Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, dogs were generally viewed with disdain and were not typically kept as household pets as they are in many cultures today. The Bible often uses dogs to symbolize uncleanliness, contempt, or danger, reflecting the cultural attitudes of the ancient Near East.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, dogs are frequently associated with negative imagery. For instance, in 1 Kings 14:11 , it is prophesied that "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city, the dogs will eat." This reflects the view of dogs as scavengers, consuming the remains of the dead, which was considered a disgraceful fate. Similarly, in 1 Kings 21:23-24 , the prophet Elijah foretells that dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel, further emphasizing the ignoble role of dogs in biblical narratives. The book of Psalms also uses dogs metaphorically to describe enemies or evildoers. Psalm 22:16 states, "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet." Here, dogs symbolize the threatening presence of adversaries. New Testament References In the New Testament, dogs continue to carry a negative connotation. In Matthew 7:6 , Jesus warns, "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 uses dogs to represent those who are unworthy or incapable of appreciating sacred truths. The apostle Paul also uses the term "dogs" in a derogatory sense in Philippians 3:2 , where he cautions, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, "dogs" refers to false teachers or those who pervert the gospel. Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, dogs were primarily seen as wild scavengers rather than domesticated companions. They roamed the streets and fields, often feeding on refuse and carrion. This behavior contributed to their negative portrayal in biblical texts. However, it is worth noting that some cultures within the region did use dogs for herding or guarding livestock, though this is not prominently reflected in the biblical narrative. Symbolism and Interpretation The consistent use of dogs in a negative light throughout the Bible serves as a symbolic representation of impurity, danger, and moral corruption. This symbolism is rooted in the cultural and historical context of the biblical authors, who viewed dogs as unclean animals. The biblical portrayal of dogs underscores the broader theme of distinguishing between the holy and the profane, the clean and the unclean, which is a recurring motif in Scripture. While the Bible does not provide a comprehensive view of dogs as we understand them today, its references to dogs offer insight into the cultural and spiritual values of the time. The use of dogs as symbols of impurity and danger reflects the broader biblical narrative's emphasis on holiness, righteousness, and the rejection of evil. ATS Bible Dictionary DogsWere held in great contempt by the Jews, but were worshipped, as well as cats, by the Egyptians. Among the Jews, to compare a person to a dog was the most degrading expression possible, 1 Samuel 17:43 24:14 2 Samuel 9:8. The state of dogs among the Jews was the same that now prevails in the East, where, having no owners, they run about the streets in troops, and are fed by charity or caprice, or live on such offal as they can pick up. As they are often on the point of starvation, they devour corpses, and in the night even attack living men, Psalm 59:6,14,15 1 Kings 14:11. In various places in Scripture the epithet "dogs" is given to certain classes of men, as expressing their insolent rapacity, Matthew 7:6 Psalm 22:16 Philippians 3:2, and their beastly vices, De 23:18 2 Peter 2:22 Revelation 22:15. Greek 4657. skubalon -- refuse ... 4657 (from 2965 , "dog" and 906 , "throw") -- properly, thrown to dogs, like filthy scraps of garbage (table-scraps, dung, muck, sweepings); (figuratively ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4657.htm - 7k 2952. kunarion -- a little dog 2965. kuon -- a dog 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 Children and Little Dogs For a Case must be Imagined... The Children and the Dogs Of the Woman of Canaan who Said, "Yet the Dogs Eat of the Crumbs ... Philippians iii. 3-Jan Chapter xx. Exposition of the Details in the Narrative. Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter. Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. Thesaurus Dogs (30 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Dogs (30 Occurrences). Matthew 7:6 "Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls ... /d/dogs.htm - 15k Wild-dogs (2 Occurrences) Dog (19 Occurrences) Lick (8 Occurrences) Licked (4 Occurrences) Jez'ebel (19 Occurrences) Wolf (4 Occurrences) Jizreel (30 Occurrences) Bits (54 Occurrences) Crumbs (8 Occurrences) Resources What is the difference between Microevolution and Macroevolution? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Naboth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said to not cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dogs (30 Occurrences)Matthew 7:6 Matthew 15:26 Matthew 15:27 Mark 7:27 Mark 7:28 Luke 16:21 Philippians 3:2 Revelation 22:15 Exodus 22:31 1 Kings 14:11 1 Kings 16:4 1 Kings 21:19 1 Kings 21:23 1 Kings 21:24 1 Kings 22:38 2 Kings 9:10 2 Kings 9:36 Job 30:1 Psalms 22:16 Psalms 22:20 Psalms 59:6 Psalms 59:14 Psalms 68:23 Isaiah 13:22 Isaiah 34:13 Isaiah 35:7 Isaiah 56:10 Isaiah 56:11 Jeremiah 15:3 Hosea 13:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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