Why is a dove used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit?

TL;DR:

The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, embodying peace, purity, and the tangible presence of God. While no image can fully convey the Spirit’s infinite essence, the dove endures as a vivid, biblically grounded representation of His work and influence in the world.

what does the bible say?

The dove is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit because it represents peace, innocence, and God’s presence. In Genesis 8:11, the dove brought Noah an olive leaf, signaling peace after judgment, and at Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit descended in the form of a dove, affirming Him as Messiah (Matthew 3:16; John 1:32). Doves were also seen as innocent animals and used in sacrifices (Luke 2:22–24; Matthew 10:16). While the Holy Spirit is eternal and omnipresent, earthly symbols like the dove help us understand aspects of His character, such as peace, gentleness, and guidance. Ultimately, no symbol can fully capture the Spirit’s essence, but the dove remains a powerful, scripturally grounded representation of His work in the world.

from the old testament

Following the flood, Noah sent out a dove. The first time, the dove returned to him. On the second occasion, the dove returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf in its mouth: "And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth" (Genesis 8:11). The third time Noah sent out a dove, it did not return, revealing the dove had found a new home on the dry land of the earth. The dove became a symbol of God's peace following judgment.

from the new testament

A dove was also mentioned at the baptism of Jesus. All four gospels include the account of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in bodily form like a dove (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). This dove affirmed Jesus as the Messiah. Along with the voice of God the Father from the sky, this account provides a clear picture of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—all taking part in an event at the same time while mentioned as unique Persons.
In addition to these events, doves were known in the New Testament as innocent animals. For example, Matthew 10:16 records Jesus saying, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Doves were also used as sacrifices at the tabernacle and temple in biblical times. Joseph and Mary likely brought a dove as a sacrifice following the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:22–24).

implications for today

The dove is only one of many symbols used for the Holy Spirit. Other popular symbols include a flame (as in Acts 2), wind, a lamp, cloud, water, and oil. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Triune God and is both eternal and present at all places at all times. Though no symbol can completely represent the Spirit, the dove and other earthly images are often used to represent aspects of God's Spirit that are instructive for our lives.

For example, the dove can be a symbol of peace. Both wind and fire can be symbols of power. Each of these is representative of the Holy Spirit, but even together, they cannot fully express who He is or His power. God's Spirit was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2), sustains all things, and empowers believers for Christian service.

understand

The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s peace and God’s presence.
Doves represent innocence and were used in sacrifices.
The dove is a biblical symbol that reflects aspects of the Spirit’s character and work.

reflect

How do you experience the peace of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Where can you reflect the innocence and gentleness of the Holy Spirit in your actions toward others?
How does recognizing the Holy Spirit’s presence, like the dove at Jesus’ baptism, encourage you to trust His guidance?

engage

How do the Old Testament and New Testament accounts of the dove together deepen our understanding of God’s Spirit?
Why are earthly symbols like the dove helpful for understanding the nature and work of the Holy Spirit?
How can the symbolism of the dove inspire our approach to peace, guidance, and spiritual discernment as believers today?