### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thrémma**, represented by `{{G2353}}`, refers to **stock (as raised on a farm)**, which is translated as **cattle**. This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** of the Bible, making its usage highly specific and context-dependent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single occurrence of `{{G2353}}` is found in the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. When questioning if Jesus is greater than their ancestor Jacob, she notes that Jacob gave them the well and drank from it himself, along with his children and his **cattle** [[John 4:12]]. This reference grounds the patriarch's legacy in the practical realities of life, highlighting that his provision sustained not only his family but also their livestock, which was essential to their livelihood.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{G2353}}` connects it to several key words that define the scene:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (father): This word is central to the woman's claim, identifying her people's lineage through their "father Jacob" [[John 4:12]]. It establishes a reference point of historical and religious authority.
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): Used here as "children," this word defines the direct descendants of Jacob who benefited from his provision [[John 4:12]]. It stands in parallel with "cattle" to describe the entire household that was sustained.
* `{{G5421}}` **phréar** (well): This term denotes the physical source of water that Jacob provided. It is described as a "well" or "pit," emphasizing the tangible and earthly nature of this ancestral gift [[John 4:11]].
* `{{G4095}}` **pínō** (to drink): This action is what connects Jacob, his children, and his cattle to the well. It signifies the partaking of the physical sustenance the well offered [[John 4:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2353}}` is derived from its role in creating a contrast.
* **Earthly vs. Spiritual Provision:** The mention of **cattle** firmly establishes the well's purpose as a source for sustaining physical life and property. This sets the stage for Jesus to introduce a spiritual "living water" that addresses a deeper thirst [[John 4:10]].
* **Scope of Jacob's Legacy:** By including **cattle**, the text illustrates the completeness of Jacob's physical blessing to his descendants. He provided for every aspect of their earthly existence, from his own children to the animals they depended on.
* **Foundation for a Greater Truth:** The woman's question, rooted in the tangible world of family, wells, and **cattle**, becomes the foundation upon which Jesus reveals his identity as a source of eternal life, a provision far greater than anything Jacob could offer [[John 4:14]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G2353}}` is a rare word, its single use is pivotal. It grounds the narrative of John 4 in a real-world, agricultural context, effectively illustrating the limits of earthly and historical provision. The mention of **cattle** serves to underscore the physical nature of Jacob's gift, thereby magnifying the profound spiritual nature of the living water that only Christ can give.
TRV