### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼeleph**, represented by `{{H504}}`, has a dual meaning, referring to both a **family** and an **ox or cow**. It appears 8 times in 8 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a root suggesting yoking or taming, this word connects the social unit of a family with the agricultural asset of livestock, which was fundamental to wealth and sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H504}}` appears in two distinct contexts. It is used once to denote a social clan or **family**, as when Gideon expresses his inadequacy to save Israel by stating, "my **family** is poor in Manasseh" [[Judges 6:15]]. More frequently, it refers to livestock, specifically as **kine** or **oxen**. In the book of Deuteronomy, the "increase of thy **kine**" is repeatedly listed as a tangible sign of God's covenantal blessing ([[Deuteronomy 7:13]], [[Deuteronomy 28:4]]) and its loss as a curse for disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 28:18]], [[Deuteronomy 28:51]]). The term also appears in a wisdom context, linking **oxen** directly to agricultural productivity [[Proverbs 14:4]], and in a prophetic vision of a prosperous future where well-fed **oxen** work the land [[Isaiah 30:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the agricultural and communal context of `{{H504}}`:
* `{{H929}}` **bᵉhêmâh** (beast, cattle): This is a broader term for animals, often used to refer to livestock in general. In lists of creation's order, it appears alongside `{{H504}}`, as in "All sheep and **oxen**, yea, and the **beasts** of the field" [[Psalms 8:7]].
* `{{H7698}}` **sheger** (increase): Defined as "the fetus (as finally expelled); that cometh of, increase," this term is directly paired with `{{H504}}` in Deuteronomy to specify the blessing of offspring from one's herds [[Deuteronomy 7:13]].
* `{{H6629}}` **tsôʼn** (flock): Meaning "a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats)," this word is frequently listed alongside **kine** as a key indicator of agricultural wealth and blessing [[Deuteronomy 28:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H504}}` is tied to its role as a measure of divine favor and human responsibility.
* **Covenantal Blessings:** The increase of **kine** serves as a direct, physical manifestation of God's pleasure with His people and His fulfillment of covenant promises. The blessing includes the "increase of thy **kine**, and the flocks of thy sheep" [[Deuteronomy 7:13]].
* **Tangible Curses:** Conversely, the loss of livestock, including **kine**, is presented as a consequence of disobedience, where an enemy "shall eat the fruit of thy cattle" [[Deuteronomy 28:51]].
* **Principle of Productivity:** The word illustrates a wisdom principle that diligent labor and the right resources (like **oxen**) lead to abundance, reflecting an orderly world where effort yields results [[Proverbs 14:4]].
* **Human Dominion:** The inclusion of **oxen** in the list of animals under humanity's care in [[Psalms 8:7]] underscores mankind's God-given role as stewards over creation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H504}}` is a word that bridges the social and economic life of ancient Israel. While its use as **family** points to social identity and standing, its more common application as **kine** or **oxen** establishes livestock as a primary benchmark for prosperity. The health and increase of these animals were not merely an agricultural concern but a spiritual barometer, reflecting the state of the covenantal relationship between Israel and God.
TRV