The Hebrew word tsâphîyr, represented by H6842, means a male goat or (he) goat. Its root suggests a "prancing" motion, and it appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used specifically to denote a male goat, often in contexts of sacrifice or significant prophetic symbolism.
In biblical usage, H6842 carries two distinct applications. It is prominently featured in the book of Daniel as a powerful prophetic symbol. An advancing he goat with a notable horn is used to represent "the king of Grecia" Daniel 8:21, whose power grows immensely before its great horn is broken Daniel 8:8. The imagery of this goat coming from the west without touching the ground signifies a swift and dominant conquest Daniel 8:5. The word is also used in a liturgical context, where he goats are specified as animals for a sin offering to God. This is seen when the returning exiles offer twelve he goats Ezra 8:35 and during King Hezekiah's reforms when seven he goats are offered for the kingdom and the sanctuary 2 Chronicles 29:21.
Several related words for sacrificial animals appear in the same contexts, providing a broader understanding of the Hebrew sacrificial system:
- H352 ʼayil (ram): From a root meaning strength, this term refers to a ram but can also mean a chief or a strong tree. Rams are frequently mentioned as burnt offerings Job 42:8 and are a central part of the sacrificial requirements Leviticus 5:15.
- H3532 kebes (lamb, sheep): Defined as a young ram, this word is consistently used for lambs in sacrifices, such as the burnt offerings for the new months Numbers 28:11 and offerings for purification Leviticus 14:10.
- H5795 ʻêz ((she) goat, kid): This term for a she-goat is often used in conjunction with H6842, as seen in the phrase "he goat" Daniel 8:8. It is also used to specify the type of animal for a sin offering Leviticus 9:3 and is listed among animals suitable for sacrifice Leviticus 22:19.
- H6499 par (bullock, calf, ox): This word denotes a young bullock, an animal of significant value in offerings. Bullocks are listed alongside rams and he goats in large-scale sacrifices (Ezra 8:35, 2 Chronicles 29:21) and are required for sin offerings and atonement Numbers 8:12.
The theological weight of H6842 is demonstrated through its specific roles in scripture.
- Prophetic Symbolism: The use of the he goat in Daniel is a primary example of how God uses elements of the natural world to convey prophetic truth. The goat does not merely represent an animal but the entire "king of Grecia," with its horns signifying successive rulers and the transfer of power Daniel 8:21.
- National Atonement: In Ezra and 2 Chronicles, the he goats are offered as a "sin offering" specifically on behalf of larger communities: "all Israel" Ezra 8:35 and "for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah" 2 Chronicles 29:21. This highlights its role in corporate repentance and purification.
- Connotations of Power: The description of the he goat in Daniel's vision emphasizes its speed, strength, and aggressive dominance Daniel 8:5. This connects the animal itself to the characteristics of the kingdom it represents, illustrating a theme of worldly power and conquest.
In summary, H6842 is a specific and potent term. While used infrequently, it is vital to understanding key biblical passages. It functions literally as a designated animal for sin offerings that secure atonement for the nation and symbolically as a powerful image of a dominant world empire in prophetic revelation. The word tsâphîyr thus carries layers of meaning, from its role in the temple rituals to its depiction of the rise and fall of kings on the world stage.
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