Topical Bible: Righteous: Doves

◄ Righteous: Doves ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, doves are frequently used as symbols of purity, innocence, and righteousness. Their gentle nature and peaceful demeanor make them fitting representations of these virtues. The dove's significance is woven throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, serving as a powerful emblem of the Holy Spirit and divine approval.

Old Testament References

The first notable mention of a dove is found in the account of Noah and the flood. After the waters began to recede, Noah sent out a dove to see if the land had dried. The dove returned with an olive leaf, signaling the end of God's judgment and the restoration of peace between God and humanity (Genesis 8:11). This act of the dove bringing back the olive leaf has since become a universal symbol of peace and hope.

In the Song of Solomon, the dove is used metaphorically to describe the beauty and purity of the beloved: "My dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of her mother, perfect to her who bore her" (Song of Solomon 6:9). Here, the dove symbolizes the beloved's innocence and the righteousness of love.

New Testament References

The New Testament further elevates the symbolism of the dove, particularly in the account of Jesus' baptism. As Jesus emerged from the waters of the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:16-17). This event underscores the dove as a symbol of divine approval and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also instructed His disciples to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). In this context, the dove represents the innocence and righteousness that should characterize the followers of Christ, even as they navigate a world filled with challenges and opposition.

Symbolism and Christian Tradition

Throughout Christian tradition, the dove has maintained its status as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and righteousness. It is often depicted in Christian art and iconography, representing the purity and peace that come from a life aligned with God's will. The dove's association with the Holy Spirit is particularly significant, as it embodies the transformative power of God's presence in the believer's life.

In summary, the dove in biblical literature is a multifaceted symbol that conveys themes of peace, purity, and divine presence. Its consistent use across both Testaments highlights its importance as a representation of righteousness and the Holy Spirit's work in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 68:13
Though you have lien among the pots, yet shall you be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

And when Jesus Entered Jerusalem, He Went up to the Temple of God. ...
... [2188] And he said unto those that sold the doves, Take this ... parable, concerning
people who trusted in themselves [17] that they are righteous, and despised ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxxii and when jesus.htm

I am Sending You as Lambs among Wolves: be Ye Now Wise as Serpents ...
... among wolves: be ye now wise as serpents, and [2] harmless [952] as doves. ... shall
take [988] a prophet's reward; and whosoever shall receive a righteous man [29 ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xiii i am sending.htm

The Twelve Sent Forth.
... in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. ...
shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the twelve sent forth.htm

The Christian's Hope
... prudential motives, but if his heart is evil the way of the righteous will be ... of
wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16 ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xiv the christians hope.htm

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
... in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. ...
shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxi third circuit of galilee.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple.
... money, and overthrew their tables; and to them that sold the doves He said ... others
can be abolished only by the blazing indignation of a righteous soul who ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/vi the cleansing of the.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... I made righteous, through my faith in Jesus Christ, perfectly righteous! ... he killed
three bullocks, three goats, three sheep, with turtle doves and pigeons ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... well their flying like a cloud; it is all right their going as doves to their ... We
want no self-righteous ones; no self-sufficient ones, no good moral people; we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times.
... which they have learned, until the time comes in which all the righteous shall rise ...
there shall be no heaviness, and lightly shall they fly as doves to their ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxii of death and the.htm

John Chapter i. 33
... As was John, so was his baptism: the righteous baptism of a righteous man; but ... baptizeth
with the Holy Ghost," unless to show that these are not doves who have ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate v john chapter i.htm