According to research, dragonflies date as far back as 300 million years. The original dragonflies that lived in the Paleozoic era had wingspans that measured up to two feet. However, this has since changed with wingspans becoming shorter now measuring anywhere from 2 to 5 inches.
With over 5,000 known species of dragonflies, there is so much we can learn from them and their behaviors. But the question is, what does the Bible say about dragonflies? And what is the symbolism associated with them? This article dives into all that. Read on to learn more on what does a dragonfly symbolize in the Bible.
What You'll Learn Today
Growth And Development
To make things clear, unlike some other insects (e.g. moths or butterflies), the Bible doesn’t directly mention the word dragonfly either in singular or in plural form. However, there is so much symbolism that filters through the verses of the Bible that teach us and show us what a dragonfly means in our lives.
Throughout its lifespan, a dragonfly molts about 17 times in phases lasting 7 months each. During molting, it shakes off the old and takes on the new. After every molt, the dragonfly enters a new phase of life symbolizing growth and the fact that we should aspire to be higher and better versions of ourselves.
The bible in 1 Peter 2:2, encourages growth among Christians.
“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation”
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Bible emphasizes that those who are in Christ Jesus are new creatures.
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Every stage of growth comes with its changes. In the latter stages of its life, the dragonfly becomes more beautiful and colorful. Therefore, we are to take every change in life with courage, purpose, and power.
Emotional Awareness And Being Present
The dragonfly is known to fly only for a short time of its life. It spends its longest time as a nymph which is scientifically an immature state. However, despite its short flying life, it flies millions of miles during this stage.
A dragonfly is therefore a symbol of a life lived to the fullest. You cannot afford to carry the baggage of the past as that is behind you. The bible teaches us about living in the present and not worrying about our tomorrow.
In Mathew 6: 31-32, the Bible says,
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. “
This also reinforces the concept of emotional awareness. Knowing who you are, where you are at a point in time and what matters in your life at that point.
Determination And Power
The movements of a dragonfly are baffling. Did you know that it could move at a speed of 45 miles an hour? Also, it can fly in all directions and hover liken a helicopter. This show of power and might is a symbol that God created as powerful beings that can do anything.
It is an invitation to courage and determination. God is telling us to move from our comfort zones and venture into the unknown. In the book of 2 Timothy 5:7, the Bible confirms that we are powerful:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
In another section of scripture, the symbolism of power comes alive again. This is illustrated in Ephesian 1: 19-20,
“And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,”
Going The Extra Mile
The dragonfly, as it flies through the water, symbolizes a divine act of going beyond the ordinary or superficial into the deep things of life.
The bible has often encouraged Christians not to settle for the ordinary and worldly things, rather to did into the spiritual dimensions to find more about the true meaning of their journey in Christ.
In Ephesians 6:12, the Bible gives us a glimpse of the deeper spiritual dimensions that transcend the physical world that we are living in. It says,
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
As the dragonfly cuts through the water, it reminds Christians of the power of the word of God in Hebrew 4:12,
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Symbol Of Light And Positivity
In life, people go through a lot of things some of which could be overwhelming. The dragonfly carries a crucial biblical symbol that can give us reprieve.
By bringing in the symbol of light, the dragonfly indirectly communicates with our inner beings that we need not take things too seriously. We have God who cares for us.
In Micah 7:8, the Bible says:
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.”
It also brings in positivity. There is always hope even in difficult moments and the dragonfly carries that symbol of hope right into our desperate moments. In proverbs 23:18, the Bible tells us,
“For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Conclusion
The dragonfly is a powerful insect that brings deep messages of growth and development, emotional awareness, determination, and power.
Even as we wade through life events that seem torturous, the sight of the dragonfly can bring in a biblical significance that there is light at the end of the tunnel and there is hope despite the present sorrows and trials.
If you are looking for more articles about bible symbolism, read this one about a rose in the Bible, this one about frogs, or this one about wings symbolism in the Bible.
This article was so interesting. As a very young child, I would watch dragonflies , mesmerized by their beautiful colors. I have been in so many horrible situations, not having the maturity I needed to have control and manage my life to fulfill my purpose in life. Now I truly have self realization to show my beautiful colors and let go of all ties that keep me from progress. I became aware of God when I know He visited me at the tender age of 4 or 5 years old. This article gave me conformation. Thank you.
Know you are not alone…thank you for sharing that insight. I’m here because I came home to find a huge dragonfly on my back door. Filled me with hope and joy. Bless you and your family.
Wow!! Sounds so intriguing! Can you sure what it felt like? If you domy mind?
Thank you…. I bought some dragon fly earrings today and was on a mission of self care – concluding after spending 2 hours in my Jesus Closet, that I am pregnant with self care to my heart ❤️ and soul for the 3rd phase of my life – letting Love be the essence in all moments…
There are so many dragonflies flying around my yard so I decided to look up the meaning of this because I never paid any attention to them before and there have never been as many as there are. I needed to know.
Thanks for the spiritual information. This helps me understand my life in this season.
