Dogs have been a part of Christianity since its inception. They have been used in paintings, sculptures, and other artwork to represent different aspects of religion. Dogs are often seen as loyal and obedient creatures, which is why they are often associated with Christianity. In this blog post, we will explore the role dogs play in Christianity and how they have evolved over the years. The Greyhound is the only specific Dog Breed Mentioned in the Bible.
1. Dogs in Christianity represent faithfulness.
2. Saint Dominic was accompanied by a dog after his mother dreamt of one.
3. The Dominican Order means “dog of the Lord” or “hound of the Lord.”
4. In Christian folklore, a church grim often takes the form of a black dog to guard Christian churches and their churchyards from sacrilege.
5. A dog is mentioned in the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, accompanying Tobias and the angel Raphael on their journeys.
6. Jesus told the story of the poor man Lazarus, whose sores were licked by street dogs. This has traditionally been interpreted as a sign of Jesus’ compassion.
7. Dogs are often used as symbols of loyalty and compassion.
8. They are also seen as symbols of God’s protection and mercy.
9. In Christianity, dogs represent faithfulness and compassion, it is a good thing since these virtues are also associated with God himself.
They are not mentioned in the new Heaven, new earth, as a living thing.
Table of Contents
List of 11 Bible verses containing Dogs in the Bible
- Psalm 22:16 – says “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” This is a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.(King James Version)
- 2 Samuel 3:8 – says “And dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her.” This is a reference to the death of Queen Jezebel, who was eaten by dogs.
- Revelation 22:15 – says “For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” This is a reference to the people who will be excluded from heaven.
- 2 Kings 9:36 – says “And when they went out to bury her, behold, dogs came and licked up her blood, and the prostitutes washed in it.” This is a reference to the death of Jezebel.
- Job 30:1 – says “But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.” This is a reference to Job’s low state.
- Isaiah 56:11 – says “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.” This is a reference to the people who are greedy and self-centered.
- Matthew 15:27 – says “And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” This is a reference to the woman who begged Jesus for help.
- Luke 16:21 – says “And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores.” This is a reference to Lazarus, the poor man.
- Psalm 68:23 – says “That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.” This is a reference to the victory of God’s people.
- Isaiah 66:17 – says “They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord.” This is a reference to the people who are unclean and will be destroyed.
- Proverbs 26:11 – says “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” This is a reference to the people who are foolish and will not learn from their mistakes.
- Ecclesiastes 11:22 – says “As a dog eateth of the crumbs which fall from his master’s table: so an evil man eateth up the sin of another.” This is a reference to the people who are evil and will consume others.
- Proverbs 30:29-31 King James Version – says “There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.”
Dogs in the Bible
There are many references to dogs in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, dogs were often associated with scavenging and violence, and they were considered to be unclean animals. However, there are also several instances where dogs are shown in a positive light.
For example, in the book of Job, a faithful dog is praised for remaining loyal to his master even when he is suffering. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of giving attention to even the smallest and most despised creatures, including dogs. In History they have been beloved pets, a family pet, even a family member. Sheep dog would guard little ewe lamb, human beings that were made in God’s image.
He also uses the image of a dog licking its Master’s hand as a way of illustrating how we should humbly submit to God’s will. Thus, while Dogs may not always be portrayed favorably in the Bible, there are also several instances where they are seen as symbols of loyalty, humility, and faithfulness.
Dogs as Symbols in Christianity
Dogs are often seen as loyal companions, and this is one of the reasons they are used as symbols in Christianity. In the Bible, dogs are mentioned numerous times and are generally used in a negative light. For example, in Matthew 7:6, Jesus says, “Do not give dogs what is holy.”
This is interpreted to mean that we should not give our time and energy to things that will not appreciate or understand it. Similarly, in Philippians 3:2, Paul says, “Beware of dogs.” This is usually interpreted to mean that we should be on guard against people who are unthinking and vicious.
However, there are also some positive references to dogs in the Bible. In Proverbs 26:11, it says, “As a dog returns to its vomit.” This is usually interpreted to mean that we should not repeat our mistakes. Overall, dogs can be seen as symbols of both loyalty and caution.
Who was the Patron Saint of Dogs (Catholic Church)
Many people are surprised to learn that there is a Patron Saint of Dogs. In fact, Saint Roch is the Patron Saint of Dogs, and he is also the Patron Saint of several other things. Saint Roch was born in France in the year 1295. He was a very religious man, and he devoted his life to helping the sick and the poor. During a plague outbreak in Italy, Saint Roch risked his own life to care for those who were suffering. He is said to have cured many people of the disease, and he even performed miracles. After his death, Saint Roch became known as the Patron Saint of Dogs because of his compassion for all god’s creatures. Today, there are statues and shrines dedicated to him all over the world, and many people keep his image in their homes as a reminder to be kind to all animals.
The Spiritual Significance of Dogs with People in History
Dogs have long been considered man’s best friend, but their role in human history goes far beyond simply providing companionship. For many centuries, dogs have also been seen as spiritual guides and protectors.
In many cultures, dogs are believed to possess the ability to see into the spirit world and to communicate with otherworldly beings. They are often seen as mediators between the human and spiritual realms and are thought to possess great wisdom. In some traditions, dogs are even said to be able to travel between the worlds of the living and the dead.
As guardian spirits, dogs are thought to be able to protect people from harm. In many cultures, they are believed to ward off evil spirits and to keep ghosts away from homes. In religious tradition. ancient greeks used them to protect from wild animals.
Dogs are also often invoked in healing ceremonies and are thought to have the power to cure illness and relieve pain. In some traditions, dogs are even said to be able to cure diseases by licking them.
The spiritual power of dogs has long been recognized by humans, and their role in our lives remains as important as ever. Dogs continue to be seen as our loyal companions, but they also remain an important part of our spiritual heritage.
Are Dogs Condemned by God or are they Beloved Creatures? New Creation
In the book of Genesis, God creates all animals and declares them to be good. Later, after the Fall, God tells Noah to take two of every kind of animal onto Ark. This would have included dogs, which were evidently still considered to be good at this point. They would of been created with birds of the air, fish of the sea,
However, after the Flood, God changed His attitude towards animals. In the book of Leviticus, He gave strict instructions about which animals could be eaten and which were to be regarded as unclean. Dogs were among those deemed to be unclean, and this is where the idea that they are condemned by God comes from.
However, it’s important to remember that these instructions were given specifically to the Israelites. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about dogs in a positive way on several occasions. For example, in Matthew 15:26-27, He says that even the dogs will eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.
This shows that Jesus had high regard for dogs and saw them as beloved creatures. So, while there is some basis for the idea that dogs are condemned by God, it’s clear that this is not the whole story. Christians should remember that Jesus spoke about dogs in a positive way and view them as creatures to be loved and cared for.
Final Thoughts – Dogs in Christianity
in summary, dogs in Christianity are seen as both loyal and cautionary creatures. They have a long history of being considered spiritual guides and protectors, and they are thought to possess great wisdom. They are one of God’s creatures who have the breath of life. In Modern Times Dog owners value pet ownership many being dog lovers.
God Bless Greg
