### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bârôd**, represented by `{{H1261}}`, is used to describe something as **grisled** or spotted. It is a rare term, appearing only **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is used to denote the specific coloring of animals in both historical and prophetic contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H1261}}` occurs in two key narratives. In Genesis, it appears twice in the account of Jacob's dealings with Laban. In a dream, God shows Jacob that the rams among the flocks are "ringstraked, speckled, and **grisled**" ([[Genesis 31:10]], [[Genesis 31:12]]), signifying the animals that would constitute his wages. In the book of Zechariah, the word describes the horses of the fourth chariot in a prophetic vision, which are identified as "**grisled** and bay" [[Zechariah 6:3]]. These **grisled** horses are then sent forth toward the "south country" [[Zechariah 6:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other words for colors and patterns are used in conjunction with **bârôd**, helping to define its meaning by association and contrast:
* `{{H6124}}` **ʻâqôd** (ring straked): Used alongside **bârôd** to describe the divinely appointed pattern of Jacob's rams in his vision [[Genesis 31:12]].
* `{{H5348}}` **nâqôd** (speckled): This term also appears with **bârôd** to describe the patterned rams God designated for Jacob [[Genesis 31:10]].
* `{{H3836}}` **lâbân** (white): In Zechariah's vision, the "white" horses of the third chariot are mentioned just before the "**grisled**" horses of the fourth, creating a distinction between the groups [[Zechariah 6:3]].
* `{{H554}}` **ʼâmôts** (bay): This word is paired directly with **bârôd** to give a full description of the horses in the fourth chariot as "**grisled** and bay" [[Zechariah 6:3]].
* `{{H7838}}` **shâchôr** (black): The "**black**" horses in Zechariah's vision are dispatched to the north country, while the **grisled** horses are sent south, showing their distinct missions [[Zechariah 6:6]].
### Theological Significance
While a simple descriptor, the significance of `{{H1261}}` is tied to its appearance in moments of divine communication.
* **Sign of Divine Favor:** In Genesis, the **grisled** pattern on the rams is part of a divine revelation to Jacob, assuring him of God's provision and blessing despite Laban's deception [[Genesis 31:12]].
* **Instrument of a Divine Mission:** In Zechariah's prophecy, the **grisled** horses are not merely a color but identify a specific group of heavenly agents sent to carry out a task on the earth, specifically toward the south [[Zechariah 6:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1261}}` **bârôd** is a specific adjective for "grisled" that, while infrequent, plays a key role in its contexts. It moves from a physical descriptor of livestock in Genesis to a symbolic marker for prophetic agents in Zechariah. In both cases, the word is used to identify particular animals set apart for a purpose revealed by God, either as a sign of personal blessing or as actors in a broader divine plan.
TRV