Dove(turtle dove)
Summary
A clean bird permitted for sacrifice in the Mosaic law, symbolizing innocence, peace, and the Holy Spirit who descended upon Jesus at His baptism.
☩Symbol of Peace
The dove first appears as the harbinger of reconciliation after the flood. Noah sent forth a dove from the ark, which returned with an olive leaf in its mouth—the first sign that the waters had abated and life was returning to the earth. This event established the dove as an enduring symbol of peace and divine favor. The gentle nature of doves, their soft cooing, and their fidelity to their mates all contributed to their symbolic significance throughout Scripture.
☩Sacrificial Use
By Hebrew law, doves and turtle-doves were the only birds acceptable for sacrifice. They were usually selected by the less wealthy, providing a way for the poor to participate in worship. Dealers in sacrificial doves sat in the temple precincts, and it was these whom Jesus drove out for making His Father's house 'a house of merchandise.' Mary and Joseph offered 'a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons' at Jesus' presentation, indicating their humble circumstances.
☩Symbol of the Holy Spirit
At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him 'like a dove'—visible, gentle, and pure. This imagery connects the Spirit's presence with the dove's traditional symbolism of innocence and peace. All four Gospels record this significant event, emphasizing its importance for understanding Jesus' identity and ministry. The dove thus became associated with divine anointing and the Spirit's work.
☩Symbol of Innocence
Jesus instructed His disciples to be 'harmless as doves' while also being 'wise as serpents'—combining gentleness with prudence. David, in distress, longed for 'wings like a dove' to fly away and be at rest. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is repeatedly called 'my dove' as a term of tender endearment, praising her eyes as 'doves' eyes.' The mourning of doves became a metaphor for lamentation.
Related Verses37 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Dove," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Dove," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Dove," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.John Kitto, "Dove; Turtledove," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. I (Mark H. Newman, 1845).