Blessings
For me the dragonfly is the symbol of a stable peace. I once watched one sitting on the end of a branch when a lengthy gust of wind came through. The branch bounced wildly but the dragonfly held itself steady. Good message that stable peace does not depend on circumstances.
My sister just went on to Heaven last week. I have a dragonfly that comes to my front steps. Looking up the biblical meaning,
it was helpful: embrace change & go deeper in Christ, was partially what I am hearing now.
Blessings, LB
At my mother’s house, a few months ago, a beautifully coloured dragonfly landed on my finger. It flew away and returned about a minute after and landed again on the the same finger. It was the most beautiful dragonfly I have ever seen and the strangest thing to happen. I have been at my lowest point in my life. Having researched what it symbolized and considering what I have been going through, it was very powerful for me. It gave hope and a life to look forward to. Praise God for his everlastinglove and comfort.
I too am amazed by God’s faithfulness. I have been in a low space the last six weeks since the love of my life told me he was leaving our marriage as he didn’t love me anymore. I have been in shock and denial filled with fear and sorrow as I thought we had a fantastic marriage as he’s my best friend and we do everything together. I’ve been praying to God for wisdom and guidance through the terror of uncertainty and abandonment. I prayed for strength and his peace as well as unconditional love to continue towards my husband as I do not want bitterness in my heart or fear. A dragonfly startled me landing on my toe it the little patch of sun on my porch. He was only there a moment as my body reacted instinctively to flinch and he flew off. I felt God trying to get my attention and I found this article. Thank you.
That’s such an encouraging message for these times. Take care.
I happened to read Isaiah 45:3 today which says: “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord,…”
So I wrote in my prayer journal, “does this mean God shows us signs in unexpected places so that we may know he sees us, hears us? Please, Lord, show me a good sign today. One that will help me know you are on my side. I will write down later when I discover it.” Then I went about my household chores this morning. As I was taking out the trash, on the brick wall of my house next to the trashcan, I saw a big, beautiful dragonfly with wings that had these stripes that looked like a tortoiseshell pattern on them. I knew that was my sign!! I looked up it’s symbolic meaning and found: hope, change and love!!
God is good!! He does see us and hear us!!! I give thanks and praise!!!
You are teaching about the Bible, but saying dragonflies are 300 million years old.
I think you need to decide if you believe The Word of God, or man.
The Bible is clear on the creation timeline, and given for teaching.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Earth is approximately 6000 years old.
Wow. after all of the wonderful replies, testimonies of God’s comfort and encouragement to rise above discouraging circumstances, your comment seems, quite frankly, petty, narrow and sad. Jesus taught through parables to help people understand spiritual principles. This is a centuries-old tradition in the Christian tradition as well.
I grew up in an Evangelical pastors home. For all of my childhood I heard your take on the Word, God and the age of the earth. It was reactionary and it came from fear of accepting new information and the uncertainty of what exploration would bring. But, before he died my Father spoke to each of his 7 children and apologized for teaching them from a legalistic, over-simplified view of God that narrowed their understanding of what God may be continuing to teach us through science. Closed minds so often come with closed hearts. I am so glad my dad was a heart person. It was his open heart that helped him open his mind.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 does not say that the earth is 6,000 years old. Nowhere in the bible does it say the earth is 6,000 years old. Remember your subject and object when you are studying for yourself. That’s why I still prefer to study with a King James Bible and a Strong’s Concordance so I can look up the original meaning of the words. …I bet in your heart that timeline doesn’t sit right, but you’re trying to stay loyal to your church or what you’ve been taught. There’s nothing wrong with being loyal, but pray about it. Ask our Father for the wisdom to understand, and keep studying on your own. God’s word does not contradict our reality. Everything is happening exactly as it is written. …No matter how old or young you are, as long as you stay in God’s word, you will learn new things and deeper meanings –if you are brave enough to see through the eyes of a child –especially in these times. …I’m praying that Father gives you the right teacher at the right time.
Hi. I’m a very spiritual Christian. I have had many tragedies in my life and am working through a lot of them with a psychologist. I also should have died a few times. I feel I am trying to turn a corner by leaving all in the past. I have always admired God’s beauty and wonders. I have seen many dragonflies before. I’ve had them land on me a few times, one flew up to me and looked me in the eyes about a month ago, but last week one hit me in the head quite hard when I was talking with a neighbor.
Love to hear what you think
I’m here reading about the biblical connection with dragon flies, because as I looked out on my frozen patio from letting my boxer out, I noticed five dragon flies etched in the ice. The lord showed his love for me through the clouds, and keep a journal on that, but this is new. Just wanted new info. God bless and please read your bible. God speaks to you there as well and you need to have a relationship with him. Reading the Bible is how.
Hi, thank you for sharing all of this. And taking the time to write it all put. It was very enlightening and encouraging! I just have one thing. Your scripture on 2 Timothy 5:7. There is no 5:7, it is 1:7. I’m sure it was a typo, it happens. But you might want to go fix it. Especially if new believers are reading this and don’t know. I always double check with my Bible when I’m taking scripture off the internet. Again, I’m sure it was a typo. Great reading! Thanks for sharing! This was awesome!