What does the Bible say about dogs?
In biblical times, dogs were predominantly viewed as unclean scavengers rather than the beloved companions we know today. These animals typically roamed in packs through ancient Israeli settlements, sustaining themselves on garbage and carrion, which contributed significantly to their reputation as impure creatures. This negative perception is reflected throughout scripture, where dogs are frequently used as metaphors for the unclean and unholy, with references to their scavenging nature and unsavory habits, such as returning to their own vomit (Proverbs 26:11).
The term "dog" carried serious weight as an insult in biblical contexts, often being used to describe those on society's margins or those considered spiritually unclean. This derogatory label was applied to various groups, including Gentiles, male prostitutes, and unbelievers, emphasizing their perceived status as outsiders to the community of faith (Philippians 3:2, Revelation 22:15). Even in the few instances where dogs were mentioned in potentially positive roles, such as watchdogs or guardians of sheep, their reliability was often questioned, further cementing their negative status in biblical literature.
This unfavorable view of dogs was deeply embedded in the cultural context of the ancient Near East, though some neighboring civilizations, particularly the Egyptians and Phoenicians, held more positive views of these animals. The biblical perspective on dogs reflects broader themes of purity and sacred space in ancient Jewish culture, where anything considered unclean was kept separate from holy places and people. This cultural understanding helps explain why dogs, despite their potential utility as guardians, were consistently portrayed in a negative light throughout scripture, serving as symbols of impurity and spiritual corruption (Psalm 22:16, 1 Kings 14:11).
Bible Verses about dogs:
Proverbs 26:11, "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly."
Matthew 15:26-27, "And he answered, 'It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.' She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.'"
Exodus 11:7, "But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel."
Philippians 3:2, "Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh."
2 Peter 2:22, "What the true proverb says has happened to them: 'The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.'"
Luke 16:21, "Who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores."
Revelation 22:15, "Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."
1 Kings 14:11, "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat, for the Lord has spoken."
Psalm 22:16, "For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet."
Job 30:1, "But now they laugh at me, men who are younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock."
