Animals of the Bible · Ground · Domestic
The Dog
The Dog — a wonderful creature of Scripture and of the Bible world
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- Matthew 15:26-27
- Where it lived
- The “ground” habitat in the Bible lands: the valleys and hills of the Holy Land
- What it reminds us of
- The Dog in Scripture
Stories from Scripture
The Dog in the stories of the Bible
People of faith
The Dog in Scripture
“…yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” The woman of great faith received an answer to her prayer from Jesus, showing that God’s grace and kindness pour out on all who believe.
Matthew 15:26-27The prophets and the wise
What the Bible teaches about the dog
“…moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.” In the parable of Lazarus, the dogs of the street showed more pity than the uncaring rich man, teaching us the value of compassion for the one who suffers.
Luke 16:21
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
In Bible villages, dogs often lived at the edge of the settlements or guarded the flocks at night against wild animals, as the book of Job reminds us (30:1).
In Bible times, the dog was part of the everyday scenery of the lands of the ancient East.
Every feature of this creature shows the order and care of the Creator for all the living things on earth.
From the Holy Scriptures
What do we read in the Bible about the dog?
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Read each passage in the context of its chapter in the Bible.
What the dog teaches us
The Dog in Scripture
In Bible times the dog was not pampered as it is today; it lived free and was looked at from a distance. Yet Jesus uses it in memorable parables to show that His mercy knows no borders, and that anyone who comes to Him with humility and faith will find compassion.
How we can live this out today
Look at nature and thank God for the care He gives to every creature, big or small!
Mini-Quiz
What did you learn about the dog?
In which book of the Bible do we find references to the dog?
For parents and children
At home and in Sunday school
A question for parents and children
What can we learn from the way God takes care of the animals in nature? How does the Bible show us His love for us?
“Lord, thank You for the wonderful world You made and for Your care every day. Teach me to love Your creation and to follow You with a thankful heart! Amen.”