What Does the Bible Say About Dogs?
The Bible has very little to say about dogs specifically, but there are a few references to them. In the book of Genesis, it is likely that a pair of dogs was included when every kind of animal went onto the ark as the floodwaters came. Later, in the book of Exodus, God gives Moses specific instructions on how to deal with dog bites. The most well-known reference to dogs in the Bible is probably in the book of Revelation, where it is said that those who do not repent will be thrown into a lake of fire where they will be gnawed on by dogs. This is typically interpreted as a metaphor for the eternal suffering of those who do not repent and turn to God. It is also known that the only dog breed mentioned in the Bible is the Greyhound.
The Bible mainly mentions dogs in a metaphorical sense thus it seems derogatory about dogs. In Biblical times dogs were used metaphorically in a negative sense to compare dogs to enemies, evil doers, and the unfaithful alike. This kind of usages says more about the people they describe than the nature of dogs or the way that we as people should treat dogs. We should treat them and any animal with kindness as the scripture will show below.
While the Bible seems to compare dogs to many of the bad qualities that humans possess there are still many great lessons. We can learn about life from them. We should not disregard the Biblical narrative because some in Biblical times used dogs in negative comparison. We can understand that wild dogs and packs of dogs roamed about and probably wreaked havoc on people and property alike, and they were probably using those dogs as an illustration, not your fluffy best friend that is a family member to you. They had a different outlook on dogs in Jewish culture in New Testament time.
What is the only dog breed mentioned in the Bible:
The only dog breed mentioned in the Bible is the Greyhound. (Proverbs 30:29–31; King James Version). It should be noted that other translations don’t even list a dog. The meaning of the Hebrew word is unknown.
What the Bible Say About Dogs? An in-depth look at a few verses:
In Exodus 11:7, God says, ” 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.’” The spiritual lesson here is that when God sets you a part for something, that even the dogs will know it.
In Mark 7:24-30, the Syrophoenician woman says that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. This response to Jesus won His favor and He delivered her child. You can learn about great faith from that lesson by clicking here: (Link Syrophoenician Woman blog).
In general, the Bible teaches that we should be kind to all creatures, including dogs, and that God views even the smallest animals as important. Proverbs 12:10, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
What the Bible says about dogs.
More Illustrations About Dogs in the Bible:
“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.” – Matthew 7:6 This is a powerful illustration to not waste what is valuable on those that don’t appreciate the value and could possibly be angered at the offer.
Ecclesiastes 9:4
“But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” This scripture ensures those that are still living that there is hope. There is hope that someone can repent and live out their remaining days serving God.
Philippians 3:2
“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.”
Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi to beware of those that are false teachers who pervert the Gospel and require the mutilation of the flesh, namely circumcision, to be a child of God.
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.” These are two graphic images that serve as a warning about falling away from Christ by following false teachers or by going back to your old lifestyle.
How dogs benefit our lives:
Dogs can help improve our mental, physical, and emotional health. Having a pet dog has been linked with several mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and increasing feelings of social connectedness. For many people, dogs provide companionship, love, and security. They can also help to ease loneliness and provide a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that dog owners have higher levels of self-esteem and self-worth than those without a pet. Dogs also offer an opportunity for exercise and outdoor activity, which can boost mental well-being.
Walking your dog can help to clear your head, improve your mood and increase your sense of calm. Research has shown that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduce stress and anxiety. In one study, participants who petted a dog for just 10 minutes showed a significant decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone. So, if you’re feeling down or stressed, consider getting a dog. Not only will you be giving a furry friend a loving home, but you’ll also be improving your mental health in the process.
Dogs are a Good Example of Unconditional Love. Unconditional Love is Biblical.
A dog is one of the most loyal creatures on earth. They will love you no matter what you look like, how much money you have, or what you’ve done. They are always happy to see you and will do anything to make you smile. Dogs teach us about loyalty and unconditional love. Dogs have been known to be man’s best friend for centuries. They are always happy to see us, wag their tail, and give us kisses. No matter what kind of day we’ve had, they are always there for us. Dogs teach us to be loyal and to always be there for the people we love. Dogs also teach us about unconditional love. They don’t care if we’re rich or poor, they will still love us the same. They don’t judge us for our mistakes, they just want to be by our side. Dogs remind us that we should love unconditionally, no matter what. Dogs are such special creatures that teach us so much about loyalty and love. They are always there for us, no matter what. They remind us to love unconditionally and to be loyal to the people we care about.
Dogs can teach us a lot about love. In the same way that God will chase us down and love us unconditionally, a fluffy companion will also stick by our side through thick and thin. I believe that God made dogs be man’s best friend for a reason.
In Conclusion,
The Bible is not explicit about dogs, but there are a few references to them. In the book of Revelation, the “dog” is used as a metaphor for evil. In Proverbs, the “dog” is listed as one of the animals that are not to be trusted. In general, the Bible does not have a high view of dogs, but they are not explicitly condemned either. The only specific dog breed mentioned in the Bible is the Greyhound in one version of the English Bible. (Proverbs 30:29–31; King James Version).
