Are there any volcanoes mentioned in the Bible?

Volcanoes have greatly impacted human history, from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in ancient Italy to Mount St. Helens in modern America. Volcanic eruptions have transformed landscapes and affected countless lives. Given the Bible’s importance, many wonder whether it mentions volcanoes. While the Bible doesn’t specifically call any mountain a volcano, some believe it mentions regions where volcanic activity occurred. Additionally, others think certain verses describe volcanic eruptions.

A prominent example of the Bible mentioning a volcanic region is the mountains of Ararat. Moses refers to this area in the book of Genesis, specifically in the story of the global flood during Noah’s lifetime. He describes the region of Ararat as the landing place of the ark after the floodwaters receded. His account says that “the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat” (Genesis 8:4, ESV).

Many Bible scholars associate the mountains of Ararat with a region in eastern Turkey, near modern-day Iran and Armenia. This area includes two notable volcanic peaks. Greater Ararat stands at 16,854 feet, while Lesser Ararat is 12,782 feet. Both peaks are part of a dormant volcanic system. Greater Ararat’s last eruption occurred in 1840, while the date of Lesser Ararat’s last eruption remains unknown. Other smaller peaks in the region also display signs of volcanic activity. However, dates of their last eruptions are unknown.

Additionally, some scholars believe certain biblical accounts refer to volcanic activity. For instance, some suggest Moses describes volcanic activity at the beginning of the flood story. He writes, “On that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth” (Genesis 7:11, ESV). The traditional view of this verse is that it describes underground water reservoirs erupting as geysers, rather than volcanic materials like lava or rock. Nevertheless, some believe the verse describes volcanoes.

Furthermore, some researchers propose that the story of Sodom and Gomorrah refers to volcanic activity: “The Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah” (Genesis 19:24). These cities existed near the south end of the Dead Sea, a region that is geologically active. The area also contains sulfur deposits. Yet there is no evidence of volcanic eruptions in the area, including from the time of the cities’ destruction, 2000—1700 BC. Others suggest the verse could refer to a different natural event, such as a meteor shower.

Another passage that some think describes volcanic activity is the story of Moses at Mount Sinai. Moses writes, “Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly” (Exodus 19:18, ESV). Some suggest that the mountain emitting smoke and fire indicates that it’s a volcano. However, this theory lacks support from the Bible and geology. Also, smoke in other passages, such as in scenes of worship (Exodus 40:34–38; Isaiah 6:4), symbolize God’s presence—not volcanic activity.

The Bible may refer to volcanoes poetically to describe God’s judgment. Although these are not explicit references to volcanoes, they may suggest volcanic activity. For example, Psalm 97:5 reads, “The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth” (ESV). The imagery of melting mountains illustrates God’s supreme power over creation. Similarly, Nahum writes, “The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him. . . . His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him” (Nahum 1:5–6, ESV). This description, which may allude to a volcano, conveys the power of God’s judgment.

While the Bible does not explicitly identify any mountain as a volcano, certain descriptions may refer to volcanic activity. These passages ultimately emphasize God’s power, wisdom, and glory, evident throughout creation (Romans 1:20). The prophet Isaiah expresses this truth when he writes, “The mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing” (Isaiah 55:12).