In biblical literature, the fox is often depicted as a creature of cunning and deceit, symbolizing destruction and contempt. The fox's reputation in the Bible is not one of admiration but rather of disdain and wariness, reflecting its nature as a sly and destructive animal.

Old Testament References

The fox appears in several Old Testament passages, often associated with desolation and ruin. In the Song of Solomon 2:15 , the foxes are described as small but destructive creatures: "Catch for us the foxes—the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—for our vineyards are in bloom." Here, the foxes symbolize minor yet insidious threats that can spoil what is beautiful and fruitful, suggesting a need for vigilance against seemingly insignificant dangers that can lead to greater harm.

In the book of Lamentations, the desolation of Jerusalem is likened to a place inhabited by foxes. Lamentations 5:18 states, "because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, patrolled by foxes." This imagery underscores the devastation and abandonment of the once-glorious city, with foxes roaming freely as a sign of its downfall.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself uses the imagery of a fox to convey contempt and cunning. In Luke 13:32 , Jesus refers to Herod Antipas as "that fox," saying, "Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’" By calling Herod a fox, Jesus highlights Herod's craftiness and deceitful nature, as well as his lack of genuine power or authority over Jesus' mission.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Throughout Scripture, the fox is emblematic of slyness, destruction, and contempt. Its presence in biblical narratives often serves as a metaphor for the subtle and destructive forces that can undermine spiritual and moral integrity. The fox's cunning nature is a reminder of the need for discernment and vigilance in the face of deceit and moral decay.

The biblical portrayal of the fox aligns with its broader cultural symbolism as a creature to be wary of, one that operates under the cover of darkness and preys on the vulnerable. In this way, the fox serves as a powerful symbol of the challenges and threats that believers must navigate in their spiritual journey, urging them to remain steadfast and alert.Nehemiah 4:3
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
Nave's Topical Index

On Contempt for Pain, Poverty, and Other External Things.
... Chapter V."On Contempt for Pain, Poverty, and Other External ... rich he became poor,
from being held in honour ... reference to Herod: "Go, tell that fox, Behold, I ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v on contempt for pain.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... especially as the office was not now held during life ... but the words of God, who pours
contempt upon the ... again," called Herod the tetrarch, "a fox," on account ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

The Characters of Herod and Augustus were as Far Apart as their ...
... The emperor was a fox, the king a lion. ... even the emperor by whose sufferance he held
the crown ... intrigues which even stirred the tongue of Caesar with contempt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 12 the characters of.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... Even that which they build, if a fox go up ... the work," Nehemiah says, "and half of
them held the spears ... are tried, not only by the anger, contempt, and cruelty ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
... his audience, and when, after preaching out the hour-glass, he held it up ... of the
former, says, I never treated Whitefield's ministry with contempt; I believe ...
/.../tendencies of religious thought in.htm

Carey's College
... had fostered Wyclif and Hooker, had bred Fox and Bunyan ... name, but in Carey's time
it was held by the ... Carey "had always looked upon dissenters with contempt. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

Enthusiasm.
... strained spirituality of the disciples of Fox and Penn ... Church, opinions identical
with those held by himself ... in the most unqualified[517] terms of contempt. ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

The Elizabethan Reaction
... of the reverence in which the Chancel had once been held. ... Worship of GOD and everything
connected with it fell into contempt. ... Fox, Jewel, and others give nine. ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iii the elizabethan reaction.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... which, according to the Mishnah, [1234] held their meetings ... Among the Jews the contempt
for manual labour, which was ... have watched the habits of the fox in its ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... He held in suitable contempt those artificial decorations with which some young
men were wont to adorn themselves, and all those tricks of oratory by which ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Who was Clarence Larkin? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Charles Parham? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Herod Antipas? | GotQuestions.org

Fox: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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