Dogs are not given much attention in the Bible, but there are a few noteworthy allusions that provide light on their significance. Examining these passages can offer a distinctive viewpoint on the ancient world’s perception of dogs and how they were seen in biblical times. Recognizing these allusions aids in our understanding of the relevance and larger context of animals in Scripture.
Dogs are mentioned in several biblical chapters as friends and symbols. These bible verses about dogs shed information on the roles that dogs played and the attitudes that people had toward them throughout biblical times. Examine these verses in further detail to learn about the biblical perspective on dogs and their place in God’s creation.
Even while dogs aren’t referenced very often in the Bible, when they are, it provides fascinating insights into historical traditions and symbolic meanings. We can have a better understanding of the historical and cultural backgrounds that influenced how dogs were seen in biblical stories by closely analyzing these biblical passages.
There are a few allusions to dogs in the Bible that represent different facets of life and ancient symbols. These bible verses about dogs lay the groundwork for comprehending both the larger significance of dogs within the biblical story and their place in biblical civilization. See how these allusions advance our knowledge of God’s creation and the variety of species that call it home.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Dogs
1. Exodus 22:31
“You shall be holy men to me. You shall not eat flesh torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.”
This verse instructs the Israelites to maintain holiness and cleanliness. The mention of dogs here reflects their role as scavengers and highlights the importance of avoiding unclean practices. It also suggests that dogs were not considered domesticated pets but rather as animals that consume discarded or potentially unclean food.
2. Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
In this context, dogs symbolize those who are unworthy or unable to appreciate valuable teachings. The verse advises against sharing sacred wisdom with those who will not value it, as it might lead to disrespect or conflict. It uses “dogs” metaphorically to represent people who reject spiritual truth.
3. Philippians 3:2
“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.”
Paul uses “dogs” metaphorically to describe false teachers or troublemakers who distort the gospel. In this context, “dogs” implies negative traits, such as being unclean or corrupt. The verse warns believers to be cautious of those who undermine their faith or lead them astray.
4. Psalms 22:16
“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.”
This verse uses “dogs” metaphorically to describe enemies or adversaries surrounding the psalmist. The term conveys a sense of aggression and hostility. It illustrates the intensity of the psalmist’s suffering and the moral degradation of those opposing him.
5. Psalms 59:6
“They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling about the city.”
In this verse, “dogs” represent hostile individuals who pose a threat or engage in malicious behavior. The imagery of snarling dogs portrays their aggressive and dangerous nature. It highlights the ongoing danger and unrest experienced by the psalmist.
6. Psalms 68:23
“That you may strike your enemies in the head, the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways.”
This verse uses “hairy crown” to symbolize the head or leadership of those who act wickedly. While not directly mentioning dogs, it may be associated with their wild and unruly nature, indicating the divine judgment upon the wicked.
7. Revelation 22:15
“Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Here, “dogs” are used metaphorically to describe individuals who are morally corrupt and excluded from the holy city. It reflects a broader understanding of “dogs” as those who live unrighteous and are thus separated from the divine presence.
8. Job 30:1
“But now they mock me, men who are younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock.”
In this verse, dogs represent a lower social status, suggesting that the men mocking Job are of inferior or contemptible character. It highlights Job’s sense of degradation and the reversal of social norms he experiences during his suffering.
9. 1 Kings 14:11
“Anyone who dies in the city shall be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the open country shall be eaten by the birds of the heavens; for the Lord has spoken.”
This verse reflects the cultural practices and beliefs about the aftermath of death. Dogs, in this case, symbolize scavengers that consume the remains of the deceased, highlighting the judgment and consequences pronounced by God.
10. 2 Kings 9:10
“And the body of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, ‘This is Jezebel.’”
Although not directly about dogs, this verse alludes to the desecration of Jezebel’s body, which dogs would later consume. It emphasizes the disgrace and finality of divine judgment against Jezebel, who had opposed God’s will.
11. 1 Samuel 17:43
“And the Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.”
The Philistine’s insult implies that David’s approach is as contemptible as if he were treating the Philistine like a mere dog. It highlights the cultural disdain for dogs and the perceived humiliation of facing such a challenge with lowly tools.
12. 2 Samuel 9:8
“And he paid homage and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?'”
Mephibosheth uses “dead dog” to express his humility and sense of worthlessness. The term reflects his lowly status and the improbability of receiving kindness from King David, highlighting the generosity extended to him despite his perceived insignificance.
13. Proverbs 26:11
“Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.”
This proverb uses the image of a dog returning to its vomit to illustrate the foolishness of repeating one’s mistakes. It conveys the idea that just as a dog’s behavior is unhygienic and irrational, so too is the folly of repeating the same errors without learning from them.
14. Proverbs 30:29-31
“Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride: the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any; the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.”
