### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâʻâh**, represented by `{{H1600}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to bellow (as cattle); low**. It is a very specific term that appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, used to describe the distinct sound made by cattle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H1600}}` occur in very different contexts. In Job, it is part of a poetic, rhetorical question where Job justifies his own complaints by comparing them to the natural cries of animals. He asks, "loweth{H1600} the ox{H7794} over his fodder{H1098}?" suggesting that even a fed animal may cry out [[Job 6:5]]. In the historical narrative of 1 Samuel, the Philistines return the Ark of the Covenant on a cart pulled by two kine, which went along the highway, "lowing{H1600} as they went" [[1 Samuel 6:12]]. This sound accompanies a divinely guided act.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H1600}}` is used:
* `{{H7794}}` **shôwr** (ox): This is the animal that performs the action of lowing in Job's question [[Job 6:5]].
* `{{H6510}}` **pârâh** (kine): These are the animals that were "lowing" as they carried the Ark of the Covenant [[1 Samuel 6:12]].
* `{{H5101}}` **nâhaq** (to bray): This is the parallel verb used in [[Job 6:5]], which describes the cry of the wild ass. It serves as a direct comparison to the "lowing" of the ox.
* `{{H1098}}` **bᵉlîyl** (fodder): This is the cattle feed that the ox lows over, linking the sound to the context of sustenance [[Job 6:5]].
* `{{H1877}}` **desheʼ** (grass): In the parallel structure of [[Job 6:5]], this is the food source for the wild ass, contrasting with the ox's fodder.
### Theological Significance
Though rare, the use of `{{H1600}}` carries thematic weight in its appearances.
* **A Natural Cry of Distress:** In Job, the act of lowing is presented as a natural expression of an animal's state. Job uses this imagery to argue that his own cries of suffering are just as natural and justified [[Job 6:5]].
* **A Component of a Divine Sign:** In 1 Samuel, the lowing of the kine is part of a miraculous sign. The animals' steady, forward movement, contrary to their maternal instincts, combined with their continuous lowing, served as undeniable proof to the Philistines that the hand of the God of Israel was at work [[1 Samuel 6:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1600}}` **gâʻâh** is a precise term for the lowing of cattle. While its usage is infrequent, it is employed powerfully in both poetic and narrative scripture. It effectively captures the sound of animal life to make a point about human suffering in one instance and to mark the confirmation of divine power in another.
TRV