### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻêgel**, represented by `{{H5695}}`, refers to a **calf** or **bullock**, a young male of the herd. It appears **35 times** across **35 unique verses** in the Bible. The term describes a young bull, often one nearly grown, and is used in contexts ranging from idolatry and sacrifice to figurative descriptions of joy and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5695}}` is most famously associated with Israel's apostasy. The first instance is the golden **calf** fashioned by Aaron `{{H175}}` at the demand of the Israelites, who declared, "These be thy gods `{{H430}}`, O Israel `{{H3478}}`, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt `{{H4714}}`" [[Exodus 32:4]]. Later, King Jeroboam `{{H3379}}` established golden **calves** in Bethel `{{H1008}}` and Dan `{{H1835}}` as objects of worship to prevent the northern tribes from traveling to Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` [[1 Kings 12:28]]. Conversely, a **calf** was also a legitimate animal for sacred rituals, such as the sin offering `{{H2403}}` brought by Aaron [[Leviticus 9:2]]. The word is also used symbolically, as in the vision of a peaceful kingdom where the **calf** and the young lion `{{H3715}}` lie down together [[Isaiah 11:6]], and to describe the joy of the righteous who will "grow up `{{H6335}}` as **calves** of the stall `{{H4770}}`" [[Malachi 4:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the meaning and use of `{{H5695}}`:
* `{{H1241}}` **bâqâr** (herd): This is the collective term for beef cattle, from which a **calf** `{{H5695}}` would come. It is used in instructions for offerings, such as when Aaron is told to take a young **calf** from the herd [[Leviticus 9:2]].
* `{{H4541}}` **maççêkâh** (molten image): This term is directly linked to the idolatrous worship of the **calf**, describing the method of its creation. The Israelites worshipped a **molten image** `{{H4541}}` at Horeb [[Psalms 106:19]].
* `{{H3532}}` **kebes** (lamb): Often mentioned alongside the **calf** in sacrificial contexts, the lamb was another primary animal for offerings. A **calf** and a lamb are prescribed together for a burnt offering `{{H5930}}` [[Leviticus 9:3]].
* `{{H1423}}` **gᵉdîy** (kid): This word for a young goat appears with the **calf** in prophetic imagery, such as Isaiah's vision where the leopard `{{H5246}}` lies down with the **kid** and the **calf** is with the young lion [[Isaiah 11:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5695}}` is significant, primarily illustrating the conflict between true and false worship.
* **Apostasy and Idolatry:** The golden **calf** is a defining symbol of Israel's rebellion and failure to trust God `{{H3068}}`. This act of making a **molten** `{{H4541}}` image was a direct violation of God's command [[Exodus 32:8]] and became a recurring example of sin `{{H2399}}` throughout Israel's history [[2 Kings 10:29]].
* **Atonement and Sacrifice:** In its proper context, the **calf** was an instrument of worship and reconciliation. It was specified for sin offerings `{{H2403}}` and burnt offerings `{{H5930}}`, which were essential for atonement and maintaining a right relationship with God [[Leviticus 9:2-3]].
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** The **calf** is used metaphorically to represent different spiritual states. It can symbolize an undisciplined people in need of chastening [[Jeremiah 31:18]] or, conversely, the joyful freedom and vitality of the righteous who are released and blessed by God [[Malachi 4:2]].
### Summary
In summary, the word `{{H5695}}` **ʻêgel** carries a powerful dual significance in Scripture. It is most notoriously the symbol of Israel's gravest idolatry, both at the foot of the mount and in the kingdom established by Jeroboam. However, it also functions as a divinely appointed animal for sacrifice and atonement. Through its various uses, from an object of rebellion to an image of restored joy, **ʻêgel** encapsulates the profound biblical tension between human-devised religion and God-ordained worship.
TRV