Used four times in the New Testament, the term designates domesticated beasts of burden that serve human needs. Each passage develops a distinctive theological or pastoral theme, yet together they reveal Scripture’s unified testimony concerning creation order, human stewardship, and the redemptive purposes of God.

Occurrences and Thematic Emphases

1. Luke 10:34 – Compassionate Conveyance

“Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”

The Good Samaritan employs his beast as a mobile means of mercy. The narrative shows that genuine love for neighbor incorporates material resources, even humble livestock. The creature becomes an instrument through which divine compassion is mediated, underscoring that ministry often advances on the “backs” of ordinary provision.

2. Acts 23:24 – Providential Protection

“Provide mounts so that Paul may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

Roman officials assign animals to expedite Paul’s night transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea. The text exposes how God harnesses civil authority—and its logistical assets—to preserve His apostle. The animals symbolize God’s hidden yet active safeguarding of gospel advance (cf. Acts 23:11).

3. 1 Corinthians 15:39 – Created Diversity and Resurrection Logic

“Not all flesh is the same: men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another, and fish another.”

Paul appeals to created distinctions among living beings to defend bodily resurrection. By pointing to the natural order, he demonstrates that the Creator already fashions diverse bodies suited to varied realms; the resurrection body, therefore, is neither impossible nor unprecedented. The mention of animals highlights continuity between present creation and future glory while maintaining categorical differences between humanity and beasts (Genesis 1:26–28).

4. Revelation 18:13 – Commerce and Collapse

The merchant lament lists “cattle and sheep” among Babylon’s luxury cargo. The inclusion of valuable livestock illustrates the height of the city’s opulence and the breadth of its economic reach. When judgment falls, even the traffic in living creatures ceases, displaying the totality of divine retribution against prideful, exploitative systems.

Historical and Cultural Background

In the first century Mediterranean world, pack animals—donkeys, mules, and horses—were indispensable for travel, agriculture, and trade. Dependence on such creatures formed a backdrop understood by every original reader. Unlike wild beasts, these animals lived in close partnership with humans, reinforcing biblical principles of stewardship (Proverbs 12:10) and Sabbath rest extended to livestock (Exodus 20:10). Their economic value is reflected in ancient price lists and tax records, explaining why Revelation catalogs them among costly commodities.

Practical and Ministry Implications

Stewardship: Scripture’s positive use of these creatures invites believers to view material possessions, even the simplest, as gifts to be stewarded for kingdom purposes—transporting the wounded, protecting missionaries, sustaining livelihoods.

Compassion: Luke 10:34 challenges disciples to regard personal property as expendable for neighborly love. Modern equivalents—vehicles, finances, homes—should likewise be placed at Christ’s disposal.

Eschatological Sobriety: Revelation warns against idolizing wealth accumulated through commerce in living beings. Ethical treatment of animals and integrity in economic dealings remain consistent with biblical expectations.

Apologetic Value: Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15:39 shows that close observation of the natural world supports, rather than contradicts, doctrinal truths. Creation serves as a classroom that prepares minds to accept the supernatural work of resurrection.

Theological Synthesis

Across narrative, epistolary, and apocalyptic genres, these references affirm that non-human creatures occupy a meaningful role in God’s redemptive drama. They facilitate mercy, preserve life, illustrate doctrine, and expose human hubris. Far from incidental, the humble beast of burden testifies to a sovereign Creator who orchestrates all creation—animate and inanimate—for His glory and the good of His people.