In the Bible, dogs often symbolize contempt and impurity. Deuteronomy 23:18 forbids bringing the price of a dog, referring to a male cult prostitute, into God's house as an abomination. Revelation 22:15 lists dogs among the unrepentant and degenerate excluded from God's Kingdom. Jesus uses dogs metaphorically in Mark 7 to test a Gentile woman's faith, while in Matthew 7:6, dogs represent those unworthy of holy truths. Isaiah 56 and Psalm 59 depict irresponsible leaders and cruel men as dogs, driven by base desires. Despite this, literal dogs serve in herding, reflecting loyalty and obedience, akin to ministers guiding the flock under Christ, the Good Shepherd. Also see sermons and articles about Dogs.
Ecclesiastes 9:4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
Deuteronomy 23:18 You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the house of the LORD your God for any vowed offering, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God.
Psalm 59:14-15 And at evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city. They wander up and down for food, And howl if they are not satisfied.
Isaiah 56:10-11 His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.
Matthew 7:6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
