A common species of bird. In Scripture the dove symbolises the Spirit of God, and also certain kinds of human behaviour.

Genesis 8:8-12

A kind of bird

Songs 2:12
Jeremiah 8:7
Leviticus 5:7

Doves as sacrifices for those who were poor

See also

Genesis 15:9
Leviticus 1:14; 5:11; 12:6-8; 14:22,30; 15:14,29
Numbers 6:10
Matthew 21:12
Luke 2:24
John 2:14

pp Mk 11:15

Songs 2:14; 5:2; 6:9

"Dove" as a term of endearment

Psalms 68:13; 74:19

Israel as God's "dove"

Psalms 55:6

"Dove" used figuratively

Songs 1:15; 4:1; 5:12
Isaiah 38:14; 59:11
Jeremiah 48:28
Ezekiel 7:16
Hosea 7:11; 11:11
Nahum 2:7
Matthew 10:16
Matthew 3:16

The dove as a symbol of the Spirit of God

pp Mk 1:10

See also

pp Lk 3:22

pp Jn 1:32-34

1670 symbols
2510 Christ, baptism of
3120 Holy Spirit, descriptions
3269 Holy Spirit, in life of Jesus Christ
4612 birds
4681 ram
7435 sacrifice, in OT
8264 gentleness
8277 innocence
8299 love in relationships

See also