### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6842}}` (צָפִיר, *tsâphîyr*) specifically denotes a "male goat" or "he-goat." Its etymology is particularly insightful, deriving from the root `{{H6845}}` (צָפַר, *tsâphar*), which carries the nuanced meaning "to depart, skip, or prance." This etymological connection imbues tsâphîyr with a sense of vigor, agility, and perhaps even a certain wildness or leadership characteristic of a robust male goat. Unlike more general terms for "goat" (e.g., `{{H5795}}` עֵז, *'ēz*), tsâphîyr emphasizes the male aspect, often implying strength, swiftness, or a prominent role within a flock. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently referring to this specific animal, but its contextual applications reveal layers of symbolic depth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6842}}` appears in several significant biblical contexts, each revealing a facet of its meaning:
* **Pastoral and Economic Context:** In the patriarchal narratives, tsâphîyr is listed among Jacob's abundant livestock, reflecting its common presence in ancient Near Eastern animal husbandry. For instance, in [[Genesis 30:35]] and [[Genesis 32:14]] (Hebrew 32:15), male goats are part of the flocks, indicating wealth and a staple of agricultural life. Here, the term is descriptive, highlighting the practical value of these animals.
* **Sacrificial Context:** Tsâphîyr features prominently in the Israelite sacrificial system. In [[2 Chronicles 29:21]] and [[Ezra 8:35]], male goats are specified as sin offerings or burnt offerings. This usage underscores their prescribed role in atonement rituals, where specific animals were required for various purification and dedication ceremonies. The offering of a tsâphîyr was a serious act of worship, signifying the substitutionary nature of sacrifice for the cleansing of sin.
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** Perhaps the most striking and theologically rich use of tsâphîyr occurs in the prophetic vision of Daniel. In [[Daniel 8:5]], [[Daniel 8:8]], and [[Daniel 8:21]], a "he-goat" is a powerful symbolic representation of the swift and conquering kingdom of Greece, specifically Alexander the Great. The description of this goat "coming from the west over the surface of the whole earth without touching the ground" perfectly aligns with the "prancing" or "skipping" aspect inherent in the word's etymology. This imagery powerfully conveys rapid, irresistible conquest and the overwhelming might of a world empire. The prominent horn on the goat's forehead further emphasizes its singular power and leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H6842}}` is enhanced by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **General Terms for Goat:**
* `{{H5795}}` (עֵז, *'ēz*): A broader term for "goat," which can refer to either male or female. Tsâphîyr is a specific type of ēz.
* `{{H1423}}` (גְּדִי, *gᵉdî*): Refers to a "kid" or young goat.
* `{{H6260}}` (עַתּוּד, *'attûd*): While often translated "ram," it can also refer to a "he-goat" or a "leader," often used metaphorically for powerful figures or nations (e.g., [[Isaiah 14:9]], [[Jeremiah 50:8]]). This term shares with tsâphîyr the connotation of strength and prominence.
* **Sacrificial Animals:** Tsâphîyr is part of a broader category of animals prescribed for sacrifice, alongside lambs (`{{H3532}}` כֶּבֶשׂ, *keves*), rams (`{{H352}}` אַיִל, *'ayil*), and bulls (`{{H6499}}` פַּר, *par*). Each had specific roles in the Levitical system, highlighting the meticulous nature of God's instructions for worship and atonement.
* **Animal Symbolism:** The use of animals as symbols is pervasive in biblical prophecy. The tsâphîyr in Daniel stands alongside other symbolic beasts (e.g., lion, bear, leopard) that represent world empires, underscoring God's sovereign control over human history and the unfolding of His divine plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6842}}` is multifaceted, touching upon themes of atonement, divine sovereignty, and the nature of power.
* **Atonement and Sacrifice:** The male goat's role in sin offerings (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:23]], [[Leviticus 9:3]]) underscores the foundational biblical truth that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" [[Hebrews 9:22]]. The tsâphîyr served as a substitute, bearing the iniquity of the offerer. While distinct from the "scapegoat" (`{{H5795}}` עֵז לַעֲזָאזֵל, *'ēz la'ăzāzēl*) of the Day of Atonement, the offering of a tsâphîyr contributes to the broader understanding of vicarious sacrifice, pointing ultimately to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
* **Divine Sovereignty in History:** The prophetic use of tsâphîyr in Daniel's vision is a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms and historical events. The swift, powerful he-goat representing Greece's meteoric rise and conquest illustrates that even the most formidable earthly powers operate within the predetermined counsel of God. This imagery provides comfort and assurance that God is actively orchestrating history towards His ultimate purposes, despite the apparent chaos or might of human empires.
* **Nature of Power:** The "prancing" nature implied by the root of tsâphîyr highlights the swift and often aggressive nature of earthly power. While such power can be destructive, Daniel's vision shows it is ultimately brought low and superseded by divine power. The breaking of the great horn and the rise of four lesser horns from the tsâphîyr's head ([[Daniel 8:8]]) vividly portrays the ephemeral nature of human dominion in contrast to the eternal kingdom of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6842}}` (צָפִיר, *tsâphîyr*) precisely designates a "male goat," carrying an inherent connotation of vigor, agility, and strength derived from its root meaning "to prance" or "skip." Its occurrences in Scripture provide a rich tapestry of meaning: from its mundane presence in patriarchal flocks, signifying economic value, to its vital role as a prescribed animal in the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and the covering of sin. Most profoundly, tsâphîyr serves as a potent prophetic symbol in the book of Daniel, representing the swift and overwhelming power of the Grecian empire under Alexander the Great. In this context, it powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations. Thus, tsâphîyr is a word that, while simple in its animal referent, carries significant theological weight, speaking to the themes of substitutionary sacrifice, God's historical dominion, and the transient nature of human power.
TRV