Bible Dictionaries
Dove

Dove (Hebr., יוֹנָה yônah - Strongs: H3123) — Though distinguishing it from tôr, the turtle-dove, the Jews were perfectly aware of their natural affinity and speak of them together. The dove is mentioned in the Bible more often than any other bird (over 50 times); this comes both from the great number of doves flocking in Israel, and of the favour they enjoy among the people. The dove is first spoken of in the record of the flood (Genesis 8:8–12); later on we see that Abraham offered up some in sacrifice, which would indicate that the dove was very early domesticated. In fact several allusions are made to dove-cotes, with their "windows" or latticed openings. But in olden times as well as now, besides the legions of pigeons that swarm around the villages, there were many more rock-doves, "doves of the valleys", as they are occasionally termed (Ezekiel 7:16; Song of Songs 2:14; Jeremiah 48:28), that filled the echoes of the mountain gorges with the rustling of their wings. The metallic lustre of their plumage, the swiftness of their flight, their habit of sweeping around in flocks, their plaintive coo, are often alluded to by the different sacred writers. The dark eye of the dove, encircled by a line of bright red skin, is also mentioned; its gentleness and innocence made it the type of trust and love, and, most naturally, its name was one of the most familiar terms of endearment. Jesus spoke of the dove as a symbol of simplicity; the sum of its perfections made it a fitting emblem for the Holy Spirit.

Verses:

• Genesis 8:8
• Genesis 8:9
• Genesis 8:10
• Genesis 8:11
• Genesis 8:12
• Leviticus 1:14
• Leviticus 5:7
• Leviticus 5:11
• Leviticus 12:6
• Leviticus 12:8
• Leviticus 14:22
• Leviticus 14:30
• Leviticus 15:14
• Leviticus 15:29
• Numbers 6:10
• 2 Kings 6:25
• Psalms 55:6
• Psalms 68:13
• Song of Solomon 1:15
• Song of Solomon 2:14
• Song of Solomon 4:1
• Song of Solomon 5:2
• Song of Solomon 5:12
• Song of Solomon 6:9
• Isaiah 38:14
• Isaiah 59:11
• Isaiah 60:8
• Jeremiah 48:28
• Ezekiel 7:16
• Hosea 7:11
• Hosea 11:11
• Nahum 2:7
• Matthew 3:16
• Matthew 10:16
• Matthew 21:12
• Mark 1:10
• Mark 11:15
• Luke 2:24
• Luke 3:22
• John 1:32
• John 2:14
• John 2:16