Are zombies mentioned in the Bible?

TL;DR:

The Bible doesn't mention zombies, especially as we know them today, but it does speak of resurrections and spiritual death.

The Bible doesn't mention zombies in the modern sense of reanimated, flesh-eating corpses. However, Scripture does talk about resurrections and the concept of spiritual death. The Bible emphasizes God's power over death (1 Corinthians 15:54–55) and presents resurrection as a restoration to full life, not a reanimation of a soulless body (John 11:43–44). While some may misinterpret biblical accounts of resurrections as zombie-like events, these miracles demonstrate God's life-giving power, rather than a horror-movie scenario.

from the old testament

First Kings 17:22: "The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived." This account of Elijah raising a child from the dead shows a restoration to full life, not reanimation as a soulless being.
Ezekiel 37:5–6: "Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live." While this vision of dry bones coming to life might seem zombie-like, it's actually a metaphor for spiritual renewal.

from the new testament

John 11:43–44: "When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out.' The man who had died came out..." Jesus's raising of Lazarus demonstrates resurrection to full life, not a zombie-like state.
Revelation 13:3: "One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast." This verse about the Antichrist is sometimes interpreted as a form of reanimation.
Ephesians 2:1: "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins..." This verse uses "dead" metaphorically to describe a spiritual state, not physical reanimation.

implications for today

While zombies are fictional creatures, they often represent deep-seated human fears about death, loss of self, and the unknown. The Bible's emphasis on resurrection as restoration to full life contrasts sharply with the zombie concept. At the same time, the metaphorical use of "dead" to describe a spiritual state in the Bible (Ephesians 2:1) offers an interesting parallel to zombie mythology. The popularity of zombie narratives often reflects societal anxieties about loss of humanity, mindless consumption, or global catastrophe. Christians can engage with these themes from a biblical perspective, offering hope and discussing how faith addresses these deep-seated fears.

understand

The Bible does not mention zombies in the modern sense—reanimated, soulless bodies—but it does address resurrection and spiritual death.
Biblical resurrections demonstrate God’s power to restore full life, contrasting sharply with zombie-like reanimation, which is devoid of purpose or soul.
Zombies in media often symbolize human fears about death and identity loss, and Christians can respond by revealing the hope and life offered through Christ's resurrection.

reflect

How does understanding the Bible’s teaching on resurrection shape your perspective on life and death?
How do you see society’s fear of death reflected in zombie narratives, and how can you offer hope in response?
Have you ever found yourself influenced by fictional depictions of the undead or supernatural themes? How does the Bible’s truth counter those influences?

engage

Why do you think zombie stories have become so popular in modern media, and how can Christians use these discussions to point others to the hope of resurrection?
What parallels can be drawn between the Bible’s description of being “dead in trespasses” and the state of a fictional zombie?
How can believers engage in conversations about death, zombies, and the supernatural to reveal the life found in Christ, both now and for eternity?