(Aramaic) corresponding to עֵז; {a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)}; goat.
Transliteration:ʻêz
Pronunciation:aze
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H5796 (ʻêz), transliterated as *ʻêz*, directly corresponds to the more common Hebrew word `{{H5795}}` which also signifies "goat." The base definition provided notes its primary meaning as "a she-goat," often understood with an underlying sense of strength or resilience, from which the animal derives its name. While primarily feminine, the term can be used in the masculine plural to refer to "goats" generally. Furthermore, it can be employed elliptically to denote "goat's hair," highlighting a specific product derived from the animal. Its semantic range is thus confined to the animal itself and its material byproduct.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Given its Aramaic origin, the occurrences of H5796 in the biblical text are limited to the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament. In fact, H5796 appears only once in the Masoretic Text:
* **[[Ezra 6:17]]**: "And they offered at the dedication of this house of God a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and for a sin offering for all Israel twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel."
* In this sole instance, H5796 is used in the plural (עִזִּין, *‘izzîn*), specifically referring to "male goats" (*‘izzîn dāḵrîn*). The context is the dedication of the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. These twelve male goats are offered as a `{{H2403}}` (sin offering) for "all Israel," signifying a collective act of purification and atonement for the entire nation, corresponding to the twelve tribes. This singular usage underscores the continuity of sacrificial practices, even in the post-exilic period, in accordance with Mosaic Law. The specific number of twelve emphasizes the unity and representation of the whole people before God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H5796 is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5795}}` (ʻêz), which is widely used throughout the Old Testament to refer to goats, both male and female, and their products (e.g., goat's hair, goat skins).
Other related terms include:
* `{{H6260}}` (‘attud): "he-goat" or "leader of the flock," often denoting a strong, prominent male goat, sometimes used metaphorically for leaders. This term's emphasis on strength resonates with the etymological root of ʻêz.
* `{{H352}}` (’ayil): "ram," a male sheep, often presented alongside goats in sacrificial contexts.
* `{{H3775}}` (kebeś): "lamb," another common sacrificial animal.
* `{{H2403}}` (ḥaṭṭā’t): "sin offering," the specific type of sacrifice for which the goats in [[Ezra 6:17]] were designated. This links H5796 to the broader sacrificial system and the concept of atonement.
* The broader concept of clean animals suitable for sacrifice, as outlined in Leviticus, where goats play a significant role, particularly in the Day of Atonement rituals (Leviticus 16), though these passages typically employ `{{H5795}}`.
### Theological Significance
The singular biblical occurrence of H5796 in [[Ezra 6:17]] carries profound theological weight, placing the "goat" squarely within the framework of post-exilic worship and the re-establishment of covenant fidelity.
1. **Continuity of Worship and Atonement:** The offering of twelve male goats as a sin offering for all Israel demonstrates the enduring importance of the Mosaic sacrificial system. Despite the exile and the destruction of the first Temple, the returned community diligently sought to restore proper worship according to God's commands. This act signifies their commitment to purification and reconciliation with God, acknowledging the need for atonement for corporate sin.
2. **Corporate Representation:** The "twelve male goats" explicitly offered for "all Israel" symbolize the unity of the nation and the comprehensive nature of the atonement sought. Each tribe was represented, underscoring the collective identity and responsibility before God. This points to the communal aspect of sin and forgiveness within the covenant.
3. **Foreshadowing of Christ:** While the specific term H5796 is rare, the role of the goat in sin offerings throughout the Old Testament ritual system prefigures the ultimate atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the goat bore the sins of the people, so Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, became the final and complete sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The dedication ceremony in Ezra, with its meticulous adherence to sacrificial law, serves as a testament to the ongoing need for God's grace and forgiveness, a need fully met in the New Covenant.
### Summary
The Aramaic term H5796 (ʻêz) refers to a "goat," specifically a "she-goat" but used for "male goats" in the plural, emphasizing strength. Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[Ezra 6:17]], where it designates the "twelve male goats" offered as a sin offering during the dedication of the rebuilt Temple. This usage highlights the continuity of sacrificial worship in post-exilic Israel and the profound theological concept of atonement for the corporate sins of the nation. Though a rare term, its context in Ezra underscores the community's commitment to covenant fidelity and purification before God, ultimately foreshadowing the definitive atoning work of Jesus Christ. It functions identically to its more common Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5795}}`.
TRV