from the same as גָּדָה; a young goat (from browsing); kid.
Transliteration:gᵉdîy
Pronunciation:ghed-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גְּדִי (gᵉdîy), transliterated as *gᵉdîy*, refers specifically to a "young goat" or "kid." Its base definition indicates an origin "from the same as גָּדָה" (gādâ), which implies a connection to "cutting off" or "browsing/grazing." This etymological link aptly describes the animal's feeding habits, as young goats are known browsers, and perhaps subtly alludes to its status as a separate, young animal. Semantically, gᵉdîy consistently denotes a juvenile goat, distinguishing it from an adult goat (עֵז, `{{H5795}}`). The term is generally gender-neutral, encompassing both male and female young goats, with specific gender often inferred from the broader context if relevant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gᵉdîy appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, primarily within contexts that reflect the pastoral and agricultural life of ancient Israel.
1. **Sacrificial Contexts:** Kids were often prescribed or accepted as offerings. In the Passover instructions, a "kid of the goats" is presented as an alternative to a lamb for the paschal sacrifice [[Exodus 12:5]]. This demonstrates its suitability and value as a clean animal for ritual purposes, underscoring its place in the divine economy of worship.
2. **Dietary and Hospitality Contexts:** Gᵉdîy was a common and esteemed source of meat, frequently prepared for special occasions or to honor guests. Abraham prepares a "tender and good" kid for the three divine visitors in [[Genesis 18:7]]. Rebekah uses "two good kids of the goats" to prepare a savory dish for Isaac, facilitating Jacob's deception [[Genesis 27:9]]. These instances highlight the kid's role in daily sustenance and the customs of hospitality.
3. **Agricultural Laws and Ethical Prohibitions:** Perhaps most notably, the gᵉdîy is central to the repeated prohibition against boiling a kid in its mother's milk [[Exodus 23:19]], [[Exodus 34:26]], and [[Deuteronomy 14:21]]. This unique and enigmatic law has been subject to various interpretations, including the prevention of pagan fertility rites, the promotion of humane treatment of animals, or the preservation of the natural order and the sanctity of the bond between mother and offspring. Regardless of the precise interpretation, it signifies a profound ethical and ritualistic command, emphasizing a divine concern for life and proper conduct.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term gᵉdîy interacts with several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **Goat (generic):** עֵז (`{{H5795}}`) – the broader term for a goat, of which gᵉdîy is a specific, young type.
* **Lamb/Sheep:** כֶּבֶשׂ (`{{H3532}}`), שֶׂה (`{{H7716}}`) – often mentioned alongside kids as acceptable animals for sacrifice or food, indicating their comparable ritual and economic value within the Israelite system.
* **Flock/Herd:** צֹאן (`{{H6629}}`) – the collective term for sheep and goats, situating the gᵉdîy within the broader pastoral context of ancient Israel.
* **Sacrifice/Offering:** זֶבַח (`{{H2077}}`), קָרְבָּן (`{{H7133}}`) – concepts intrinsically linked to the ritual use of gᵉdîy in worship.
* **Milk:** חָלָב (`{{H2461}}`) – directly associated with the peculiar prohibition of boiling a kid in its mother's milk, highlighting the life-giving substance and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of gᵉdîy extends beyond its literal meaning, touching upon several core aspects of biblical theology:
* **Purity and Acceptability for Sacrifice:** The inclusion of the gᵉdîy as an acceptable offering demonstrates its status as a clean animal fit for the worship of Yahweh. This reflects the divine standards for purity in ritual and the value placed on unblemished and appropriate offerings.
* **Ethical and Compassionate Law:** The prohibition against boiling a kid in its mother's milk stands as a remarkable testament to God's ethical character. This law, unique in ancient Near Eastern codes, underscores a divine concern for compassion, the sanctity of life, and the rejection of practices that violate fundamental natural or familial bonds. It teaches respect for creation and reflects God's desire for His people to live in harmony with His established order.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The frequent mention of kids as a source of food highlights God's gracious provision for the physical needs of His people within the agricultural economy. It speaks to the bounty of creation and the means by which life was sustained in ancient Israel.
* **Symbol of Vulnerability and Youth:** While not a primary symbolic meaning, the inherent nature of a "kid" as a young, often vulnerable animal can subtly inform narratives, emphasizing the preciousness of life or the care required for the young.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גְּדִי (gᵉdîy) precisely denotes a "young goat" or "kid," rooted in the animal's browsing habits. In the biblical narrative, the gᵉdîy holds significant roles: it is a prescribed and valuable animal for **sacrificial offerings**, a common and esteemed source of **food and hospitality**, and most notably, the subject of a unique and ethically profound **prohibition** against boiling it in its mother's milk. Theologically, the gᵉdîy illuminates divine standards for ritual purity, underscores God's compassionate and ethical law, and demonstrates His faithful provision for His people. The repeated injunction concerning the kid and its mother's milk remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the nuanced moral and ethical framework embedded within the Mosaic Law, advocating for respect for life and the natural order.
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