from עוּר in the sense of raising (i.e. bearing a burden); properly, a young ass (as just broken to a load); hence an ass-colt; (ass) colt, foal, young ass.
Transliteration:ʻayir
Pronunciation:ah'-yeer
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5895, עַיִר ('ayir), is derived from the root עוּר ('uwr), which carries the sense of "to rouse oneself" or "to awaken." In the context of עַיִר, this root is understood "in the sense of raising (i.e., bearing a burden)." This etymological connection suggests an animal that is being brought up or trained to carry loads. The primary meaning of עַיִר is "a young ass" or "ass-colt," specifically one that is "just broken to a load." This indicates an animal that is not fully mature but is at the stage where it can be trained for work or riding. Its semantic range includes "colt," "foal," and "young ass," consistently referring to a juvenile donkey, distinguishing it from a fully grown animal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עַיִר appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, often highlighting its use in daily life, as a measure of wealth, or in prophetic imagery:
* **As a Symbol of Wealth and Status:** In the patriarchal narratives, עַיִר is listed among valuable possessions. For instance, Jacob's gift to Esau includes "twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys" ([[Genesis 32:15]]), where עַיִר refers to the male donkeys, likely young ones. Later, in the period of the Judges, riding עַיִר signifies prosperity and influence. Jair, a judge, is noted for having "thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts (עַיִר)" ([[Judges 10:4]]), and Abdon, another judge, had "forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy ass colts (עַיִר)" ([[Judges 12:14]]). These passages illustrate the value and prestige associated with owning and riding these animals.
* **As a Beast of Burden:** עַיִר is also depicted as an animal capable of carrying loads. [[Isaiah 30:6]] describes people carrying their riches "on the backs of young donkeys (עַיִר)" through a dangerous land, emphasizing their utility for transport.
* **In Proverbial Wisdom:** [[Job 11:12]] uses עַיִר in a proverbial sense to describe the impossibility of a foolish person gaining wisdom: "But a senseless man will get understanding when a wild donkey's colt (עַיִר) is born a man." This highlights the untamed nature of a wild young donkey, contrasting it with the desired human characteristic of wisdom.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** The most significant occurrence of עַיִר is in the prophetic book of Zechariah. [[Zechariah 9:9]] declares: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt (עַיִר), the foal of a donkey (בֶּן־אָתוֹן)." This verse is pivotal, prophesying the humble manner of the Messiah's arrival, riding not on a warhorse, but on a young donkey.
### Related Words & Concepts
עַיִר is part of a semantic field related to donkeys and beasts of burden in ancient Israel:
* **חֲמוֹר (chamor `{{H2543}}`):** This is the general Hebrew term for "donkey" or "ass." עַיִר is a more specific term, referring to a *young* donkey, thus representing a subset of חֲמוֹר.
* **אֲתוֹן (athon `{{H860}}`):** This word specifically denotes a "female donkey" or "she-ass."
* **בֶּן־אָתוֹן (ben-'athon):** Literally "son of a she-ass," this phrase is often used in parallel with עַיִר, particularly in [[Zechariah 9:9]], to further emphasize the youth and lineage of the animal as a "foal."
* **Beasts of Burden:** Donkeys were indispensable working animals in the ancient Near East, used for agriculture, travel, and transporting goods. The עַיִר, as a young donkey, represents an animal being prepared for such service.
* **Humility and Peace:** Unlike horses, which were often associated with warfare, power, and royalty, donkeys were symbols of peace, humility, and the common person. The choice of a עַיִר for the Messiah's entry reinforces these qualities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עַיִר is most profoundly realized in its fulfillment as a messianic prophecy:
* **Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy:** The prophecy in [[Zechariah 9:9]] concerning the Messiah's humble entry on a עַיִר is directly fulfilled by Jesus Christ. The Gospel accounts explicitly detail Jesus' instruction to His disciples to find a "colt" or "young donkey" on which "no one has ever sat" ([[Mark 11:2]], [[Luke 19:30]]) for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([[Matthew 21:1-7]], [[Mark 11:1-7]], [[Luke 19:29-35]], [[John 12:12-15]]). This deliberate act by Jesus underscores His identity as the promised Messiah, aligning His actions precisely with the ancient prophetic word.
* **Symbol of the Messiah's Humility and Peaceful Reign:** By choosing to ride a עַיִר rather than a warhorse, Jesus symbolically declares the nature of His kingship. He is not a conquering king who establishes His reign through military might and worldly power, but a humble, righteous King who brings salvation and peace. This act contrasts sharply with the expectations of many who anticipated a political or military deliverer.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Intentionality:** The precise fulfillment of the prophecy, down to the specific type of animal, highlights God's meticulous sovereignty in history. Jesus' intentional choice of the עַיִר demonstrates His divine knowledge and His deliberate alignment with the Father's predetermined plan for redemption. The "untamed" nature of the colt (as implied by "on which no one has ever sat") further accentuates the miraculous and divinely ordained nature of the event.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5895, עַיִר ('ayir), refers to a "young ass" or "ass-colt," often one being trained for burden-bearing. While appearing in various contexts describing wealth, status, and utility as a beast of burden, its most profound theological significance is found in its role as a key element in messianic prophecy. [[Zechariah 9:9]] foretells the coming of the Messiah, humble and righteous, riding upon a עַיִר. This prophecy finds its direct and intentional fulfillment in Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He deliberately chooses to ride an untamed young donkey ([[Matthew 21:1-7]], [[John 12:12-15]]). This act transforms the עַיִר into a potent symbol of the Messiah's humble kingship, His peaceful reign, and His commitment to fulfilling the divine plan. The עַיִר thus stands as a testament to God's sovereign hand in history and the unique, counter-cultural nature of His kingdom.
TRV