Bible Dictionary
Dove
The dove was a clean bird used in sacrifice, especially by the poor, and was released by Noah as a sign that the floodwaters had receded. It also symbolizes peace, innocence, affection, and the Holy Spirit’s visible manifestation at Jesus’ baptism.
Biblical Usage
Doves served as clean sacrificial birds, including offerings available to the poor. Noah’s dove indicated that the floodwaters were receding. Scripture uses the dove for peace, purity, harmlessness, affection, distress, simplicity, and submission; at Jesus’ baptism it represented the visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References
Song of Solomon 2:14
Jeremiah 48:28
Isaiah 60:8
Jeremiah 25:38
Jeremiah 46:16
Jeremiah 50:16
Genesis 15:9
Leviticus 5:7
Leviticus 12:6
Luke 2:24
Genesis 8:8
Genesis 8:10
Psalms 68:13
Genesis 1:2
Matthew 3:16
Mark 1:10
Luke 3:22
John 1:32
Song of Solomon 1:15
Psalms 55:6-8
Genesis 8
Psalms 55:6
Ezekiel 7:16
Isaiah 38:14
Isaiah 59:11
Nahum 2:7
Matthew 10:16
Hosea 7:11