Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, dogs were often viewed with disdain and associated with danger and destruction. Unlike the domesticated pets familiar to many today, dogs in the ancient Near East were typically wild, scavenging animals. Their presence in Scripture often carries negative connotations, symbolizing uncleanness, aggression, and moral depravity.Old Testament References The Hebrew word for dog, "keleb," appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, frequently highlighting the animal's undesirable traits. In Exodus 22:31 , God commands the Israelites, "You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of a mauled animal found in the field; you are to throw it to the dogs." Here, dogs are depicted as scavengers, consuming what is unfit for human consumption, thus reinforcing their association with impurity. In 1 Kings 14:11 , the prophet Ahijah delivers a grim prophecy concerning the house of Jeroboam: "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." This imagery of dogs devouring the dead serves as a symbol of divine judgment and disgrace. The account of Naboth's vineyard further illustrates the destructive nature of dogs. After Jezebel orchestrates Naboth's unjust execution, Elijah prophesies in 1 Kings 21:23 , "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 dogs consume Jezebel's body, signifying her utter ruin and the fulfillment of divine retribution. New Testament References In the New Testament, dogs continue to symbolize moral corruption and danger. 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 represent those who are hostile to the sacred, underscoring their potential for violence and destruction. The Apostle Paul also employs the imagery of dogs in Philippians 3:2 , cautioning believers, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" In this context, "dogs" refers to false teachers and those who pervert the Gospel, highlighting their dangerous influence on the early Christian community. Symbolism and Cultural Context In biblical literature, dogs often symbolize those who are outside the covenant community, representing Gentiles or those who reject God's law. This is evident in the account of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:27-28 , where Jesus initially responds to her request for healing by saying, "First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs." The woman’s faith, however, leads to her daughter’s healing, demonstrating that even those once considered outsiders can receive God's grace. The cultural context of the ancient Near East further illuminates the biblical portrayal of dogs. Unlike the revered status of dogs in some neighboring cultures, such as Egypt, where they were associated with deities like Anubis, the Israelites viewed dogs with suspicion and contempt. This perspective is reflected in the biblical narrative, where dogs are often linked to chaos, destruction, and divine judgment. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, dogs are consistently depicted as dangerous and destructive creatures, serving as potent symbols of impurity, moral corruption, and divine retribution. Their portrayal in the Bible reflects the cultural attitudes of the ancient Israelites and underscores the broader theological themes of holiness, judgment, and redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 22:16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... The Water of Life; The Snare of the Fowler Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ... The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Ephesians vi. 14-17 Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: The Origin of Species. Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War. Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 Resources Why did Jesus call the Canaanite woman a dog? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between Microevolution and Macroevolution? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that you are the head and not the tail in Deuteronomy 28:13? | GotQuestions.org Dog: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dog (Sodomite?): Dumb and Sleeping Dog (Sodomite?): Epithet of Contempt Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Lapping of Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Blood Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Sores Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Returns to Eat his own Vomit Dog (Sodomite?): Price of, not to be Brought Into the Sanctuary Dog (Sodomite?): Shepherd Dogs The Dog: (Dumb) of Unfaithful Ministers The Dog: Dangerous and Destructive The Dog: Infested Cities by Night The Dog: Manner of, in Drinking Alluded To The Dog: Nothing Holy to be Given To The Dog: Price of, not to be Consecrated The Dog: Sacrificing of, an Abomination The Dog: Things Torn by Beasts Given To The Dog: when Domesticated: Employed in Watching Flocks The Dog: when Domesticated: Fed With the Crumbs Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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