Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "dog" is often used figuratively to denote individuals or groups considered impure, unclean, or morally corrupt. This usage is rooted in the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, where dogs were generally viewed as scavengers and associated with uncleanness. The term "dog" is employed in various passages to convey disdain or to highlight the spiritual and moral degradation of certain individuals or behaviors.One of the most notable figurative uses of "dog" is found in Deuteronomy 23:18, which states, "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 by many scholars and commentators to refer to male prostitutes, particularly those associated with pagan temple practices. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical condemnation of sexual immorality and idolatry, which were often intertwined in ancient Near Eastern religious practices. The association of "dog" with moral corruption is further illustrated in the New Testament. In Philippians 3:2, the Apostle Paul warns believers, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" . In this context, "dogs" refers to false teachers who sought to impose Jewish legalistic practices on Gentile Christians, thus corrupting the purity of the Gospel message. Paul's use of the term underscores the danger of deviating from sound doctrine and the need for vigilance against spiritual deception. Additionally, in Revelation 22:15, the term "dogs" is used to describe those who are 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 symbolic use of "dogs" to represent those who persist in sinful and unrepentant lifestyles, ultimately facing exclusion from God's eternal kingdom. The figurative use of "dog" in Scripture serves as a powerful metaphor for impurity, falsehood, and moral depravity. It reflects the biblical emphasis on holiness, righteousness, and the call for God's people to separate themselves from practices and influences that lead to spiritual corruption. As such, the term "dog" functions as a vivid reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to His covenant. Nave's Topical Index Philippians 3:2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 22:15 Resources Why did Jesus call the Canaanite woman a dog? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between Microevolution and Macroevolution? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that you are the head and not the tail in Deuteronomy 28:13? | GotQuestions.org Dog: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dog (Sodomite?): Dumb and Sleeping Dog (Sodomite?): Epithet of Contempt Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Lapping of Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Blood Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Sores Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Returns to Eat his own Vomit Dog (Sodomite?): Price of, not to be Brought Into the Sanctuary Dog (Sodomite?): Shepherd Dogs The Dog: (Dumb) of Unfaithful Ministers The Dog: Dangerous and Destructive The Dog: Infested Cities by Night The Dog: Manner of, in Drinking Alluded To The Dog: Nothing Holy to be Given To The Dog: Price of, not to be Consecrated The Dog: Sacrificing of, an Abomination The Dog: Things Torn by Beasts Given To The Dog: when Domesticated: Employed in Watching Flocks The Dog: when Domesticated: Fed With the Crumbs Related Terms |
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