from the same as עָגֹל; a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e. a steer); bullock, calf.
Transliteration:ʻêgel
Pronunciation:ay-ghel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻêgel (`{{H5695}}`) primarily denotes a "calf," specifically a young male bovine. Its etymological root is linked to ʻāgōl (`{{H5696}}`), which suggests roundness or circular motion. This connection informs the base definition's nuance of a calf "frisking round," capturing the energetic, youthful nature of the animal. While it can refer to a very young calf, the definition also extends to a "nearly grown" animal, often translated as a "steer" or "bullock." This indicates a range from a tender, unweaned animal to one approaching maturity, suitable for work or significant sacrifice. The term consistently refers to a male animal, distinguishing it from female bovines.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻêgel appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, its meaning deeply shaped by the context of its use.
1. **Sacrificial Offerings:** One of the most prominent uses of ʻêgel is within the elaborate system of Mosaic sacrifices. A "calf" or "bullock" was often specified as an offering, particularly for sin offerings or burnt offerings, signifying its value and purity. For instance, [[Leviticus 9:2]] commands Aaron to offer a "calf" for a sin offering. Similarly, [[Numbers 15:24]] prescribes a ʻêgel as a burnt offering for unintentional communal sin. Its unblemished nature and significant cost made it a fitting representation of atonement and dedication to YHWH.
2. **Hospitality and Provision:** ʻêgel also appears in contexts of feasting and hospitality, symbolizing abundance and blessing. In [[Genesis 18:7]], Abraham prepares a "tender and good calf" for his divine visitors, illustrating lavish hospitality. This usage highlights the animal's role as a valuable food source, indicative of prosperity and God's provision.
3. **The Golden Calf:** The most infamous and theologically significant occurrence of ʻêgel is in the narrative of the Golden Calf in [[Exodus 32]]. Here, the people of Israel, impatient for Moses' return from Mount Sinai, demand Aaron make them "gods who will go before us." The resulting ʻêgel becomes an object of idolatrous worship, a tangible representation of their rebellion against YHWH and His covenant. This incident marks a profound turning point, demonstrating the Israelites' propensity for apostasy and the severity of God's judgment against false worship.
4. **Idolatry in the Divided Kingdom:** Following the division of the kingdom, Jeroboam I established golden calves in Bethel and Dan (e.g., [[1 Kings 12:28-29]]) as alternative worship sites to Jerusalem, declaring, "Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!" This act of syncretism and spiritual rebellion, directly referencing the Exodus event, led to centuries of idolatry in the Northern Kingdom. Prophets like Hosea (e.g., [[Hosea 8:5-6]], [[Hosea 10:5]]) vehemently denounce the "calves of Samaria," highlighting their role in Israel's spiritual prostitution and impending judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of ʻêgel (`{{H5695}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **ʻāgōl (`{{H5696}}`):** The root from which ʻêgel is derived, meaning "round" or "circular." This etymological link supports the imagery of a calf "frisking round," emphasizing its youthful vigor and movement.
* **pār (`{{H6499}}`):** Another common Hebrew word for "bullock" or "young bull." While often used interchangeably with ʻêgel, pār frequently refers to a slightly more mature animal, particularly in sacrificial contexts where a specific age or size might be implied. Both terms signify a significant and valuable animal for offerings.
* **šôr (`{{H7794}}`):** A more general term for "ox" or "bull," often referring to a mature animal used for labor, food, or sacrifice. ʻêgel is a specific type of šôr – a young one.
* **bāqār (`{{H1241}}`):** Refers to a "herd" of cattle or "oxen" collectively. ʻêgel would be an individual member of such a herd.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement:** The frequent use of ʻêgel in the Levitical code connects it intimately with the concepts of purity, substitutionary atonement, and the covenant relationship between YHWH and Israel. It points to the necessary shedding of innocent blood for the covering of sin.
* **Idolatry and Apostasy:** The recurring motif of the "golden calf" firmly links ʻêgel to the profound theological concepts of false worship, spiritual unfaithfulness, and the human propensity to create tangible, controllable gods in place of the transcendent, invisible YHWH.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻêgel (`{{H5695}}`) is multifaceted, embodying both sacred purity and profound rebellion.
1. **Symbol of Atonement and Consecration:** In the sacrificial system, the ʻêgel represents an unblemished, valuable offering, acceptable to God for the expiation of sin (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:3]], [[Leviticus 9:2]]). Its sacrifice underscores the gravity of sin and the divine provision for reconciliation. This prefigures the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, who is the "Lamb of God" (though a different animal, the *concept* of an innocent, valuable offering is shared). The ʻêgel offered in worship points to a desire for right relationship with the holy God.
2. **Divine Provision and Blessing:** When used for food or hospitality, the ʻêgel signifies God's blessing and abundance upon His people. It speaks to the richness of life provided by the Creator and the joy of fellowship, as seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son ([[Luke 15:23]] where a "fatted calf" is slaughtered for celebration).
3. **Profound Idolatry and Covenant Breaking:** The most potent theological meaning of ʻêgel is tied to the Golden Calf incident. This event stands as a stark biblical paradigm of idolatry, demonstrating humanity's deep-seated tendency to distrust God's invisible presence and create tangible objects of worship. It represents a direct breaking of the first two commandments and a profound act of covenant infidelity. The calves of Jeroboam further solidify ʻêgel as a symbol of national apostasy, leading to spiritual decay and ultimately, judgment. This serves as a perpetual warning against syncretism and placing anything, even a religiously-tinged symbol, in the place of true worship of YHWH.
4. **Consequences of Rebellion:** The severe consequences that followed the worship of the Golden Calf (plague, divine wrath) and the calves of Jeroboam (the downfall of the Northern Kingdom) highlight the immense seriousness of idolatry in God's eyes. The ʻêgel thus becomes a powerful symbol of divine jealousy and the catastrophic results of spiritual unfaithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻêgel (`{{H5695}}`) denotes a male calf or bullock, its root suggesting youthful, circular movement. Its biblical occurrences reveal a profound duality in its theological significance. On one hand, the ʻêgel is a valued animal, essential to the Mosaic sacrificial system as a pure offering for atonement and consecration, symbolizing the gravity of sin and God's provision for reconciliation. It also represents divine blessing and hospitality when served as food. On the other hand, and most significantly, the ʻêgel stands as a potent symbol of idolatry and rebellion. The infamous Golden Calf in the wilderness and the calves established by Jeroboam in the Northern Kingdom represent humanity's propensity to create false gods and reject the invisible YHWH, leading to severe divine judgment and national apostasy. Thus, ʻêgel encapsulates both the sacred possibility of drawing near to God through prescribed worship and the tragic reality of human unfaithfulness that leads to spiritual ruin.
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