### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`), transliterated as bârôd, is an adjective derived from the root בָּרַד (`{{H1258}}`), meaning "to hail." This etymological connection is crucial to understanding its core meaning. Just as hailstones leave scattered, distinct marks on a surface, בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`) describes something that is "spotted," "speckled," or "grisled." The term "grisled" specifically implies a variegated or mottled appearance, typically with a mixture of dark and light colors, resembling the scattered impact points of hail. Its semantic range is thus confined to describing a particular type of patterned coloration, characterized by distinct, non-uniform markings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Genesis, specifically in two closely related verses: [[Genesis 31:10]] and [[Genesis 31:12]]. In both instances, it is used in conjunction with two other descriptive terms for animal markings: עָקֹד (`{{H6135}}`, "streaked" or "ring-straked") and נָקֹד (`{{H5344}}`, "speckled" or "spotted").
In [[Genesis 31:10]], Jacob recounts a dream to his wives, Rachel and Leah, describing the male goats in the flock as "streaked, speckled, and grisled" (עֲקֻדִּים נְקֻדִּים וּבְרֻדִּים). This vision was a divine revelation concerning the future increase of Laban's flock, which would, by agreement, become Jacob's possession. The specific markings were critical to Jacob's prosperity.
Similarly, in [[Genesis 31:12]], the Angel of God confirms this vision to Jacob, reiterating that the rams mating with the flock were indeed "streaked, speckled, and grisled." The repetition underscores the divine origin and significance of these specific markings. The context is vital: Jacob had been repeatedly defrauded by Laban, who changed his wages ten times. God intervened miraculously to ensure Jacob's rightful inheritance and to demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The "grisled" animals, alongside the "streaked" and "speckled" ones, were the tangible proof of God's providential care and justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root בָּרַד (`{{H1258}}`), "to hail," from which בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`) is derived. This etymological link provides the vivid imagery of scattered, distinct marks.
More significantly, בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`) is consistently found in a descriptive triplet with עָקֹד (`{{H6135}}`, "streaked") and נָקֹד (`{{H5344}}`, "speckled"). These three terms together provide a comprehensive vocabulary for describing variegated animal coats. Their co-occurrence in the Genesis narrative emphasizes the detailed and specific nature of God's intervention.
The concept of divine providence is also closely related. The seemingly mundane description of animal markings becomes a profound illustration of God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, down to the minutiae of animal breeding patterns.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`) is intrinsically tied to the narrative of Jacob's struggle and God's faithfulness in Genesis 31. It serves as a powerful testament to God's precise and sovereign control over creation and His commitment to justice.
1. **Divine Providence and Justice:** The "grisled" animals, along with their "streaked" and "speckled" counterparts, are not random occurrences but the direct result of divine intervention. God orchestrates the genetic outcomes of Laban's flock to ensure Jacob receives his rightful wages, turning Laban's deceit against him. This highlights God's meticulous care for His servants and His unwavering commitment to upholding justice, even in complex human disputes.
2. **God's Sovereignty over Creation:** The narrative demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over natural processes. He is not limited by conventional biological reproduction but can supernaturally influence the characteristics of offspring to fulfill His purposes. The "grisled" markings become a visible sign of God's power extending to the very patterns of life.
3. **Confirmation of Covenant Faithfulness:** For Jacob, the vision and subsequent reality of the distinctively marked animals serve as a powerful confirmation of God's covenant promises. Despite Laban's treachery, God remains faithful to bless Jacob, ensuring his prosperity and the growth of his household, which is foundational to the unfolding covenant history. The בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`) animals are a tangible sign of God's detailed attention to His covenant people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`), transliterated bârôd, means "spotted" or "grisled," deriving its sense from the scattered marks of hail. Its sole biblical appearances are in [[Genesis 31:10]] and [[Genesis 31:12]], where it describes the distinct markings on livestock, specifically male goats and rams. Always appearing alongside עָקֹד (`{{H6135}}`, "streaked") and נָקֹד (`{{H5344}}`, "speckled"), בָּרֹד (`{{H1261}}`) contributes to a comprehensive description of variegated animal coats. Theologically, its significance is profound, serving as a concrete manifestation of God's providential care, justice, and sovereignty. In the narrative of Jacob and Laban, the "grisled" animals symbolize God's direct and meticulous intervention to ensure Jacob's prosperity and to fulfill His covenant promises, demonstrating that divine faithfulness extends even to the most minute details of the created order.
TRV