Although dragons are indeed mentioned in various places, for example, in the King James version of the Bible, the term is mostly used in metaphorical or symbolic contexts.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “tannin” is sometimes translated as “dragon,” along with other terms like “sea monster” or “serpent.”

The “tannin” is mentioned in several verses, including the book of Isaiah (27:1, KJV):

In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. – Isaiah (27:1, KJV)

Symbolism in the Bible

In the New Testament, the most notable mention of a dragon is in the book of Revelation.

The dragon is a symbol of Satan, the adversary of God and humanity.

Revelation 12:3 (KJV) describes:

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. – Revelation 12:3 (KJV)

The dragon in Revelation wages war against the angels, and persecutes the people of God.

Interpretations

Dragons in the Bible are generally symbolic representations rather than literal creatures.

In biblical context, they typically represent forces of chaos, evil, and opposition to God.