Symbols

Objects, actions or creatures that have a deeper significance and are so understood by those who see them or use them.

Symbolic objects

The rainbow: a symbol of God's covenant

See also Genesis 9:13; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 4:3

A stairway: a symbol of the way to God

Genesis 28:11–13; John 1:51

Thunder, lightning, cloud and smoke: symbols of God's majesty

Exodus 19:16–18, Exodus 24:17; Psalm 97:2, Psalm 97:4; Revelation 4:5, Revelation 8:5, Revelation 11:19

Thunder: a symbol of God's voice

Psalm 29:3, Psalm 68:33

Trumpets: a symbol of God speaking

Exodus 19:19; Revelation 8:6

The pillar of cloud and fire: a symbol of guidance

Exodus 13:21

A throne: a symbol of God's glory

Isaiah 6:1; Ezekiel 1:26; Revelation 4:2, Revelation 22:3

Dry bones: a symbol of spiritual death

Ezekiel 37:1–2, Ezekiel 37:11

White hair: a symbol of wisdom

Daniel 7:9; Revelation 1:14

The wind: a symbol of the Holy Spirit

John 3:8; Acts 2:2

Fire: a symbol of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:3

Stars and lampstands: symbols of God's ministers

Revelation 1:20

A signet ring: a symbol of authority

Esther 8:10; Haggai 2:23

Arrows: symbols of God's judgments

Psalm 38:2, Psalm 120:4

A sceptre: a symbol of God's rule

Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27, Revelation 19:15

The capstone: a symbol of pre-eminence

Matthew 21:42 parallels Mark 12:10–11, Luke 20:17; Psalm 118:22

A rock: a symbol of stability

Psalm 18:2, Psalm 40:2

The human body: a symbol of interdependence

1 Corinthians 12:27

Grass: a symbol of human frailty

Psalm 90:5–6; 1 Peter 1:24

Symbolic creatures

The serpent: a symbol of Satan's subtlety

Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:1–3

Locusts: a symbol of God's judgment

Exodus 10:12; Joel 1:4; Revelation 9:3

Beasts: symbols of earthly kingdoms

Daniel 7:2–7, Daniel 7:17, Daniel 8:20–22

A dove: a symbol of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:16 parallels Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22

A lamb: a symbol of Jesus Christ's sacrifice

Revelation 5:6

Symbolic actions

Breaking a jar: a symbol of the destruction of Jerusalem

Jeremiah 19:10–11

The cursing of a fig-tree: a symbol of judgment

Matthew 21:18–19 parallel Mark 11:12–14

Washing hands: a symbol of innocence

Matthew 27:24

Being thirsty: a symbol of spiritual need

Psalm 63:1; John 7:37

Baptism: a symbol of salvation in Jesus Christ

Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Peter 3:21

The Lord's Supper: a symbol of union with Christ

Matthew 26:26–29 parallels Mark 14:22–24, Luke 22:19–20, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Anointing: a symbol of empowering by God's Spirit

1 Samuel 16:13; Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1

Harvesting: a symbol of judgment day

Joel 3:12–13; Matthew 13:29–30; Revelation 14:15

Tearing garments: a symbol of anger and sorrow

Genesis 37:29, Genesis 37:34; Joshua 7:6

Spitting: a symbol of contempt

Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67 parallel Mark 14:65

Shaking off dust: a symbol of rejection

Matthew 10:14 parallel Luke 9:5; Acts 13:51

Sitting in sackcloth and ashes: a symbol of repentance

Psalm 69:11; Isaiah 22:12; Jonah 3:5–6; Matthew 11:21

Lifting of hands: a symbol of prayer

Psalm 63:4; 1 Timothy 2:8

Covering the head: a symbol of submission

1 Corinthians 11:3–10

Symbols expressing God's nature and character

God's face: a symbol of his presence

Numbers 6:25–26; Psalm 34:16

God's arm or hand: a symbol of his power

Psalm 21:8, Psalm 89:13

God's eyes: a symbol of his awareness

Proverbs 15:3; 1 Peter 3:12

God's ear: a symbol of God listening

Psalm 31:2; Isaiah 59:1