Dove

A common species of bird. In Scripture the dove symbolises the Spirit of God, and also certain kinds of human behaviour.

A kind of bird

Genesis 8:8–12; Song of Solomon 2:12; Jeremiah 8:7

Doves as sacrifices for those who were poor

Leviticus 5:7 See also Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 1:14, Leviticus 5:11, Leviticus 12:6–8, Leviticus 14:22, Leviticus 14:30, Leviticus 15:14, Leviticus 15:29; Numbers 6:10; Matthew 21:12 parallel Mark 11:15; Luke 2:24; John 2:14

If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons — one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

``Dove'' as a term of endearment

Song of Solomon 2:14, Song of Solomon 5:2, Song of Solomon 6:9

Israel as God's ``dove''

Psalm 68:13, Psalm 74:19

``Dove'' used figuratively

Psalm 55:6; Song of Solomon 1:15, Song of Solomon 4:1, Song of Solomon 5:12; Isaiah 38:14, Isaiah 59:11; Jeremiah 48:28; Ezekiel 7:16; Hosea 7:11, Hosea 11:11; Nahum 2:7; Matthew 10:16

The dove as a symbol of the Spirit of God

Matthew 3:16 parallels Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32–34

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.