While dogs are mentioned a few times in the Bible, the focus is often symbolic. Today, we’ll explore what these references mean and what Scripture teaches about animals in general.
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What Does The Bible Say About Dogs
Proverbs 26:11
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.”
This verse uses the image of a dog returning to its own vomit to illustrate the foolishness of people who continue to repeat their foolish actions. It serves as a warning against the destructive cycle of repeating mistakes and not learning from them.
The comparison to a dog reinforces the idea that just as a dog’s behavior is instinctive and repetitive, so too can be the behavior of fools who refuse to change their ways.
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse advises against sharing valuable or sacred things with those who are unworthy or disrespectful. Dogs and pigs are used metaphorically to represent people who do not appreciate or respect the worth of something precious.
By cautioning against offering these valuable things to dogs and pigs, this verse emphasizes the importance of discernment in our interactions and the need to protect that which is sacred.
Philippians 3:2
“Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.”
In this verse, dogs are used as a metaphor for evildoers or false teachers who corrupt the message of Christ. Paul urges the Philippians to be cautious and vigilant against those who distort the true gospel.
The reference to dogs serves to highlight the deceptive nature of such individuals, often appearing harmless or friendly on the surface but ultimately leading people astray.
Psalm 22:16
“Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.”
These words from the psalm of David prophetically describe the suffering of Jesus on the cross. The mention of dogs surrounding and encircling emphasizes the hostility and cruelty Jesus endured.
The imagery of dogs in this verse symbolizes the enemies of Christ, acting as a visual representation of the tormentors who inflicted pain upon Him.
Matthew 15:26
“He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.'”
In this encounter, Jesus uses the analogy of dogs to illustrate the priority and order of His ministry. He explains that His primary mission is to the people of Israel, referring to them as the “children.”
The mention of dogs highlights the distinction between the chosen people and the Gentiles, indicating that salvation was initially intended for the Jews and later extended to all nations.
Luke 16:21
“and longed to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.”
This verse describes a scene in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus, a poor beggar covered in sores, lies at the gate of the rich man’s house. The dogs that come and lick his wounds symbolize the lack of compassion and assistance from the rich man.
The presence of dogs highlights the stark contrast between the indifference of the rich man and the kind actions of the animals, emphasizing the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards others.
2 Samuel 9:8
“Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?'”
This verse captures Mephibosheth’s humility and unworthiness as he acknowledges his lowly status before David, the king. He uses the imagery of a dead dog to express his own insignificance and perceived worthlessness.
The mention of a dead dog emphasizes the extent to which Mephibosheth considers himself undeserving of the king’s attention or favor, thus highlighting the power of humility.
Isaiah 56:10
“Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep.”
In this verse, dogs are used as a metaphor for the spiritual leaders of Israel who have failed in their responsibilities. They are depicted as blind, lacking knowledge, and incapable of fulfilling their duty as watchmen for the people.
The comparison to dogs highlights their ineffectiveness, insensitivity, and negligence in warning and guiding the nation, emphasizing the need for true and vigilant leaders.
1 Kings 21:19
“Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood – yes, yours!'”
This verse contains the prophetic message from Elijah to King Ahab. It foretells the judgment upon Ahab for his wickedness and the consequences that will befall him for orchestrating the murder of Naboth in order to seize his vineyard.
The mention of dogs licking up the blood serves as a visual representation of the impending judgment and the severity of God’s punishment upon Ahab and his family.
Psalm 59:6
“They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.”
This verse portrays the wicked as they roam and act with hostility under the cover of darkness. The comparison to snarling dogs captures their aggressive and threatening nature.
The imagery of dogs highlights the menacing behavior of the wicked, emphasizing the need for protection and deliverance from those who seek to harm the innocent.
Matthew 15:27
“‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.'”
In this conversation between Jesus and a Canaanite woman, the woman displays great faith and humility by acknowledging her “lesser” status compared to the chosen people. She uses the analogy of dogs eating crumbs to express her willingness to receive even the smallest measure of God’s grace.
The reference to dogs highlights the woman’s humility and her understanding that even a small portion of God’s grace is sufficient to bring about healing and deliverance.
Psalm 59:14
“They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.”
This verse portrays the wicked as they roam and act with hostility under the cover of darkness. The comparison to snarling dogs captures their aggressive and threatening nature.
The imagery of dogs highlights the menacing behavior of the wicked, emphasizing the need for protection and deliverance from those who seek to harm the innocent.
