Turtles hold interesting symbolic meaning in the Bible and Christian tradition. If you’ve wondered what spiritual significance turtles might hold, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: In the Bible and broader Christian tradition, the turtle is often seen as representing virtues like perseverance, determination, and steadfastness due to traits like its hard shell and slow, steady pace.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we will explore the turtle’s spiritual meaning in depth, tracing mentions and symbolic meanings from the Bible itself as well as broader Christian historical and literary tradition.
Turtles in the Bible
The Land Turtle in Leviticus
In Leviticus 11:29, land turtles are included in a list of unclean creatures that the ancient Israelites were instructed not to eat. This shows that land turtles were present in the region and familiar to the biblical authors and audience.
Persistent Widow Parable in Luke
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells a parable comparing the necessity of persistent prayer to a persistent widow begging a judge. While turtles are not directly mentioned here, some interpreters have suggested the widow’s persistence is like a turtle withdrawing into its shell yet continuing to plead its case.
Symbolic Meanings in Christian Tradition
Perseverance and Determination
In the Bible, turtles symbolize the values of perseverance and determination. Just as the turtle slowly but surely makes progress in its journey, Christians are called to consistently pursue their faith with tenacity. As Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Turtles are remarkably persistent. Despite their slow pace, they always reach their destination. For believers, this represents the need to steadfastly walk the path of discipleship by engaging in spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and worship.
Just as turtles exemplify endurance in the physical realm, Christians manifest it through faithful obedience day after day, year after year.
Steadfastness and Dependability
The turtle’s hard shell illustrates the qualities of steadfastness and dependability. Throughout life’s difficulties, Christians have the firm protection of God’s faithfulness and strength. As Psalm 61:2 (ESV) expresses, “From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Jesus Christ is the believer’s rock and refuge (Psalm 18:2).
A turtle’s shell also represents believers’ trust in God’s reliable presence and provision. Just as a turtle can retreat into its shell for safety, Christians can turn to God’s Word for comfort, wisdom, and security in threatening times.
God assures His people, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Longevity and Timelessness
Some turtles live over 150 years, making them symbols of longevity and timelessness. Their long lives picture God’s eternal nature and enduring kingdom. As Psalm 93:2 (NIV) proclaims, “Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.”
Though human lives are fleeting, all believers can trust in the steadfast rule and reign of the eternal God.
A turtle’s lifespan also represents the timeless truth of God’s Word across generations. Isaiah 40:8 (ESV) says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” While short-lived things pass away, biblical principles and the Good News of Jesus Christ apply equally to all people in every age with transformational power.
Just as a turtle outlives countless changing seasons, Christians take confidence in God’s unchanging character and steadfast love. Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
As shifting tides occur culturally, socially, and spiritually, believers worldwide anchor themselves to the enduring foundation of Christ.
Turtles in Christian Art and Architecture
Turtles in Medieval Bestiaries
Turtles held special meaning in medieval bestiaries, which were compendiums of animals and their symbolic significance. The turtle’s hard upper shell was seen as a symbol of divine protection, while its lower soft shell represented human vulnerability.
The turtle’s ability to retreat within its shell was admired as an emblem of caution, moderation and self-control.
The 13th century Aberdeen Bestiary depicts the turtle as having one hundred eggs, but only one hatchling surviving. This was seen as an allegory for how many are called to faith, but few remain steadfast. Hence, the turtle had connotations of spiritual steadfastness and perseverance.
Some bestiaries recounted a fable wherein the turtle catches an unwary bird by weeping tears as bait. This was interpreted as a warning against sins like deceit and craftiness. However, it also served as a reminder about the need for practical wisdom – represented by the turtle’s resourcefulness – in living a virtuous life.
Column Capitals and Other Architectural Details
Symbolic turtles feature prominently in the column capitals and misericords (hinged seats) of medieval cathedrals in Europe. The turtle misericords in Salamanca Cathedral in Spain (c. 1410-30) depict intricate scenes wherein elephants crush defenseless turtles underfoot, signifying the victory of faith or intellect over carnal senses.
The cathedral of Saint Lazare in Autun, France features a Romanesque column capital carved with two back-to-back turtles separated by a tree of life. Scholars believe this 12th century capital evokes themes of longevity, fecundity and spiritual renewal – key concerns during a turbulent time of plague and war.
| Location | Turtle Capital / Detail | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Bruniquel Chapel, France | 12th c. capital with interlaced turtles | Wisdom and steadfastness amidst strife |
| Gloucester Cathedral, UK | 14th c. roof boss of turtle with sword and shield | Turtle as emblem of righteous self-defense |
Clearly, across time and geography, the symbolic turtle spoke to medieval Christian values like caution, perseverance and level-headedness – traits as pertinent today as ever for navigating life’s travails.
Turtles in Christian Literature
John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress
In John Bunyan’s beloved 1678 Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, the character Christian must cross dangerous terrain on his journey to the Celestial City. At one point, Christian nearly drowns in a bog called the “Slough of Despond.”
As Christian struggles, a man named Help pulls him out of the muddy waters. Some scholars have noted Help’s act of rescuing Christian resembles a turtle allowing other animals to ride on its back for safety, symbolizing the hope and aid found in Christ.
Turtles in Hymns and Worship Songs
Though not widespread, a few Christian worship songs use turtles metaphorically. For example, the children’s song “The Turtle Dove” by Charles Wesley describes the singer as a lonely turtle dove who can fly to Jesus for comfort.
More recently, the band Weezer recorded a song called “My Best Friend” which includes the lyric “Jesus is my best friend…He’s a turtle dove.”
Some hymns like “We Raise Our Song of Gratitude” use the turtle as a symbol of longevity and ancient wisdom, praising God: “Before the turtle sage had time to sleep / Creator God walked on the raging deep.”
Others emphasize God’s care, like one children’s choir song titled “Turtles Know Rain’s A-Comin’“: “Turtles know rain’s a-comin’; they hide in their shells. / God takes care of turtles through stormy weather spells.”
While not ubiquitous in worship music, these examples demonstrate turtles occasionally appear in Christian songs and hymns about hope, wisdom, comfort, care, and trust in God.
| Year | Christian Song Mentioning Turtles |
|---|---|
| 1678 | “The Turtle Dove” (Charles Wesley) |
| 2022 | “My Best Friend” (Weezer) |
Conclusion
As we have seen, turtles and tortoises hold rich symbolic meaning in the Bible and broader Christian tradition. With their hard shells, slow and steady movement, and long lifespans, these creatures evoke virtues like perseverance, reliability, and timelessness.
Turtles remind us that faithfulness and dependability are more valuable than speed or flashiness. Their imagery persists from ancient Biblical texts to medieval bestiaries to modern hymns and literature.
Next time you encounter a turtle, consider what spiritual lessons its symbolic meanings might hold for your life and faith.
