### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **trágos**, represented by `{{G5131}}`, refers to a **he-goat**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is highly specific, consistently appearing within discussions of Old Testament sacrificial practices, particularly in the book of Hebrews, where it serves to illustrate the nature of atonement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5131}}` is exclusively used to describe the animals whose blood was part of the ceremonial law. The blood of **goats**, along with that of calves and bulls, was central to the old system of worship. For instance, Moses used the blood of calves and of **goats** to sprinkle both the book of the law and the people [[Hebrews 9:19]]. These sacrifices, however, were limited in their effect, only sanctifying "to the purifying of the flesh" [[Hebrews 9:13]]. The New Testament contrasts this with Christ, who entered the holy place not by the blood of **goats** and calves, but by his own blood to obtain eternal redemption [[Hebrews 9:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the sacrificial context in which **trágos** is found:
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): This is the most significant related term, as **trágos** is always mentioned in the context of its **blood**. The dossier shows that the **blood** of **goats** is contrasted with the **blood** of Christ, which brings redemption ([[Hebrews 9:12]], [[Revelation 5:9]]).
* `{{G5022}}` **taûros** (a bullock): This word is frequently paired with **trágos**. The scripture states that it is impossible for the blood of **bulls** and of **goats** to take away sins [[Hebrews 10:4]].
* `{{G3448}}` **móschos** (a young bullock): Also appearing alongside **goats**, the blood of **calves** was part of the ceremonies under the law [[Hebrews 9:19]] and stands in contrast to the singular, sufficient sacrifice of Christ [[Hebrews 9:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5131}}` is found entirely in its symbolic role within the sacrificial system.
* **Ceremonial Purification:** The blood of **goats** was a key element in the Mosaic law for ritual cleansing. It was used in sprinkling ceremonies that sanctified the people externally [[Hebrews 9:19]], purifying the flesh [[Hebrews 9:13]].
* **Insufficiency for Sin:** The book of Hebrews makes it clear that these sacrifices were ultimately insufficient. It is explicitly stated that it is "not possible that the blood of bulls and of **goats** should take away sins" [[Hebrews 10:4]].
* **A Type of Christ's Sacrifice:** The repeated mention of the blood of **goats** serves as a direct contrast to the superior sacrifice of Jesus. Christ did not use the blood of animals but his own blood, thereby obtaining an "eternal redemption" that the old sacrifices could only foreshadow [[Hebrews 9:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5131}}` **trágos** is not merely a word for an animal but is a term loaded with theological significance. It functions within the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews, as a representative of the Old Covenant's temporary and symbolic system of animal sacrifice. Its primary purpose is to elevate the understanding of Christ's atonement by contrasting the limited, repeatable blood of **goats** and bulls with the final, all-sufficient blood of Christ.
TRV