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
In this verse, the Apostle Paul declares his faithful commitment to serving God and spreading the Gospel. He uses the metaphors of a fight and a race to highlight his perseverance and dedication.
The mention of a fight signifies the spiritual battles Paul faced throughout his ministry, while the race emphasizes his determination to complete the course set before him, ultimately remaining steadfast in his faith until the end.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
This verse cautions against false prophets who disguise themselves as sheep but are, in reality, destructive and deceitful. The imagery of wolves in sheep’s clothing represents those who intend to harm and deceive God’s people.
The mention of wolves highlights the predatory nature and cunning tactics employed by false prophets, reinforcing the importance of discernment and testing the teachings against the truth of God’s Word.
Psalm 59:14
“And at evening they return; they growl like a dog and go prowling about the city.”
In this verse, the psalmist describes the relentless pursuit of the wicked as they roam about, growling and causing trouble. The comparison to dogs conveys their aggressive and persistent behavior.
The mention of dogs serves to emphasize the ongoing threat posed by the wicked, highlighting the need for God’s intervention and protection.
Psalm 68:23
“That you may strike your feet in their blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe.”
This verse speaks of God’s victory over His enemies. The mention of dogs represents the loyal servants of God who partake in the defeat of His foes.
By including dogs in this imagery, this verse emphasizes the completeness of God’s triumph and highlights the vindication and reward received by those who faithfully serve Him.
Psalm 22:20
“Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.”
In this heartfelt plea for deliverance, the psalmist asks God to rescue him from the threat of vicious dogs that represent his enemies and oppressors.
The metaphorical use of dogs underscores the imminent danger and the urgent need for God’s intervention to protect and save the psalmist’s life from those who seek to harm him.
Isaiah 56:11
“The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. The shepherds also have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all.”
This verse depicts the insatiable appetite of the wicked as well as the lack of wisdom and guidance from the spiritual leaders of Israel. The metaphor of dogs consuming everything in their path highlights the relentless pursuit of self-gratification by the unrighteous.
The mention of dogs emphasizes the destructive nature of those who prioritize their own gain and desires over the well-being and spiritual growth of God’s people.
Isaiah 66:3
“But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations.”
In this verse, God rebukes the insincere and hypocritical worship of the people of Israel. He compares their rituals to detestable acts, including breaking a dog’s neck, presenting pig’s blood, and worshiping idols.
The mention of a dog’s neck highlights God’s disdain for ritualistic acts that are divorced from genuine obedience and devotion, reinforcing the importance of genuine heart worship.
Job 30:1
“But now they laugh at me, men younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs.”
In this lament, Job expresses his frustration over the mockery and disrespect he receives from those who are younger than him. He recalls the honor and distinction he held among his community, implying that those who now ridicule him would not even be deemed fit for the role of a sheep dog.
The mention of sheep dogs underscores the lowly status and insignificance of those who belittle Job, emphasizing the drastic change in his social standing and the depth of his suffering.
Psalm 59:6
“They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and go prowling about the city.”
This verse portrays the wicked as they roam and act with hostility under the cover of darkness. The comparison to snarling dogs captures their aggressive and threatening nature.
The imagery of dogs highlights the menacing behavior of the wicked, emphasizing the need for protection and deliverance from those who seek to harm the innocent.
Proverbs 26:17
“Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.”
This proverb cautions against interfering or involving oneself in disputes or conflicts that do not directly concern them. The image of someone grabbing a stray dog by the ears emphasizes the dangers and consequences of recklessly inserting oneself into situations.
By comparing the act of meddling in others’ quarrels to grabbing a dog by the ears, this verse highlights the potential harm and trouble that can arise from getting involved in matters that do not pertain to us.
Psalm 59:14-15
“They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and go prowling about the city. They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied.”
These verses describe the behavior of the wicked as they roam the city, seeking their own desires and causing unrest. The comparison to dogs highlights their persistent and insatiable nature.
The imagery of dogs conveys the restlessness and discontentment of the wicked, showcasing the destructive consequences that result from chasing after selfish pursuits.
Revelation 22:15
“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
In this passage, those who are excluded from the new Jerusalem and the presence of God are referred to as “dogs.” The term encompasses a wide range of sinful behaviors and unrepentant individuals.
The reference to dogs emphasizes the separation between the righteous and the unrighteous, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of persisting in a life of sin and rebellion against God.