In biblical times, dogs were generally viewed with disdain and often associated with negative imagery. They were not typically kept as pets or companions as they are in many cultures today. Instead, dogs were often seen as scavengers and were associated with uncleanness and impurity.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, dogs are frequently mentioned in contexts that highlight their undesirable nature. For instance, in 1 Kings 14:11, the prophet Ahijah foretells the grim fate of Jeroboam's family, saying, "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and anyone who dies in the field, the birds of the sky will eat; for the LORD has spoken it." This passage underscores the ignoble fate of being consumed by dogs, a fate considered disgraceful.

Similarly, in 1 Kings 21:23, the prophet Elijah prophesies against Jezebel, saying, "And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’" This prophecy is fulfilled in 2 Kings 9:36, where Jezebel's body is indeed eaten by dogs, further cementing the association of dogs with judgment and disgrace.

In Psalm 22:16, a messianic psalm, the psalmist laments, "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet." Here, "dogs" metaphorically represent the wicked and those who persecute the righteous.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, dogs continue to symbolize impurity and are used metaphorically to describe those who are outside the covenant community or who reject the gospel. 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." This admonition suggests that sacred things should not be offered to those who will not appreciate or respect them.

In Philippians 3:2, the Apostle Paul cautions believers, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, "dogs" is a derogatory term used to describe false teachers who were leading believers astray with legalistic teachings.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In biblical culture, dogs were often seen as unclean animals, and their presence in a narrative typically carried negative connotations. They were not domesticated in the way modern society understands, and their role was more akin to that of wild scavengers. This cultural perception is reflected in the biblical texts, where dogs are often associated with judgment, impurity, and those who oppose God's people.

Despite the generally negative portrayal, there are instances where dogs are mentioned in a more neutral or even positive light. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:21), dogs are depicted as licking the sores of Lazarus, which some interpret as a sign of compassion or care, albeit from an unexpected source.

Overall, the biblical portrayal of dogs serves as a reflection of the cultural attitudes of the time and provides insight into the symbolic use of animals in Scripture.