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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻayir**, represented by `{{H5895}}`, refers to a **young ass**, specifically one that is just broken to a load. Its definition, derived from a word meaning "raising" or "bearing a burden," highlights its role as an ass-colt or foal. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, often denoting an animal of value used for transport or labor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5895}}` is used to signify wealth, status, and practical work. It appears as a sign of prominence, as the sons of the judges Jair and Abdon are described as riding on "ass colts" ([[Judges 10:4]], [[Judges 12:14]]). The term also denotes a beast of burden, used for carrying riches and treasures in the desert [[Isaiah 30:6]] or for agricultural work like earing the ground [[Isaiah 30:24]]. In Jacob's blessing, it features in a poetic description of prosperity, "Binding his foal unto the vine" [[Genesis 49:11]]. The most notable use is in the messianic prophecy of Zechariah, where the humble King arrives riding on a "colt the foal of an ass" [[Zechariah 9:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the role and nature of these animals:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son, foal): This term is often used with `{{H5895}}` to clarify the animal's lineage. It appears as "the **foal** of an ass" in [[Zechariah 9:9]] and "his ass's **colt**" in [[Genesis 49:11]], emphasizing that the animal is a direct offspring.
* `{{H2543}}` **chămôwr** (male ass): This word for a male donkey is used in parallel with `{{H5895}}` in [[Zechariah 9:9]], where the king is described as "riding upon an **ass**, and upon a colt," highlighting the specific, humble nature of his mount.
* `{{H860}}` **ʼâthôwn** (she ass): As the female counterpart, this word specifies the mother of the `{{H5895}}`. In both [[Genesis 49:11]] and [[Zechariah 9:9]], the colt is identified as the foal of an **ʼâthôwn**, establishing its identity as a young donkey from a specific parent.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H5895}}` carries distinct thematic weight in different contexts.
* **Symbol of Status and Prosperity:** Ownership of "ass colts" was a clear indicator of a family's wealth and social standing. This is evident in the accounts of the thirty sons of Jair and the forty sons and thirty nephews of Abdon, all of whom rode on them ([[Judges 10:4]], [[Judges 12:14]]). They are also included in a list of valuable livestock [[Genesis 32:15]].
* **Sign of Messianic Humility:** The prophecy in [[Zechariah 9:9]] uses the **ʻayir** to paint a picture of a king who comes in peace and lowliness, contrasting with a conquering king on a warhorse. The choice of a young, unbroken colt is central to this image of a gentle and just savior.
* **Metaphor for Untamed Nature:** In the book of Job, the term is used metaphorically to describe humanity's innate condition. The statement that man is "born like a wild ass's **colt**" [[Job 11:12]] suggests a natural state that is wild, foolish, or in need of wisdom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5895}}` is a specific and significant term. While literally referring to a young donkey, it functions on multiple levels throughout Scripture. It is a practical beast of burden, a measure of wealth and leadership in historical narratives, a metaphor for human nature in wisdom literature, and a pivotal symbol of humility and peace in messianic prophecy. The word **ʻayir** demonstrates how a simple term for an animal can convey deep layers of cultural and theological meaning.
TRV