Dogs

In biblical times, dogs were generally viewed with disdain and were not the domesticated pets we know today. They were often seen as scavengers, roaming the streets and countryside, feeding on refuse and carrion. This perception is reflected in various scriptural references where dogs symbolize uncleanness and contempt.

In the Old Testament, dogs are frequently mentioned in contexts that highlight their lowly status. For instance, in 1 Kings 14:11 , it is prophesied that "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city, the dogs will eat." This imagery underscores the ignoble fate awaiting those who fall under divine judgment. Similarly, in 1 Kings 21:23-24 , the dogs are foretold to devour Jezebel, further illustrating their association with disgrace and divine retribution.

The New Testament continues this portrayal. In Philippians 3:2 , Paul warns, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, "dogs" is a metaphor for false teachers and those who pervert the gospel, emphasizing their impurity and danger to the faith community.

Moreover, in Matthew 7:6 , Jesus advises, "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces." This passage uses dogs to represent those who are unworthy or incapable of appreciating the sacred, reinforcing the idea of dogs as symbols of impurity and spiritual blindness.

Swine

Swine, or pigs, hold a similarly negative connotation in the Bible, particularly within the Jewish context, where they are considered unclean animals according to Levitical law. Leviticus 11:7 states, "And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you." This prohibition against consuming pork underscores the pig's status as an impure creature.

In the New Testament, swine are used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. As mentioned earlier, in Matthew 7:6 , Jesus warns against casting "pearls before swine," suggesting that sacred teachings should not be offered to those who are unable or unwilling to appreciate their value. This metaphor highlights the swine's association with ignorance and spiritual insensitivity.

The account of the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:11-13 further illustrates the negative symbolism of swine. When Jesus casts out the legion of demons, they enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. This event not only demonstrates Jesus' authority over evil spirits but also reinforces the idea of swine as unclean and associated with chaos and destruction.

In summary, both dogs and swine in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of impurity, spiritual blindness, and moral degradation. Their frequent use in metaphorical language underscores the importance of discernment and the need to maintain spiritual purity in the face of worldly corruption.