In biblical literature, the term "dog" is often used as an epithet of contempt, reflecting the cultural and religious attitudes of ancient Israel. The word "dog" appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, frequently symbolizing impurity, uncleanliness, and moral depravity. This entry explores the usage of "dog" as a term of disdain, particularly in relation to the practices and behaviors considered abominable by the biblical authors.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "dog" is used metaphorically to describe individuals or groups who are seen as morally or ritually impure. For example, in Deuteronomy 23:18, the term is associated with male cult prostitutes: "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 understood to refer to male prostitutes involved in pagan rituals, highlighting the contempt for practices that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

The term also appears in 1 Samuel 17:43, where Goliath, the Philistine giant, derides David by asking, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" This usage underscores the disdain and belittlement associated with the term, as Goliath expresses his scorn for David's seemingly inadequate challenge.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the term "dog" continues to carry negative connotations. In Philippians 3:2, Paul warns the believers: "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, "dogs" is used to describe false teachers who were leading the early Christians astray, emphasizing their corrupting influence and spiritual impurity.

Additionally, in Revelation 22:15, the term is used to describe those excluded from the heavenly city: "Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." This passage reinforces the association of "dogs" with behaviors and lifestyles that are incompatible with the holiness required by God.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The use of "dog" as an epithet of contempt reflects the broader cultural and theological context of the biblical world. Dogs were generally viewed as scavengers and were often associated with uncleanness and disorder. This perception is mirrored in the biblical texts, where "dog" becomes a symbol of those who deviate from the covenantal standards set by God.

The association of "dog" with the term "sodomite" in some interpretations further underscores the biblical condemnation of certain sexual practices. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 is often cited as a key text in understanding the biblical stance on sexual immorality, and the term "sodomite" has historically been linked to behaviors considered abhorrent by the biblical authors.

Conclusion

In summary, the term "dog" in the Bible serves as a powerful epithet of contempt, used to describe individuals or groups who embody impurity, moral corruption, and opposition to God's covenantal standards. Its usage across both the Old and New Testaments highlights the enduring nature of this metaphor in conveying the biblical authors' disdain for behaviors and practices that deviate from the divine will.1 Samuel 17:43
And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
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1 Samuel 24:14
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
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2 Samuel 3:8
Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do show kindness this day to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David, that you charge me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
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2 Samuel 9:8
And he bowed himself, and said, What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?
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2 Samuel 16:9
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray you, and take off his head.
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2 Kings 8:13
And Hazael said, But what, is your servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD has showed me that you shall be king over Syria.
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Isaiah 56:10,11
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
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Matthew 15:26
But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
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