In reference to Mathew 3:16 and Luke 3:22, the Holy Spirit is compared to a dove at the Baptism of Jesus. In Christian iconography, a dove symbolises the Holy Spirit and a way that God shows His guiding hand and His lasting peace.
Dove can be seen multiple times in the Bible to communicate God’s long-reaching presence, security and the promise of guaranteed hope.
Mathew 10:16
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
We see Jesus was using similes to instruct His disciples and all of us. The dove was thought of as innocent and harmless—doves were listed among the “clean animals” and were used for sacrifices. Leviticus 14:22 says, “and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering.” To this very day, doves are used as symbols of peace.