### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גְּדִיָּה (gᵉdîyâh), Strong's number `{{H1429}}`, is a feminine noun derived from the root of גְּדִי (gᵉdîy, `{{H1427}}`). Its core meaning is "a young female goat" or "a kid." This specific designation distinguishes it from the broader term for an adult goat (עֵז, `{{H5795}}`) and emphasizes its youth and gender. The semantic range is quite narrow, referring exclusively to a juvenile female of the *Capra aegagrus hircus* species. The term inherently suggests a creature that is tender, perhaps not yet fully mature, and often associated with the care of a flock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גְּדִיָּה (gᵉdîyâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the plural form גְּדִיּוֹתֶיךָ (gᵉdîyōṯeḵā), "your young goats":
* **[[Song of Solomon 1:8]]**: "If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats beside the shepherds' tents."
In this sole occurrence, the word is found within the pastoral imagery of the Song of Solomon. The Beloved is given counsel to follow the paths of the flock and to tend her own young goats. This context is not sacrificial or dietary, but rather speaks to the everyday life of a shepherdess. The inclusion of "young goats" underscores the bucolic setting and contributes to the portrayal of the Beloved's connection to nature and her role within the community. It evokes a sense of innocence, simplicity, and the diligent care required in tending vulnerable livestock. The image of pasturing young goats suggests a gentle and nurturing activity, fitting for the tender relationship depicted in the Song.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is גְּדִי (gᵉdîy, `{{H1427}}`), which is the masculine or common gender term for "a kid" (young goat). גְּדִיָּה (gᵉdîyâh, `{{H1429}}`) is simply its feminine counterpart. While גְּדִיָּה is rare, גְּדִי is much more common and frequently appears in contexts related to:
* **Sacrifice**: Young goats were acceptable animals for various offerings, including sin offerings, peace offerings, and the Passover sacrifice (e.g., [[Exodus 12:5]], [[Leviticus 4:23]]).
* **Sustenance/Food**: Kids were a common source of meat and milk in ancient Israel (e.g., [[Genesis 27:9]], [[Judges 6:19]]).
* **Hospitality**: Offering a kid was a gesture of hospitality (e.g., [[Judges 6:19]]).
Beyond these direct linguistic connections, גְּדִיָּה relates to broader biblical concepts:
* **Pastoral Life**: It contributes to the rich tapestry of pastoral imagery throughout Scripture, depicting the agrarian lifestyle that was central to Israelite society.
* **Divine Provision**: The presence of livestock, including young goats, speaks to God's provision for His people's needs.
* **Flock Imagery**: The "flock" often serves as a metaphor for God's people, with God as the Shepherd. The young goat, as part of the flock, subtly reinforces this metaphor of divine care for the vulnerable.
### Theological Significance
Due to its singular occurrence in a non-prescriptive or didactic book, גְּדִיָּה (gᵉdîyâh, `{{H1429}}`) does not carry a direct, explicit theological significance on its own. Its theological weight is primarily indirect, derived from its association with broader biblical themes:
* **God's Care and Provision**: The presence of livestock, including young female goats, within the biblical narrative highlights God's ongoing provision for His creation and His people. The ability to "pasture your young goats" implies a land blessed by God, capable of sustaining life.
* **Pastoral Metaphors of Relationship**: While not a lamb, the young goat contributes to the overall pastoral metaphor of God as the Shepherd and His people as the flock. The delicate nature of a "young female goat" can symbolize the vulnerability of God's people and His tender care for them, especially the weak or innocent. In the context of Song of Solomon, it speaks to the tenderness and purity of love, perhaps reflecting the unblemished nature of the Beloved.
* **Connection to Sacrificial System (by association with `{{H1427}}`)**: Although גְּדִיָּה itself is not mentioned in sacrificial laws, the broader category of "kid" (גְּדִי, `{{H1427}}`) was a common sacrificial animal. This indirect link subtly connects the term to the profound theological concepts of atonement, purity, and the shedding of blood for sin, which ultimately point to the perfect sacrifice of Christ. The potential for a gᵉdîyâh to be offered, though not explicitly stated, aligns it with the divine economy of redemption.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גְּדִיָּה (gᵉdîyâh, `{{H1429}}`) precisely denotes a "young female goat" or "kid." Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[Song of Solomon 1:8]], where it contributes to the idyllic pastoral imagery, portraying the Beloved tending her flock. While not bearing direct theological weight from this single instance, its meaning enriches the broader biblical themes of divine provision, the tender care of a shepherd for the flock, and the simple beauty of creation. As the feminine counterpart to גְּדִי (gᵉdîy, `{{H1427}}`), it is indirectly linked to the significant role of young goats in ancient Israelite life, including their use in the sacrificial system and as a vital source of sustenance, thereby subtly connecting to the profound theological truths of God's sustaining grace and redemptive plan.
TRV