Though dogs are not mentioned directly, this passage contrasts the majesty of certain animals with the behavior of others. It implies that dogs, while notable, do not possess the same grandeur as those listed. The passage highlights the characteristics of nobility and strength compared to the more mundane traits of dogs.
15. Deuteronomy 23:18
“You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.”
In this verse, “dog” is used metaphorically to refer to male temple prostitutes, reflecting the cultural disdain and impurity associated with such practices. It underscores the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in offerings to God.
16. Isaiah 56:10
“His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.”
Here, “dogs” metaphorically describe negligent or corrupt leaders who fail to fulfill their duties. The image of “silent dogs” conveys their lack of vigilance and responsibility. It criticizes leaders who are passive and unhelpful to the community.
17. Lamentations 3:10
“He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding; he turned aside my ways and tore me to pieces; he has made me desolate.”
Although not directly about dogs, this verse employs animal imagery to describe the intensity of suffering. It compares the aggressor to fierce creatures, indicating the severity of the distress faced by the speaker, which can be related to the broader theme of suffering and divine judgment.
18. Matthew 15:26
“He answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.'”
Jesus uses “dogs” metaphorically to describe those who are not yet part of the covenant community, contrasting them with the “children” of Israel. The term reflects the cultural view of Gentiles as outsiders, though Jesus’ ultimate message emphasizes inclusivity and faith.
19. Mark 7:27
“And he said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.'”
Similar to Matthew 15:26, this verse uses “dogs” to symbolize those outside the covenant of Israel. Jesus’ use of this term illustrates the priority of ministering to the Israelites first, while also indicating that blessings would eventually extend to all, including Gentiles.
20. Job 30:16
“And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me.”
Although not directly about dogs, the verse reflects Job’s deep suffering and distress. The mention of dogs elsewhere in Job symbolizes contempt and lowliness, which mirrors the profound sense of personal degradation and despair expressed here.
21. Revelation 22:15
“Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
In Revelation, “dogs” symbolize those who are morally unclean and excluded from the New Jerusalem. This metaphor reflects the spiritual and ethical boundaries set by God, distinguishing the righteous from the unrighteous in the final judgment.
22. Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
Here, “dogs” represent individuals who cannot appreciate or value sacred teachings. The verse advises caution in sharing spiritual insights with those who will not respect or understand them, as it may lead to adverse reactions.
23. Philippians 3:2
“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.”
Paul uses “dogs” metaphorically to describe false teachers and those who corrupt the gospel. The term conveys a warning to be vigilant against deceitful influences that could harm the faith and integrity of believers.
24. Psalms 22:16
“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.”
“Dogs” here symbolize adversaries or enemies surrounding the psalmist. The term conveys the sense of being surrounded by hostility and suffering, highlighting the psalmist’s dire situation and the nature of his tormentors.
25. Psalms 59:6
“They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling about the city.”
The metaphor of snarling dogs describes individuals who pose a threat or engage in harmful behavior. The imagery of dogs prowling emphasizes the continuous and aggressive nature of the danger faced by the psalmist.
26. Job 30:1
“But now they mock me, men who are younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock.”
Job uses “dogs” to express disdain for those mocking him, indicating that they are of lowly status compared to his own former servants. The term reflects Job’s sense of humiliation and the reversal of social norms during his suffering.
27. 1 Kings 14:11
“Anyone who dies in the city shall be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the open country shall be eaten by the birds of the heavens; for the Lord has spoken.”
This verse reflects the cultural beliefs about death and decay. Dogs, as scavengers, symbolize the consumption of the deceased’s remains, indicating divine judgment and the consequences for those who defy God’s will.
28. 2 Kings 9:10
“And the body of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, ‘This is Jezebel.’”
The desecration of Jezebel’s body, later eaten by dogs, symbolizes divine judgment and dishonor. The term underscores the complete removal of her legacy and the disgrace that follows those who oppose God.
29. Proverbs 26:11
“Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.”
This proverb uses the image of a dog’s unsanitary behavior to illustrate the foolishness of repeating mistakes. It emphasizes the lack of learning and growth in those who continually engage in the same errors.
30. Proverbs 30:29-31
“Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride: the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any; the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.”
Although dogs are not mentioned directly, this passage contrasts the majesty of certain animals with the more mundane traits of others. It highlights the attributes of nobility and strength compared to the less impressive characteristics of dogs.
Conclusion
There are several different canine allusions in the Bible, both literally and figuratively. Dogs are frequently shown in ways that emphasize their function as scavengers or as symbols of filth and contempt, which reflects the cultural beliefs of ancient Israel. They are cited, for example, in connection with filthy behavior, disdain for society, and as symbols for enemies or false instructors.
The moral and spiritual values that the scriptures teach are made clearer by these portrayals. Understanding these allusions helps readers grasp the biblical texts’ historical and cultural context as well as the larger themes of righteousness, judgment, and the nature of knowledge. Though these allusions have negative implications in many texts, they also highlight the significance of purity and discernment in spiritual affairs.
