Topical Bible: The Fox: Crafty

◄ The Fox: Crafty ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the fox is often emblematic of craftiness and cunning. This symbolism is rooted in the animal's behavior and characteristics, which are frequently referenced in Scripture to convey themes of deceit, destruction, and subtlety.

Old Testament References

The fox appears in the Old Testament as a symbol of desolation and ruin. In the Song of Solomon 2:15, the foxes are described as small creatures that spoil the vineyards: "Catch for us the foxes—the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—for our vineyards are in bloom." Here, the foxes represent minor yet destructive forces that can undermine growth and prosperity, suggesting the need for vigilance against seemingly insignificant threats.

In the book of Lamentations, the desolation of Jerusalem is likened to a place inhabited by foxes: "Because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, foxes prowl in it" (Lamentations 5:18). This imagery underscores the devastation and abandonment of the once-thriving city, with foxes symbolizing the presence of ruin and decay.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of the fox to describe cunning and deceitful behavior. In Luke 13:32, Jesus refers to Herod Antipas as "that fox," saying, "Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’" By calling Herod a fox, Jesus highlights the ruler's sly and deceptive nature, as well as his political maneuvering.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The fox's reputation for craftiness is well-established in biblical texts, where it often serves as a metaphor for individuals or forces that are deceitful and destructive. The fox's ability to navigate and survive in various environments makes it an apt symbol for those who use cunning and guile to achieve their ends.

In a broader theological context, the fox can represent the subtle and insidious nature of sin and temptation. Just as foxes can infiltrate and spoil a vineyard, so too can sin quietly enter and corrupt the soul. This symbolism serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and discerning, guarding against the seemingly small and inconspicuous threats that can lead to spiritual ruin.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the fox was often associated with trickery and intelligence. This perception is reflected in various literary and cultural traditions, where the fox is frequently portrayed as a clever and resourceful creature. The biblical use of the fox as a symbol of craftiness aligns with these broader cultural associations, reinforcing the animal's role as a metaphor for cunning and deceit.

Overall, the fox in biblical literature serves as a powerful symbol of craftiness, representing both the destructive potential of deceit and the need for vigilance against subtle threats. Through its use in Scripture, the fox challenges believers to remain watchful and discerning, guarding against the cunning forces that seek to undermine their faith and integrity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 13:32
And he said to them, Go you, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

258. alopex -- a fox
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: alopex Phonetic Spelling:
(al-o'-pakes) Short Definition: a fox Definition: a fox; a fox-like, crafty person. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/258.htm - 6k

Library

Persecutions of Herod Antipas. (Luke, xiii. , 31. )
... It would not have been in harmony with his character to rebuke them over Herod's
shoulders by calling him a crafty "fox," when the epithet was intended for ...
/.../section 220 persecutions of herod.htm

The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
... of sending messengers to warn Jesus under the guise of friendship.] 32 And he said
unto them, Go and say to that fox [ie, say to that crafty, sly fellow. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxix the strait gate warned.htm

Whether any Demons are Naturally Wicked?
... Dei x, 11): "There is a class of demons of crafty nature, pretending that ... some
irrational animals have wicked dispositions by nature: thus the fox is naturally ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether any demons are naturally.htm

Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ...
... is devoid of shame. Hate, therefore, this kind of wickedness. The fox also
is crafty, and fraudulent. Emulate not this vice; but ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xii thanksgiving to god.htm

Herod
... when Jesus was advised to go thence or Herod would kill Him, He at once knew who
had instigated the crafty monition, and sent back his defiance to that fox. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 14-29 herod.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... The works of Fox, Penn, Barclay, and others, with their books of discipline, and ...
and of love.' He meekly commences with"'How long, ye crafty fowlers, will ye ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Herod --A Startled Conscience
... half-independent Rajahs, whose dominions march with ours in India; capricious, crafty,
as the epithet which Christ applied to him, 'That fox!' shows; cruel, as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/heroda startled conscience.htm

Christ's Message to Herod
... 'And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I ... communicates to them,
shows that He regarded them as in a plot with that crafty, capricious kinglet ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christs message to herod.htm

Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ...
... But it holds accused crafty wills. ... [5318] [The moral uses of the animal creation
are recognised in all languages; as when we say of men, a serpent, a fox, a hog ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter iii argument and thus unclean.htm

The Cross as a Social Principle
... And he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out demons ... but a clash
of principles, of justice with wrong, of truth with crafty subterfuges, or ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter xi the cross as.htm