S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

There are many stories in the Bible that have remarkable similarities with stories from other religions, legends, and myths. For the purposes of this article, we will examine two of the more promin...

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July 01 2013 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jennifer Henkel Supporter Bible/History Middle School Teacher, Lover of the OT!

It's the other way around. Adam lived 930 years, so just imagine him recounting naming the animals, walking with God and then the disobedience in the Garden to his children and grandchildren, all the way to Noah's father, Lamech! 

Eye-witness accounts are the best source of history, and Adam's descendants had the benefit of hearing history first-hand. Later, God had Moses write it all down as He dictated. You can't get more accurate than that.

July 19 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Did the Bible copy some of its stories from other religious myths and legends?

It's a fair question.

But the answer is deeply encouraging for our faith. Because when we look closely, we discover something beautiful. From Genesis to Revelation, God always speaks in ways people can understand.

By saying that "all Scripture is inspired of God," Paul reminds Timothy, as well as all Christians, to trust the wisdom of God's inspired Word and to rely on it in all that they do.

Paul also wrote in 1st Thessalonians Chapter 2:13 ESV: "13And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe."

Peter referred to men who "spoke from God as the Holy Spirit moved them." (2Pe 1:21) 

God is the Author of the Bible. He put his thoughts into the minds of the Bible writers. Through this unique book, God has revealed his will for us. He has also revealed facets of his personality, including his love, justice, and mercy.—Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 32:4.

Similarities:

• Both Genesis and ANE [Ancient Near Eastern] myths describe the ordering of the world from chaos. Both include themes of separating waters, forming land, and establishing humanity.

Key differences:

• ANE myths (e.g., Enuma Elish) describe creation as the result of violent conflict between gods, such as Marduk killing Tiamat and forming the world from her body. Genesis presents one sovereign God, no divine conflict, no violence, and a creation that is "very good." Genesis emphasises human dignity ("image of God"), unlike ANE myths, where humans are created as servants to feed the gods. 

Scholars note that Genesis often reads as a deliberate critique of ANE mythology rather than a copy. 

Legal and cultural parallels:

The Code of Hammurabi and biblical laws share similar legal topics (property, injury, social order).

But biblical law emphasises:

• Justice rooted in God's character. Protection of the vulnerable (widows, orphans, foreigners). Ethical monotheism.

This again suggests shared cultural background, not plagiarism.

So did the Bible copy older myths?

No, not in the sense of plagiarism or simple borrowing.

But yes — in the sense that it participates in the same ancient literary world, using familiar motifs to communicate a radically different message about God, humanity, and morality.

Where the similarities show up:

Creation stories. Flood stories. Laws and customs.

But here's the important part: the differences matter more. Even when the Bible uses familiar story shapes, it changes the message completely.

In the Bible:

• There is one God. Creation is peaceful and intentional.
• Humans have dignity and purpose. God cares about morality, justice, and relationships.

So the Bible isn't copying — it's reframing.

What most scholars agree on:

• The Bible was written in a real historical world with other cultures and stories. It sometimes uses familiar story patterns from that world. But it reshapes them to express a unique view of God and a unique moral vision. 

They actually strengthen it. They show that God speaks into real history. God meets people where they are. God transforms human understanding. The Bible's message is unique, elevated, and morally superior. The Bible doesn't copy myths. It redeems them.

The Bible doesn't copy myths. It corrects them. It redeems them. It reveals the one true God.

Conclusion

"In a world full of stories, God has given us the true one — the story that leads us to Him."

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR US TODAY:

We can trust the Bible. Its message is unique, consistent, and morally superior to anything around it — ancient or modern.

In a world full of stories, God has given us the true one — the story that leads us to Him.

We are called to be people of Truth. We don't need to fear comparisons because Truth stands firm.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report