Bible Dictionaries
Dog
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Frequently mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments. Dogs were used by the Hebrews as a watch for their houses (Isaiah 56:10 ), and for guarding their flocks (Job 30:1 ). There were also then as now troops of semi-wild dogs that wandered about devouring dead bodies and the offal of the streets (1 Kings 14:11; 16:4; 21:19,23; 22:38; Psalm 59:6,14 ). As the dog was an unclean animal, the terms "dog," "dog's head," "dead dog," were used as terms of reproach or of humiliation (1 Samuel 24:14; 2 Samuel 3:8; 9:8; 16:9 ). Paul calls false apostles "dogs" (Philippians 3:2 ). Those who are shut out of the kingdom of heaven are also so designated (Revelation 22:15 ). Persecutors are called "dogs" (Psalm 22:16 ). Hazael's words, "Thy servant which is but a dog" (2 Kings 8:13 ), are spoken in mock humility=impossible that one so contemptible as he should attain to such power.
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Dog'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/d/dog.html. 1897.