Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, dogs are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing uncleanliness, contempt, or danger. The cultural perception of dogs during biblical times was significantly different from the modern view, where dogs are often seen as beloved pets. In the ancient Near East, dogs were generally not domesticated in the same way they are today and were often associated with scavenging and wild behavior.Old Testament References 1. Unclean Animals: Dogs are frequently associated with uncleanness. In Deuteronomy 23:18 , it is written, "You must not bring the wages of a prostitute or the earnings of a dog into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God." Here, "dog" is often interpreted as a derogatory term for male prostitutes, highlighting the impurity associated with the term. 2. Scavengers: Dogs are depicted as scavengers in several passages. In 1 Kings 14:11 , it is stated, "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and anyone who dies in the field, the birds of the sky will eat, for the LORD has spoken." This imagery underscores the disgrace and dishonor of being left unburied, with dogs consuming the remains. 3. Enemies and Threats: In Psalm 22:16 , the psalmist laments, "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet." Here, dogs symbolize the psalmist's enemies, portraying them as vicious and threatening. New Testament References 1. Metaphorical Use: In the New Testament, dogs are used metaphorically to describe those who are considered outside the covenant community or who exhibit morally corrupt behavior. In Matthew 7:6 , Jesus advises, "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces." This passage warns against offering sacred things to those who will not appreciate or respect them. 2. Gentiles and Outsiders: In Matthew 15:26-27 , Jesus uses the term "dogs" in a conversation with a Canaanite woman: "But Jesus replied, 'It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.' 'Yes, Lord,' she said, 'even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.'" Here, "dogs" refers to Gentiles, highlighting the prevailing Jewish view of Gentiles as outsiders to the covenant blessings. 3. False Teachers: In Philippians 3:2 , Paul warns, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" In this context, "dogs" refers to false teachers who were promoting circumcision and other legalistic practices contrary to the gospel of grace. Cultural Context In biblical times, dogs were not typically kept as household pets. They were more commonly found in the streets, acting as scavengers. This cultural backdrop informs the negative connotations associated with dogs in the biblical text. The biblical portrayal of dogs reflects their role in society as unclean animals, often used to symbolize impurity, danger, or those outside the covenant community. Overall, the biblical references to dogs serve as a reminder of the cultural and religious perceptions of the time, illustrating themes of purity, community boundaries, and the consequences of moral and spiritual corruption. Strong's Hebrew 3611. keleb -- a dog... 3610, 3611. keleb. 3612 . a dog. Transliteration: keleb Phonetic Spelling: (keh'-leb) Short Definition: dogs. Word Origin of uncertain ... /hebrew/3611.htm - 5k Library Blind Force or Intelligence, Which? Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ... A Selection from the Notices of Mr. Robertson's Sermons, and of ... Israel in Canaan. The Vile Calumny About Onocoetes Retorted on the Heathen by ... The Throne of Grace Preface. For what grandeur -- if you look at the truth without any ... Letter cxlvii. To Aburgius. Petilianus Said: "If You Suppose that You Can Offer Sacrifice... Thesaurus Dog's (3 Occurrences)...Dog's (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 3:8 Then was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, "Am Ia dog's head that belongs to Judah? ... /d/dog's.htm - 7k Dogs (30 Occurrences) Judah's (18 Occurrences) Loyal (15 Occurrences) Loyalty (18 Occurrences) Grabs (1 Occurrence) Involving (2 Occurrences) Ish-bo'sheth (13 Occurrences) Reproachest (2 Occurrences) Doing (1260 Occurrences) Resources Is there any evidence for the giants mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dog's (3 Occurrences)2 Samuel 3:8 Proverbs 26:17 Isaiah 66:3 Subtopics Related Terms |