Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, dogs are often associated with uncleanness and negative connotations. The term "dog" is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, and it is important to understand its significance within the cultural and religious framework of ancient Israel.Literal References: Dogs in the ancient Near East were generally not domesticated pets as they are in many cultures today. Instead, they were often seen as scavengers, roaming the streets and countryside, feeding on refuse and carrion. This behavior contributed to their perception as unclean animals. In the Mosaic Law, dogs are not listed among the clean animals that could be eaten or sacrificed (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14). Metaphorical Usage: The term "dog" is frequently used metaphorically in the Bible to describe individuals or groups considered impure, contemptible, or outside the covenant community. For example, 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 fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God." Here, "dog" is understood to refer to male prostitutes, highlighting the association with impurity and moral corruption. In 1 Samuel 17:43 , Goliath derisively asks David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" This rhetorical question underscores the disdain and low regard associated with dogs. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 9:8 , Mephibosheth refers to himself as a "dead dog" when speaking to King David, expressing humility and a sense of worthlessness. New Testament References: In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of "dog" continues. 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." Here, "dogs" symbolize those who are hostile to the gospel and unworthy of its sacred truths. Philippians 3:2 also uses the term in a warning: "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" The Apostle Paul uses "dogs" to describe false teachers who were leading believers astray, emphasizing their dangerous and unclean nature. Cultural and Theological Implications: The consistent portrayal of dogs as unclean and contemptible in the Bible reflects the cultural attitudes of the time. This view is rooted in the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from impurity. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, distinct from the surrounding nations, and the use of "dog" as a derogatory term reinforced the importance of maintaining spiritual and moral purity. In summary, the biblical depiction of dogs as unclean animals serves as a powerful metaphor for impurity and moral corruption. This imagery is used to convey the importance of holiness and the dangers of straying from God's commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 22:31And you shall be holy men to me: neither shall you eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; you shall cast it to the dogs. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 16:2 Library On the Animals Sanctification The Shepherd of Pella 1 Cor. Iii. 15-Dec Acts x. 44, 46 The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ... First Greek Form. 1 Cor. xvi. 10 Seventh Commandment Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy ... Resources What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the little horn in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
    |