Topical Bible: The Dog of Apostates

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In biblical literature, the imagery of dogs is often employed to symbolize impurity, uncleanliness, and apostasy. The term "dog" is used metaphorically to describe individuals who have turned away from the faith or who exhibit behaviors contrary to the teachings of Scripture. This entry explores the biblical references and theological implications of the "dog" as a symbol of apostates.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, dogs are frequently associated with uncleanness and are often depicted in a negative light. For instance, in Deuteronomy 23:18 , the Israelites are instructed, "You must not bring the wages of a prostitute or the earnings of a dog into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God." Here, the term "dog" is understood to refer to male prostitutes, highlighting the association of dogs with moral and spiritual impurity.

The imagery of dogs is also used in the context of judgment and destruction. In 1 Kings 14:11 , the prophecy against the house of Jeroboam states, "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and anyone who dies in the field, the birds of the air will eat. For the LORD has spoken." This passage underscores the disgrace and dishonor associated with being devoured by dogs, a fate reserved for those who have turned away from God.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the metaphor of dogs is further developed to describe those who reject the gospel or distort its message. In Philippians 3:2 , the Apostle Paul warns the believers, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, "dogs" refers to false teachers who were promoting a distorted version of the gospel, emphasizing the danger they posed to the early Christian community.

The most explicit connection between dogs and apostasy is found in 2 Peter 2:22 , which states, "Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'" This passage uses the imagery of a dog returning to its vomit to illustrate the folly and degradation of those who, after knowing the way of righteousness, turn back to their sinful ways. The proverb highlights the persistent nature of apostasy and the tendency of some individuals to revert to their former, sinful behaviors despite having experienced the truth of the gospel.

Theological Implications

The use of "dog" as a symbol for apostates carries significant theological implications. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of falling away from the faith and the spiritual consequences of rejecting the truth. The imagery underscores the importance of perseverance in the Christian life and the need for vigilance against false teachings and moral corruption.

Moreover, the metaphor of the dog challenges believers to examine their own lives for signs of spiritual complacency or regression. It calls for a commitment to holiness and a steadfast adherence to the teachings of Scripture, recognizing that apostasy not only dishonors God but also leads to spiritual ruin.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of dogs as symbols of apostates serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of turning away from the faith. It emphasizes the need for believers to remain faithful, discerning, and committed to the truth of the gospel in the face of challenges and temptations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:22
But it is happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... There are first, apostates, those who unite themselves with the church of Christ,
and ... it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

The Last Days of Augusta, 1560-1572.
... He must eschew the gatherings of Waldenses, Picards and all other apostates, denounce
their teaching as depraved, and ... "I should be like a little dog in the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xl the last days.htm

The Second Epistle of St. Peter
... As for apostates, who forsake true Christianity for such circles of sanctified
licentiousness, they merely illustrate the old adage about the dog and the sow! ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the second epistle of st.htm

The Almost Christian
... they have made an eternal halt, and so "returned like the dog to his ... unto repentance."
But notwithstanding the gospel is so severe against apostates, yet many ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the almost christian.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... Wandering stars,""that is, he means those who err and are apostates are of ... enjoying
himself and laughing, is like a man pelting the dog of voluptuousness ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

The Last Supper.
... All took it reverently, but Judas bit at it almost as a dog snatcheth meat from
its master's hands. ... "What do ye here, apostates?" cried Caiaphas. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter iii the last supper.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... speak to them, but they will snap and snarl like a growling watch-dog; and if ... So,
in every age, if you examine into the character of apostates, you will find ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Water of Life;
... A river will take away the very stink of a dead dog: nor doth all ... Apostates will,
therefore, from hence find gripping pangs and burning coals, for they have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... Hence it was that our Joseph, because the Egyptian woman wished to touch him, fled
from her hands, and, as if he had been bitten by a mad dog and feared the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm