from עָזַז; a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair); (she) goat, kid.
Transliteration:ʻêz
Pronunciation:aze
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֵז (ʻêz, `{{H5795}}`) primarily denotes a "she-goat." Its etymological root is עָזַז (ʻāzaz, `{{H5810}}`), meaning "to be strong, mighty," suggesting that the animal was perceived as robust, agile, or resilient. While typically feminine in the singular, the plural form can be masculine. The term's semantic range also extends to refer to "goat's hair" elliptically, indicating the material derived from the animal, and can denote a "kid," referring to the young of a goat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
עֵז is a common term in the Old Testament, appearing frequently in contexts related to animal husbandry, sacrificial practices, dietary provisions, and material culture.
* **Sacrificial Contexts:** Goats played a significant role in Israelite sacrificial systems. They were acceptable offerings for various sacrifices, including sin offerings ([[Leviticus 4:23]]), burnt offerings ([[Leviticus 1:10]]), and peace offerings ([[Leviticus 3:12]]). The ritual of the Day of Atonement, while specifying a male goat (שָׂעִיר, `{{H8163}}`), underscores the species' importance in atoning rites.
* **Dietary and Economic Use:** Goats provided essential components of the ancient Israelite diet, supplying both meat and milk ([[Deuteronomy 14:4]], [[Proverbs 27:27]]). As valuable livestock, they represented wealth and provided resources for clothing (goat hair) and sustenance, as seen in Jacob's dealings with Laban ([[Genesis 30:32]]) and Abigail's provision for David ([[1 Samuel 25:2]]).
* **Material Culture:** The hair of goats was utilized for practical purposes, notably in the construction of the Tabernacle, where curtains were made from goat hair ([[Exodus 26:7]]).
* **Narrative and Figurative Use:** The term appears in various narratives, such as Judah's pledge to Tamar involving a kid of the goats ([[Genesis 38:17-20]]), illustrating its commonality in everyday life and transactions.
### Related Words & Concepts
* עָזַז (ʻāzaz, `{{H5810}}`): The root verb, meaning "to be strong, mighty," highlighting the perceived robustness of the animal.
* שָׂעִיר (sa'ir, `{{H8163}}`): "He-goat," often used specifically for the male goat, particularly in sacrificial contexts, and also for "hairy" or "demon." This term often contrasts with the typically feminine עֵז.
* תַּיִשׁ (tayish, `{{H8495}}`): Another term for "he-goat."
* גְּדִי (gĕdî, `{{H1423}}`): "Kid," specifically a young goat, which עֵז can also encompass in its broader usage.
* **Livestock:** Goats belong to the broader category of domesticated animals, often grouped with sheep (צֹאן, tso'n, `{{H6629}}`) and cattle (בָּקָר, baqar, `{{H1241}}`), all crucial to the agrarian economy of ancient Israel.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement:** The integral role of goats in the sacrificial system links עֵז directly to concepts of atonement, purification, and covenant relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
The frequent use of עֵז in biblical texts carries significant theological weight.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The presence of goats as a consistent source of milk, meat, and hair underscores God's faithful provision for His people's daily needs. Abundance of livestock, including goats, was often depicted as a sign of divine blessing and prosperity ([[Proverbs 27:27]]).
* **Sacrificial Symbolism:** Goats were central to the sacrificial system, particularly as sin offerings. The shedding of their blood symbolized the necessary atonement for sin and the purification required to approach a holy God. While the ultimate sacrifice is that of Christ, the Old Testament animal sacrifices, including those involving עֵז, served as types and shadows, pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the "Lamb of God."
* **Purity and Holiness:** As clean animals suitable for food and sacrifice, goats participated in the ritual distinctions that helped define Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing the importance of purity in worship and daily life.
* **Dependence on God:** As domesticated animals dependent on human care, goats can subtly reflect humanity's dependence on God as their Shepherd and Provider.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֵז (ʻêz, `{{H5795}}`), primarily denoting a "she-goat" and rooted in the concept of "strength," signifies a foundational element of ancient Israelite life and worship. Its semantic range extends to the general species, its young, and goat's hair. Biblically, עֵז is prominent in contexts of sacrificial atonement, where goats served as vital offerings for sin and other sacrifices, symbolizing purification and reconciliation with God. Beyond ritual, עֵז represents God's practical provision for sustenance through milk and meat, and for material needs like textiles. Thus, the study of עֵז illuminates not only the economic and social realities of biblical times but also profound theological truths concerning divine provision, the necessity of atonement, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.
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