### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **boûs**, represented by `{{G1016}}`, refers to an **ox**. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. This term denotes the common farm animal used for labor and commerce. While its use is not extensive, `{{G1016}}` plays a significant role in several key teachings, illustrating principles of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1016}}` is used in both everyday and theological contexts. It is mentioned as an animal for sale in the temple courts, alongside **sheep** `{{G4263}}` and **doves** `{{G4058}}` [[John 2:14]]. Jesus drove these **oxen** out of the temple when he cleansed it [[John 2:15]]. In an excuse given for not attending a great supper, a man claims he has just **bought** `{{G59}}` five **yoke** of **oxen** [[Luke 14:19]]. The word is also central to Jesus's arguments about the Sabbath, where he points out that anyone would **loose** `{{G3089}}` their **ox** from its **stall** `{{G5336}}` for watering [[Luke 13:15]] or pull it from a **pit** `{{G5421}}` [[Luke 14:5]], even on a holy day.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and use of `{{G1016}}`:
* `{{G248}}` **aloáō** (to tread out grain): This verb describes the specific work of the **ox** referenced by Paul when quoting the **law** `{{G3551}}` of **Moses** `{{G3475}}`, "Thou shalt not **muzzle** `{{G5392}}` the **ox** that treadeth out the corn" [[1 Corinthians 9:9]].
* `{{G3688}}` **ónos** (an ass): This animal is frequently paired with the **ox** in Jesus' teachings to illustrate a point of common sense. In challenging the Pharisees, he asks if they would not care for their **ox** or their **ass** on the sabbath [[Luke 13:15]].
* `{{G2201}}` **zeûgos** (yoke, pair): This term specifies a team of animals working together. It is used in the excuse of a man who had **bought** `{{G59}}` "five **yoke** of **oxen**" and could not attend a great supper [[Luke 14:19]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1016}}` carries significant theological weight, often as the basis for a larger spiritual principle.
* **Principle of Just Compensation:** Paul uses the law about not muzzling a working **ox** to establish that a **labourer** `{{G2040}}` is worthy of his **reward** `{{G3408}}` [[1 Timothy 5:18]]. He asks rhetorically, "Doth **God** `{{G2316}}` take care for **oxen**?" to show the principle extends to human workers [[1 Corinthians 9:9]].
* **Mercy over Legalism:** Jesus refers to the common-sense care for an **ox** on the Sabbath to rebuke the hypocrisy of religious leaders. By pointing out that they would **loose** `{{G3089}}` an **ox** to give it water [[Luke 13:15]] or rescue it from a **pit** `{{G5421}}`, he teaches that acts of mercy are a proper fulfillment of the law.
* **Sanctity of Worship:** The presence of **oxen** being sold in the temple was part of the scene that provoked Jesus to righteous action. He drove them out with a **scourge** `{{G5416}}` of **small cords** `{{G4979}}`, demonstrating that God's house is a place for worship, not for commerce [[John 2:15]].
### Summary
In summary, **boûs** `{{G1016}}` is more than a simple reference to a farm animal. It is a tangible part of ancient life used to illustrate profound spiritual truths. From its role in commerce at the temple to its function in agricultural labor, the **ox** serves as a powerful illustration in teachings about just payment, the true meaning of the Sabbath, and the holiness of God's house. Scripture uses this common creature to connect everyday life to divine principles.
TRV