Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, foxes are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing cunning, destruction, and desolation. These small, nocturnal animals are known for their sly nature and are frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to convey deeper spiritual truths.
Old Testament References1.
Judges 15:4-5: One of the most notable mentions of foxes is in the account of Samson. In an act of vengeance against the Philistines, Samson captures 300 foxes, ties their tails together in pairs with torches, and releases them into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, causing widespread destruction. This event highlights the foxes' role as instruments of divine retribution and chaos.
2.
Song of Solomon 2:15: Foxes are used metaphorically in the Song of Solomon, where the lovers speak of catching "the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, for our vineyards are in bloom." Here, foxes symbolize small, seemingly insignificant problems or sins that can cause significant damage to relationships if left unchecked.
3.
Lamentations 5:18: In this lament over the desolation of Jerusalem, the presence of foxes is a sign of the city's ruin: "Mount Zion lies desolate, overrun by foxes." The imagery of foxes inhabiting the ruins underscores the complete devastation and abandonment of the once-thriving city.
New Testament Reference1.
Luke 13:32: Jesus uses the term "fox" to describe Herod Antipas, saying, "Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’" In this context, the fox represents cunning and deceit, as Jesus characterizes Herod as a crafty and untrustworthy ruler.
Symbolism and InterpretationIn biblical literature, foxes often symbolize cunning, deceit, and destruction. They are creatures that operate under the cover of darkness, much like the hidden sins or subtle threats that can undermine spiritual and communal well-being. The metaphorical use of foxes in Scripture serves as a warning to be vigilant against seemingly minor issues that can lead to greater harm.
Foxes also represent desolation and judgment, as seen in the prophetic and poetic texts where their presence signifies the abandonment and ruin of once-prosperous places. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting spiritual desolation.
Overall, the biblical portrayal of foxes provides rich symbolism for understanding the nature of sin, the importance of vigilance in spiritual life, and the reality of divine judgment.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Plural of Fox.
2. (n. pl.) See Fox.
Greek
258. alopex -- a fox... like, crafty person. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition a fox NASB
Word Usage fox (1),
foxes (2). fox. Of uncertain derivation
...Strong's Hebrew
8169. Shaalbim -- perhaps "(haunt of)foxes," a city in Dan... Shaalbim. 8170 . perhaps "(haunt of)
foxes," a city in Dan. Transliteration: Shaalbim
Phonetic Spelling: (shah-al-beem') Short Definition: Shaalbim.
...7776. shual -- fox, perhaps jackal
... 7775, 7776. shual. 7777 . fox, perhaps jackal. Transliteration: shual
Phonetic Spelling: (shoo-awl') Short Definition:foxes. Word...
8171. Shealim -- an area searched by Saul
... Shalim. Plural of shuw'al;foxes; Shaalim, a place in Palestine -- Shalim. see HEBREW
shuw'al. 8170, 8171. Shealim. 8172 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
LittleFoxes
... LITTLEFOXES.... These fences keep out the bears, because they cut themselves on the
glass in trying to climb over, and they also keep out some of thefoxes....
The LittleFoxes.
... THE LITTLEFOXES. One little fox is, "Some other time." If you track him
up, you come to his hole"never. Another little fox is...
October 3. "The LittleFoxes that Spoil the vines" (Song of...
... OCTOBER 3. "The littlefoxes that spoil the vines" (Song of Solomon, ii. 15).
"The littlefoxes that spoil the vines" (Song of Solomon, ii.15)....
Take us the LittleFoxes that Spoil the vines; for Our vine is in...
... CHAPTER II. 15. Take us the littlefoxes that spoil the vines; for our vine
is in blossom. The faithful soul prays her beloved that...
Chapter ii.
... 15. Take us thefoxes, the littlefoxes that spoil the vines; for our vines
have tender grapes.15. Take us the littlefoxes that...
The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... He caught all the wildfoxes that he could find, until he had three hundred
of them. Then he tied them together in pairs, by their...
Communion Broken --Restoration
... Alas that He should seek in vain! Take us thefoxes, the littlefoxes, that
spoil the vineyards;... And how numerous the littlefoxes are!...
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke ix. 57, Etc. , Where the Case of...
... "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath
not where to lay His Head." [3250] But where hath He not? In thy faith....
Here Some one Will Say, this is Now not to Write of virginity...
... certain proud and crafty person had said to Him, "Lord, I will follow Thee
whithersoever Thou shalt have gone;" [2213] to whom He made answer, "Foxes have...
The Bride's Reminiscences
... VOICES OF THE BROTHERS (heard interrupting). "Take us thefoxes, The littlefoxes
that spoil the vineyards; For our vineyards are in blossom.". * * *....
Thesaurus
Foxes (9 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Plural of Fox. 2. (n. pl.) See Fox.
Multi-Version Concordance
Foxes (9 Occurrences). Matthew 8:20
...Fox (2 Occurrences)
... it is more easily caught than the fox; (2) that the fox is shy and suspicious, and
flies mankind, while the jackal does not; and (3) thatfoxes are difficult...
Sticks (25 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:4 So Samson went and got three hundredfoxes and some sticks of fire-wood;
and he put thefoxes tail to tail with a stick between every two tails...
Holes (36 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "Thefoxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB KJV WEY ASV...
Nests (9 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "Thefoxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB KJV WEY ASV...
Nowhere (16 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "Thefoxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB WEY BBE NAS...
Fire-wood (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:4 So Samson went and got three hundredfoxes and some sticks of fire-wood;
and he put thefoxes tail to tail with a stick between every two tails...
Firebrand (3 Occurrences)
... udh, used for a burning stick taken out of the fire): In Judges 15:4, 5 describing
the "brands" (margin "torches") which Samson tied to thefoxes' tails, the...
Trap (35 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A machine or contrivance that shuts suddenly, as with a spring, used
for taking game or other animals; as, a trap forfoxes....
Tail (16 Occurrences)
... The 2nd Hebrew word is used of the tails of serpents (Exodus 4:4), offoxes, which
Samson tied together in his cruel sport, in order to destroy the grainfields...
Resources
What is the meaning of the foxes in Song of Solomon 2:15? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Song of Solomon | GotQuestions.orgFoxes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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