Butterflies in the Bible: Meaning and Symbolism

Although butterflies in the Bible aren't mentioned explicitly, their lifecycle is a remarkable illustration from nature of the transforming work of Jesus Christ in the lives of believers. The Bible says that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new creation. The same God who takes a caterpillar and changes it into a butterfly, transforms sinners into saints.

The old life is gone, and the new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life.

Why is that? Let us help you to find out.

Butterflies in the Bible

Butterflies are not expressly found in Scripture, but as part of God’s natural creation, they provide a beautiful picture of spiritual transformation.

The metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly has striking parallels to Christian conversion, resurrection, and transfiguration.

1. Butterflies and Transfiguration

Metamorpheo in Greek, from which we get the English term metamorphosis - describes the type of change a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly. The same word is used to explain Christ’s transfiguration. At Jesus’ transfiguration, his physical appearance was temporarily metamorphosed from an ordinary human to a divine being in all his glory (Matthew 17:2, NLT)

Butterfly symbol represents a deeper spiritual connection with God. It is an exceptionally important symbol during Easter as they stand for resurrection, new beginnings, and the start of something beautiful. 

A small merchandise like an ornament printed with the butterfly symbol being hanged anywhere can remind us of our strong faith in God at any time. It is not only a perfect product for house decoration but also a tiny-but-mighty gift for faith inspiration. 

Explore more impressive designs from our collection here.

2. Butterflies and Resurrection

Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection are often compared to the metamorphosis a caterpillar undergoes as it emerges from its cocoon to become a butterfly. The caterpillar vanishes into a cocoon, seemingly dead, just as the Lord’s lifeless body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. After some time elapses, a new creature—more lovely and compelling than it was before—emerges (1 Corinthians 15:42–44, ESV)

This same resurrection symbolism applies to believers (Romans 6:4, NIV); the Christian’s cocoon stage is when he or she dies to sin (Romans 6:5–7, NIV)

Wall art is by far the most common decor item in any house. Particularly, a canvas/poster with the butterfly symbol/image could be a good option because of its easy-to-hang on the wall, easy-to-choose the styles, and because of its thoughtful meanings. If you are a child of God, Christian wall art with butterfly images is definitely a must-have. 

Browse through our collection for more options.

3. Butterflies and Transformation

Caterpillars are born to creep and crawl but are reborn to fly. After shedding their old life, and emerging from their chrysalis, butterflies experience the world from a new and elevated vantage point. In the same way, when believers are born again to newness of life in Christ, they see things from God’s perspective (Romans 12:2, NLT)

Caterpillars feed on dead and decaying matter in the world around them. Unregenerate souls feed on the deadly toxins of a life devoted to sin. But born-again believers attach themselves to Jesus Christ, the true source of life (John 15:5, NIV)

Butterflies drink sweet nectar from flowering plants. Once believers taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), they begin to feed on God’s Word and are nourished by it (1 Peter 2:1–3). In Christ, they receive a new, eternal nature; they become spiritually alive and free, as God intended them to be (Ephesians 4:21–24, NLT).

A meaningful butterfly-printed tumbler/water bottle could be a perfect tangible gift to show your loved ones that Jesus will always be with them and strengthen their faith when you don’t know how to say to them. 

Moreover, bringing along a drinkware with Christian images/scripture on it is a simple way for both staying hydrated and showing your faith. That drinkware can be a good starter for any conversation about God and religion because of its message of the design. 

Visit our collection for more choices.

4. Moths in the Bible

The creatures most resembling butterflies in the Bible are moths. A moth undergoes a similar transformation from larvae, or caterpillar, to cocoon, and then emerges as a fully grown moth with wings. Moths are used symbolically in Scripture to represent the frailty of humans and of human existence (Job 4:19; 13:28; Isaiah 50:9; 51:8) and the temporary quality of earthly possessions (Matthew 6:19–20; Luke 12:3; James 5:2).

As Christians, we are always proud of our faith. That’s why we also want to express that pride through anything we wear or use. Accessories or apparel are the best way to do so. A cross necklace with a sentimental message card and butterfly designed is a meaningful gift for your Christian loved one. A t-shirt with a Christian butterfly printed will be a good choice, too. 

Show yours and your loved ones’ faith and express your beliefs with our collection here.

Understanding the butterfly symbol and the way in which it relates to the Christian faith helps us to better understand Christianity, to trust more in God and to remember the love of God for us.