Why is the Holy Spirit's descent like a dove significant?
Answered in 1 source
The Holy Spirit's descent signifies Christ's anointing for his earthly ministry and illustrates his purity.
The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus in the form of a dove during his baptism represents both the anointing of Christ for his public ministry and the nature of his mission. In biblical symbolism, the dove represents purity, innocence, and peace. This is amplified by the fact that Jesus was fully God and fully man, and his anointing with the Holy Spirit demonstrates his divine empowerment for preaching good news and fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law. This event not only emphasizes the unity of the Trinity at this moment but also assures believers that Christ's purity is the basis for their acceptance before God.
Scripture References:
Luke 3:22, Isaiah 61:1, John 1:32
Commentary