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Bible Dictionaries
Dove
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
or DOVE . The words translated ‘dove’ apply equally to doves and pigeons. In Palestine seven varieties of the ColumbÅ“ are found. The most noticeable are: the wood pigeons or ring-doves ( Columba palumbus ), which fly in great flocks all over the land; the turtle-dove ( Turtur communis ), a harbinger of spring, arriving in the land in April ( Jeremiah 8:7 , Song of Solomon 2:12 ); and the palm turtle-dove ( Turtur senegalensis ), which is common in a semi-domesticated state in the streets and courts of Jerusalem. ‘Dove’ is a favourite name of affection ( Song of Solomon 1:15; Song of Solomon 4:1; Song of Solomon 5:2; Song of Solomon 5:12; Song of Solomon 6:9 ), and to-day it is one of the commonest names given to girls by Eastern Jewish parents. It is typical of harmlessness ( Matthew 10:16 ), helplessness ( Psalms 74:19 ), and innocence. The last quality doubtless makes it typical of the Holy Spirit ( Matthew 3:16 etc.). Doves were used in sacrifice ( Leviticus 5:7; Leviticus 12:6 etc.), and have been kept as pets for long ages.
E. W. G. Masterman.
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Hastings, James. Entry for 'Dove'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdb/d/dove.html. 1909.
