In biblical times, dogs were often viewed with disdain and were not typically kept as domestic pets as they are today. Instead, they roamed the streets and countryside, often scavenging for food. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of dogs to convey negative connotations, associating them with uncleanness and undesirable behavior.

One of the most vivid depictions of dogs in the Bible is their habit of licking blood. This behavior is mentioned in several passages, most notably in the accounts of the deaths of wicked individuals. In 1 Kings 21:19, the prophet Elijah delivers a message from the Lord to King Ahab, saying, "In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!" . This prophecy is fulfilled in 1 Kings 22:38, where it is recorded, "And the dogs licked up his blood, as the word of the LORD had declared."

The act of dogs licking blood is symbolic of divine judgment and disgrace. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being left unburied and having one's blood licked by dogs was considered a great dishonor, reflecting the ultimate degradation and rejection by society.

The term "dog" is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe individuals who engage in morally reprehensible behavior. In Deuteronomy 23:18, the term "dog" is used in a list of prohibitions against bringing the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog into the house of the Lord. This usage suggests a connection between dogs and practices considered abominable, such as idolatry and sexual immorality.

In the New Testament, the term "dog" continues to carry negative connotations. In Philippians 3:2, the Apostle Paul warns believers to "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" . Here, "dogs" is used to describe false teachers who threaten the purity of the Christian faith.

The association of dogs with the city of Sodom and its inhabitants is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but the term "sodomite" has historically been used to describe individuals engaged in practices deemed contrary to biblical teachings on sexuality. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 serves as a powerful narrative of divine judgment against such practices.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of dogs, particularly in their habit of licking blood, serves as a potent symbol of judgment, uncleanness, and moral corruption. These depictions underscore the seriousness with which the Bible addresses sin and the consequences that follow.1 Kings 21:19
And you shall speak to him, saying, Thus said the LORD, Have you killed, and also taken possession? And you shall speak to him, saying, Thus said the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your blood, even yours.
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1 Kings 22:38
And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armor; according to the word of the LORD which he spoke.
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