The idea of Pangea—a single supercontinent that existed long ago—has fascinated scientists and Bible readers alike.
If all the continents were once joined together, does the Bible mention it?
And if so, how does this fit with the biblical account of creation and the flood?
While the Bible doesn’t use the word “Pangea,” there are clues in Scripture that suggest the Earth looked very different in the past.
Let’s explore what the Bible says about the land, the flood, and whether Pangea fits into God’s design.
What Is Pangea?
Pangea is the name scientists give to a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.
According to the theory of plate tectonics, Earth’s landmasses were once connected as one giant continent before they slowly drifted apart.
This process, known as continental drift, is still happening today.
The idea of moving continents became popular in the early 20th century when scientists noticed that South America and Africa looked like they could fit together like puzzle pieces.
Since then, geological evidence has supported the idea that Earth’s landmasses were once united.
But does this align with what the Bible teaches?
Did God Create the Earth as One Landmass?
The Bible doesn’t specifically say whether the land was originally connected, but Genesis 1:9-10 gives an interesting clue.
And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.
This passage describes how God created land and separated it from the water.
Notice that it says the waters were gathered “to one place.”
If the waters were in one place, it suggests that the land may have been in one place too.
This could support the idea that the Earth originally had one large landmass.
The Role of the Flood in Changing the Earth
One of the most significant events in the Bible that reshaped the Earth was the flood in Noah’s time.
Genesis 7:11 describes how the flood began.
In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.
This verse tells us that water didn’t just come from the sky—it also came from “the great deep.”
Many believe this refers to massive underground water sources breaking through the Earth’s surface.
Some Bible scholars suggest that the flood caused major geological changes, possibly even breaking apart the land.
Psalm 104:6-9 seems to describe this movement.
You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
This passage describes how, after the flood, the waters receded and new land formations emerged.
This could mean that the world we see today—with separate continents—was shaped by the flood’s aftermath.
Does the Bible Mention the Continents Spreading?
There is one verse in the Bible that some people believe refers to the splitting of the continents.
Genesis 10:25 says, Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided.
The phrase “the earth was divided” has led to different interpretations.
Some believe it refers to the division of people after the Tower of Babel when God confused their languages and scattered them across the Earth (Genesis 11:8-9).
Others think it could mean a physical separation of the land.
If that’s the case, it could be a reference to continental drift happening in Peleg’s lifetime.
While we don’t know for sure, it’s an interesting possibility.
Scientific Evidence and the Bible
Science tells us that the continents are still moving, but very slowly—about an inch or two per year.
Some Christians accept the idea of Pangea and believe it fits within the biblical timeline.
Others are skeptical and believe the continents may have always been separate.
The most important thing to remember is that whether or not Pangea existed, the Bible teaches that God created the world exactly as He intended.
Psalm 24:1 reminds us, The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
What About Other Land Changes in the Bible?
The Bible records other times when land and water changed dramatically.
The parting of the Red Sea is one example.
In Exodus 14:21, God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape from Egypt.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land.
This shows that God has control over the Earth’s waters and can shape the land according to His plan.
The formation of mountains is another example.
Psalm 90:2 says, Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
God not only created the Earth but also formed the mountains and shaped the land.
Whether through slow processes or sudden events, everything happens according to His design.
The earthquake at Jesus’ death is yet another example.
Matthew 27:51 describes what happened when Jesus died.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.
This shows that God can cause dramatic changes to the land to accomplish His purposes.
Does Pangea Matter for Christians Today?
Some people wonder if believing in Pangea changes anything about faith.
The truth is, whether the land was originally one supercontinent or not, it doesn’t change the core message of the Bible.
The most important thing is recognizing that God is the Creator of all things.
Colossians 1:16 says, For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.
The Bible isn’t a science textbook, but it does give insight into how God designed the world.
Whether the continents were once connected or not, everything exists because of His power.
How Should Christians Respond to Science and Faith?
When science presents ideas like Pangea, Christians should approach them with wisdom and faith.
God is the ultimate Creator.
No matter how the Earth changed over time, God is the one who designed it.
Isaiah 45:18 says, For this is what the Lord says—He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the Earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited.
The Bible is trustworthy.
Even when science changes its theories, God’s Word remains the same.
Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
If new discoveries arise, they should be tested against the truth of Scripture.
Faith and science can work together.
Some people think faith and science must always be in conflict, but that’s not true.
Many scientific discoveries actually support the idea of an intelligent Creator.
Psalm 111:2 says, Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Studying the world around us can deepen our appreciation for God’s design.
Final Thoughts
The Bible doesn’t directly mention Pangea, but it does describe a world created by God, shaped by His power, and changed by major events like the flood.
Whether the continents were once connected or not, we can trust that everything happened according to God’s perfect plan.
Science may give us theories, but Scripture gives us truth.
As believers, our focus should always be on God’s sovereignty over creation and His purpose for our lives.
No matter how the Earth looked in the past, one thing remains certain—God is in control, and His Word will never fail.