perhaps from the same as ἔριον (through the idea of hairiness); a kid or (genitive case) goat:--goat, kid.
Transliteration:ériphos
Pronunciation:er'-if-os
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G2056}}` *ériphos* primarily denotes a "kid" or "young goat." The Strong's definition also allows for the broader sense of "goat" in the genitive case, indicating that while its core meaning points to a juvenile animal, its usage can extend to the species generally. The suggested etymological link to ἔριον (*érion*), meaning "wool" or "hair," through the idea of "hairiness," points to a characteristic physical attribute of goats, particularly their shaggy coats. This etymological note underscores the concrete, zoological reality of the animal being described. Thus, `{{G2056}}` refers to a specific, common domestic animal, often distinguished by its age, yet capable of representing the species.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2056}}` *ériphos* appears several times in the New Testament, each instance contributing to its semantic and theological weight:
* **[[Matthew 25:32-33]]**: This is arguably the most significant theological usage. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus describes the final judgment where the Son of Man will separate people "as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Here, the ériphos (goats) represent those who failed to minister to "the least of these" and are consequently destined for eternal punishment. The distinction is stark and allegorical, portraying the unrighteous or the condemned.
* **[[Luke 15:29]]**: In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the elder brother complains to his father, "You never gave me a young goat [ἔριφον] that I might celebrate with my friends." This instance highlights the ériphos as a valuable animal, typically used for feasting and celebration, underscoring its role in everyday life and hospitality in the ancient Near East.
* **[[Hebrews 9:12]] and [[Hebrews 9:19]]**: These verses refer to the blood of goats (ἐρίφων) used in the Old Covenant sacrificial system. The author of Hebrews contrasts the inadequacy of these animal sacrifices to truly cleanse sin with the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. The ériphos here represents the prescribed animal for atonement rituals, pointing to the temporary and typological nature of the Mosaic Law's provisions.
* **[[Hebrews 11:37]]**: In the catalogue of faith's heroes, it is mentioned that some were persecuted and "wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins [ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, literally 'in goatskins']." While the direct word `{{G2056}}` is not used here (rather, αἴγειος which is "of a goat"), the concept of the goat's hide as a material for clothing or covering for those in destitution is evident, further illustrating the practical uses of the animal.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully grasp `{{G2056}}` *ériphos*, it is helpful to consider related terms and concepts:
* **`{{G5132}}` *trágos***: This Greek word specifically refers to a "he-goat" or "billy goat," often used in sacrificial contexts (e.g., in the Septuagint for the Hebrew `{{H8163}}` *sa'ir*, "hairy one," a common animal for sin offerings). While `{{G2056}}` *ériphos* emphasizes the youth of the animal ("kid"), `{{G5132}}` *trágos* emphasizes the male gender, though both can be used broadly for "goat." In sacrificial contexts, they are often interchangeable or complementary.
* **Old Testament Hebrew Equivalents**:
* `{{H1423}}` *gedi*: This term directly translates to "kid" or "young goat," serving as a precise Hebrew parallel to `{{G2056}}` *ériphos*.
* `{{H6260}}` *'ez*: A general term for "goat" or "she-goat."
* `{{H8163}}` *sa'ir*: "He-goat," especially one used for sin offerings, often translated by `{{G5132}}` *trágos* in the Septuagint.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement**: The most significant conceptual link for `{{G2056}}` is its role in the Old Covenant sacrificial system, particularly sin offerings ([[Leviticus 4]], [[Leviticus 16]]). The blood of goats was central to the Day of Atonement, symbolizing the temporary covering of sin and foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice of Christ.
* **Judgment and Separation**: As seen in [[Matthew 25]], the ériphos becomes a powerful symbol of the unrighteous and the condemned in the eschatological judgment, contrasting with the "sheep" (the righteous).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2056}}` *ériphos* is multifaceted, ranging from its literal role in ancient life to its profound symbolic meaning:
* **Symbol of the Unrighteous and Condemned**: In the eschatological discourse of [[Matthew 25:32-33]], the "goats" represent those who, through their inaction and lack of compassion for the needy, demonstrate a lack of true faith and are consequently separated from the righteous and sent to eternal punishment. This imagery powerfully conveys the gravity of divine judgment and the importance of active love and service.
* **Precursor to Christ's Sacrifice**: The frequent mention of goats in the Old Testament sacrificial system (often translated by `{{G2056}}` or `{{G5132}}` in the Septuagint) is crucial. The blood of goats, shed for sin offerings, served as a temporary means of atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect, and eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews explicitly draws this contrast, emphasizing that Christ's blood is superior to the blood of "goats and calves" ([[Hebrews 9:12]], [[Hebrews 9:19]]), providing true and lasting redemption.
* **Everyday Provision and Celebration**: The mention of a "kid" in [[Luke 15:29]] illustrates the practical value of ériphos in daily life as a source of food and a symbol of festivity and abundance. This highlights the mundane yet essential role of animals in the biblical world and the father's lavish generosity in the parable.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2056}}` *ériphos* primarily signifies a "kid" or "young goat," though it can encompass the broader meaning of "goat." Its usage in the New Testament reveals both its literal and symbolic importance. Literally, ériphos represents a common domestic animal, used for sustenance and celebration, as seen in [[Luke 15:29]], and its hide for practical purposes. Theologically, its most profound significance lies in two key areas: first, as a powerful symbol of the unrighteous and condemned in the final judgment, distinct from the "sheep" ([[Matthew 25:32-33]]); and second, as an integral part of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, whose blood foreshadowed and ultimately contrasted with the perfect, once-for-all atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ ([[Hebrews 9:12]], [[Hebrews 9:19]]). Thus, `{{G2056}}` *ériphos* carries a rich semantic range, from the mundane to the deeply eschatological and redemptive.
TRV