### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָקֹד (ʻâqôd, `{{H6124}}`) is an adjective derived from the verbal root עָקַד (ʻâqad), which fundamentally means "to bind" or "to tie." As an adjective, ʻâqôd describes something that is "striped (with bands)" or "ring-straked." The nuance implies a pattern that appears as if "bound" or "encircled" around the object, creating distinct, often circular or linear bands or streaks. It refers to a specific type of marking on an animal's coat, distinct from mere spots or patches, suggesting a pattern that encircles or runs in prominent lines.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻâqôd appears exclusively within the book of Genesis, specifically within the narrative detailing Jacob's dealings with Laban concerning their flocks.
* In [[Genesis 30:35]], Laban removes the ʻâqôd (ring-straked) and spotted male goats and all the speckled and spotted female goats, along with all the brown sheep, from the main flock, giving them to his sons. This act was intended to ensure that Jacob would have no claim to the marked animals, thus limiting his potential wealth.
* However, [[Genesis 30:39]] states that the flocks conceived before the peeled rods that Jacob had placed in the watering troughs, and "brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted." This refers to the offspring exhibiting the very markings Laban had sought to exclude.
* [[Genesis 30:40]] describes Jacob's strategic positioning of his own flocks, setting their faces toward the ʻâqôd and brown animals of Laban, further influencing the outcome of the breeding.
* In [[Genesis 31:8]], Jacob recounts to his wives how God had intervened, stating, "If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked." This highlights God's direct manipulation of the outcome.
* Finally, in [[Genesis 31:10]], Jacob describes a dream where an angel of God shows him that the male animals leaping upon the ewes were already "ringstraked, speckled, and grisled." This divine revelation clarifies that the markings were not solely due to Jacob's methods but were divinely ordained.
In all these contexts, ʻâqôd consistently denotes a specific, visually distinct pattern on livestock, central to the narrative of God's providential blessing and justice in Jacob's life amidst Laban's deceit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root עָקַד (ʻâqad)**: The direct verbal root of ʻâqôd is ʻâqad, meaning "to bind." This root is famously associated with the "binding of Isaac" (the Aqedah) in [[Genesis 22:9]]. This etymological connection subtly reinforces the idea of the stripes or bands of ʻâqôd as patterns that appear "bound" or "encircling" the animal's body.
* **Related terms for animal markings**: ʻâqôd frequently appears alongside other terms describing animal patterns, notably נָקֹד (naqod, `{{H5344}}`, "spotted" or "speckled") and טָלוּא (ṭaluʼ, `{{H2921}}`, "spotted" or "patched"). These three terms collectively describe the distinct and varied coat patterns that became Jacob's portion, distinguishing them from the solid-colored animals.
* **Divine Providence**: The narrative in which ʻâqôd is embedded is a profound illustration of God's sovereign control over creation and human affairs. The specific markings on the animals are not random but are the result of God's active intervention, ensuring Jacob's prosperity and fulfilling His covenant promises despite Laban's repeated attempts to defraud him.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâqôd does not reside in the word's inherent meaning alone but in its pivotal role within the Jacob-Laban narrative. It serves as a tangible, visible sign of God's providential care, justice, and faithfulness to His covenant with Jacob.
God supernaturally intervenes in the seemingly mundane act of animal breeding to ensure Jacob's prosperity, demonstrating His power to work through and even override natural processes. The appearance of ʻâqôd animals, alongside the speckled and spotted, is a direct manifestation of divine blessing and a testament to God's commitment to Jacob's well-being and the establishment of his lineage.
This episode underscores the theme that God's blessing can manifest in unexpected and practical ways, utilizing both Jacob's ingenuity (with the peeled rods) and outright miraculous intervention (the dream and the resulting offspring) as instruments of His divine will. The ʻâqôd markings become a concrete, undeniable proof of God's active involvement in Jacob's life, transforming what might appear as mere chance or cleverness into a divinely orchestrated outcome that ensures the continuation of the covenant line.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective עָקֹד (ʻâqôd, `{{H6124}}`) describes animals that are "ring-straked" or "striped with bands," a term derived from the root עָקַד ("to bind"). Its exclusive appearances in the Bible are found in the Book of Genesis, central to the account of Jacob's dealings with Laban regarding their flocks. Here, ʻâqôd consistently refers to a distinct pattern on livestock, often appearing alongside "speckled" and "spotted." The profound significance of ʻâqôd lies not merely in its descriptive meaning but in its function as a tangible symbol of God's active and providential intervention in Jacob's life. The emergence of ʻâqôd animals in Jacob's portion was a direct result of divine blessing, ensuring his prosperity and demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Thus, ʻâqôd serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and justice in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.
TRV