Overview
The Bible addresses atheism across 21 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Job and Romans. Closely related themes include Philosophy, Design, God and Animals.
Key Bible verses about atheism
Old Testament
Job
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. soul: or, life all: Heb. all flesh of man
Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat? mouth: Heb. palate
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. With: that is, With God
Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. up: Heb. upon
Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.
With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.
He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.
He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.
He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.
He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged. speech: Heb. lip of the faithful
He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty. weakeneth: or, looseth the girdle of the strong
He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.
He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. straiteneth: Heb. leadeth in
He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.
They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. stagger: Heb. wander
New Testament
Romans
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. in them: or, to them
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: so: or, that they may be
In the Bible dictionary
Studying atheism for yourself
- Begin with Job 12:7, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Job and Romans each treat the theme.
- Widen the study to related themes: Philosophy, Design, God and Animals.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about atheism?
The Bible addresses atheism across 21 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Job and Romans. Closely related themes include Philosophy, Design, God and Animals.
How many Bible verses are about atheism?
The Bible references atheism in 21 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention atheism?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Job 12:7: “But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:”
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on atheism.
Preach a series on Atheism →