel, he actually explains what they are.

And they are a kind of entity that ancient Israel has been historically familiar with.

Referring back to this very vision a few chapters later, Ezekiel said,

“This is the living creature I saw under the God of Israel by the River Chebar, and I knew they were cherubim” (10:20, NKJV, emphasis added).

Cherubim, the plural for cherub, are mentioned as early as Genesis 3:24, when God has them guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden.

They are a winged variety of God’s angels, or messengers, and their likeness was a recognizable symbol among the Israelites. They were often associated with safeguarding and watchfulness.⁹

Throughout the building of the Tabernacle, images of cherubim were features of the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:18-22) and the temple curtains (Exodus 26:1, 31). They were also a distinct feature in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:23-31).

So while many features of the cherubim are indeed quite “alien” to the humans and animals that walk the earth, it’s because they are spiritual beings. They are “otherworldly” compared to us—but they’re not exactly the type of “alien” existence so many people around the world are searching for.

Hebrews 11:13—Israelite ancestors as “foreigners” on this earth

Photo by Andreas Wagner on Unsplash

This verse reads:

“These [people] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (NKJV).

Other translations call these faithful Israelite ancestors “foreigners” or “temporary residents on the earth” (CSB), or “exiles on the earth” (ESV) or “immigrants on the earth” (CEB).

It almost looks like the writer of Hebrews, Paul, is saying that these people were not originally from earth.

Was Paul implying that they were so faithful and good because they were from somewhere else? Some other world, perhaps?

This verse is part of the “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11, where Paul uplifts many of the patriarchs of the Old Testament, reminding the Hebrews of his present day how their ancestors accomplished amazing things due to their faith in God.

The metaphor of being strangers/aliens/foreigners on earth is actually a common theme throughout the Bible to describe how we as humans have a better life ahead of us—the New Earth (Jeremiah 50:5). The world in its current, sin-sick state isn’t our permanent home. Our time living in this condition is temporary (1 Chronicles 29:15), but the New Earth, after sin is eradicated, will be for eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Paul explains himself later in the chapter. In verse 16, he says that they desired a better place than this earth, and that God has been preparing a place for them.

Ephesians 6:12—the existence of other “powers” in “heavenly places”

Photo by Vincenzo Malagoli on Unsplash

In this verse, we’re warned,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (NKJV).

These “spiritual hosts” in “heavenly places” could be any number of things. So could the apostle Paul be talking about extraterrestrial beings from other planets that seek to “wrestle” against our moral development?

If physical beings from other planets were visiting our earth, it would seem strange for them to be preoccupied with manipulating our morality from behind the scenes. Especially our Christian spiritual development. You’d think they’d have other priorities.

So Paul is very likely talking about spiritual forces again. The only other “power” or “principality” that cares about how well we love one another or follow Christ…is Satan. The ESV uses the phrase, “spiritual forces of evil.”

What’s more, in the verse before, Paul identifies Satan as the one we’re fighting against (Ephesians 6:11). And the fallen angels that act as his messengers and tricksters are also recognized in the Bible (Matthew 8:16; 17:18; Jude 1:6; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 16:14), so they are called out and not recorded as “unidentified” or “alien.”

And the context of Ephesians 6:11-17 is symbolic. We “wrestle” with these spiritual beings through their attacks of temptation and deception.

That’s why the “armor” to protect us from them is also intangible: It’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith…all given by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-20).

So this verse isn’t referring to physical aliens.

But let’s address one more question people sometimes have. And it’s about God Himself.

Is God an alien?

While it is true that God doesn’t walk around on earth the way humans do… does that mean He’s a stranger here? An “alien”?

He wasn’t born and raised here, so He isn’t indigenous.

But we’re not trying to get overly technical. Obviously the God of Christianity doesn’t fit the mold of a pop culture sci-fi alien race.

Those who ask this question are wondering about the nature of God in relation to our planet and our kind. Could God be a being from another planet who created us and our world?

Let’s dig a little deeper. And let’s change up the question a little bit.

Is God “alien” to us?

God isn’t from our planet…because He transcends it. He created it. And us.

And think about how He created us. He formed us from the ground and breathed the breath of life into us. He created us with intimate, tender, parental, nurturing, unconditional love.

That doesn’t feel very “alien.”

In fact, we were made in His own image (1 Corinthians 11:7, Genesis 1:27).

So regardless of where God is “from,” or how well we can understand His infinite existence…He is anything but foreign or strange to us. He wants us to know Him. And He offered His own body and blood for us in sacrifice so we can have salvation through Him (Luke 22:18-20, John 3:16; 14:1, 6).

Could there be other worlds?

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

It’s not impossible for God to have created other worlds. Or for there to be other races of sentient beings, aside from humans and angels.

But when we look to the Bible, let’s remember that it’s about humanity’s story. It’s about our Creator, the world He made for us, and the freedom of choice we have to follow Him or not.

And it’s the story of the Great Controversy, the spiritual conflict between good and evil, that envelops our world—because we, through Adam and Eve, the first humans, chose to know both good and evil (Genesis 2:17; 3:4, 22).

And it’s the story of how God offers us salvation despite our fall into sin.

So while other worlds and other life forms may exist in the far reaches of the universe, their stories have little to do with ours.

And until Jesus returns at the Second Coming, the most important things in our lives are happening right here, on this planet.

We can look at the skies with wonder, not fear

Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash

Now, we’re not saying that it’s of no use to study astronomy or to pursue your interests in the mysteries of the universe.

God created us to be curious. And it’s only natural that we continue to theorize about things we don’t yet fully understand.

And we can do this with faith that the God who created the entire universe has our best interests in mind. Nothing happens without His awareness.

“He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names” (Psalm 147:4, ESV).

“It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in” (Isaiah 40:22, ESV).

“He who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning and darkens the day into night…the Lord is His name” (Amos 5:8, ESV).

The universe is unfathomably massive, but it’s all God’s domain. So we don’t need to live in fear of strange, hostile life forms or anything outside of our world.

Instead, we can remember this promise from Scripture, that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, NKJV).

1. Schwartz, A. Brad, “The Infamous ‘War of the World’ Radio Broadcast Was a Magnificent Fluke,” Smithsonian Magazine, May 6, 2015, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/infamous-war-worlds-radio-broadcast-was-magnificent-fluke-180955180/. [↵]
2.  “Alien”, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alien. [↵]
3. Ibid. [↵]
4. “Genesis 6:2,” BibleHub.com, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/6-2.htm. [↵]
5. Rodríguez, ThD, Ángel Manuel, “Genesis 6:1-4,” Adventist Biblical Research, https://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/genesis-61-4/. [↵]
6. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 250. [↵]
7. Rodriguez, “Genesis 6:1-4.” [↵]
8. “Deuteronomy 17:3,” BibleHub.com, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/deuteronomy/17-3.htm. [↵]
9. “Cherub,” King James Bible Dictionary, https://kingjamesbibledictionary.com/Dictionary/cherub; “Cherub,” Jewish Encyclopedia, https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4311-cherub. [↵]

More Answers