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What Does A Dove Symbolize in Scripture?
A dove in scripture represent peace and the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is said to have descended in the form of dove on the Lord Jesus at the time of His baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan.
It's also the type of bird used by Noah in Genesis 8 to tell that the flood waters had receded after the flood, symbolizing peace and safety.
Here are more instances of the dove in Holy Scripture:
| Scripture Reference | Context / Description | Scholarly Interpretation / Commentary | Theological Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis 8:8–12 | Noah sends out a dove from the ark; it returns with an olive leaf | Scholars note the dove symbolizes peace, hope, and new beginnings (e.g., John Sailhamer: Genesis Commentary) | Represents God’s restoration and the promise of new life after judgment |
| Song of Solomon 2:14; 5:2 | Dove imagery used to describe purity and beauty | Dove often symbolizes innocence, gentleness, and purity in Hebrew poetry (e.g., Motyer: The Message of the Song of Songs) | Represents the beloved’s innocence; some interpret typologically in Christian thought as pointing to the Spirit’s gentleness |
| Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32–34 | The Holy Spirit descends “like a dove” at Jesus’ baptism | Scholars highlight the metaphorical nature: the Spirit’s gentle, peaceful, and pure presence (e.g., Köstenberger: Baker Exegetical Commentary) | Shows the Spirit’s anointing of Christ; dove symbolizes gentleness, peace, and divine approval |
| Psalm 55:6 | "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest" | Dove symbolizes longing for peace and escape from distress; Hebrew poetic imagery (e.g., Kidner: Psalms 1–72) | Illustrates human desire for refuge and spiritual rest in God |
| Hosea 7:11 | Israel likened to “a silly dove, without sense” | Dove can indicate innocence but also naïveté; warns against being easily deceived (e.g., Walton: The IVP Bible Background Commentary) | Suggests spiritual immaturity; contrast to the Spirit’s wisdom |
| Leviticus 1:14; Luke 2:24 | Doves used as sacrificial offerings | Scholars note doves were considered acceptable for poor worshippers (e.g., Milgrom: Leviticus 1–16) | Doves symbolize purity, atonement, and accessibility of worship, linking to the Spirit’s sanctifying work |
| Matthew 10:16 | Jesus says, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” | Dove represents innocence, purity, and harmlessness (e.g., France: The Gospel of Matthew) | Ethical metaphor for Spirit-filled living: gentle, harmless, yet discerning |
| Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 5:7 | Use of doves in covenant and sin-offering contexts | Doves represent submission, obedience, and peace with God (e.g., Wright: The New Testament and the People of God) | Prefigures Christ and the Spirit as mediators of covenantal peace |
| Joel 2:28–32 / Acts 2:17–18 | Prophecy of Spirit outpouring; dove imagery implicit in symbolism of purity and peace | Dove imagery not explicit, but scholars see connection between Spirit’s gentle presence and prophetic fulfillment (e.g., Beale: A New Testament Biblical Theology) | Spirit’s work brings peace, purity, and renewal in believers |
Scriptures About Holy Spirit as a Dove
"And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him." - John 1:32
"And the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:22
Scriptures on The Holy Spirit
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. John 14:16
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:3-4
