or שֵׂי; probably from שָׁאָה through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. a sheep or goat; (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare זֶה.
Transliteration:seh
Pronunciation:seh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שֶׂה (transliterated *seh*, Strong's `{{H7716}}`) denotes a member of a flock, encompassing both sheep and goats, particularly young or smaller specimens. Its etymology is likely rooted in the idea of "pushing out to graze," suggesting a creature inherently part of a collective and dependent on pasturage. Unlike more specific terms such as `{{H3532}}` (a young ram or male lamb) or `{{H6260}}` (a goat), *seh* carries a broader, more generic meaning, often translated as "lamb," "sheep," "kid," or even "small cattle" depending on context. This semantic flexibility highlights its essential role in the agrarian and sacrificial life of ancient Israel, where the distinction between ovine and caprine animals was sometimes secondary to their function within the flock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *seh* appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illuminating various facets of Israelite life and worship.
1. **Sacrificial Animal:** Its most prominent usage is in the context of ritual sacrifice. The Passover narrative mandates the selection of a *seh* (a lamb or kid) "without blemish, a male a year old" ([[Exodus 12:5]]) for the foundational redemption event. This specific animal's blood, applied to the doorposts, served as a sign of protection from the Destroyer ([[Exodus 12:7]], [[Exodus 12:13]]). Beyond Passover, *seh* is prescribed for various offerings, including burnt offerings ([[Leviticus 1:10]]), peace offerings ([[Leviticus 3:7]]), and sin offerings ([[Leviticus 4:32]]), underscoring its purity and suitability for propitiation.
2. **Pastoral Life:** *Seh* is integral to descriptions of pastoral life, reflecting the agrarian economy of ancient Israel. It appears in accounts of flocks and herds, as seen in Jacob's dealings with Laban ([[Genesis 30:32]]) or in the everyday life of shepherds like David, who protected his father's *seh* from predators ([[1 Samuel 17:34]]). These contexts emphasize the vulnerability of the individual animal and its reliance on the shepherd.
3. **Figurative Language:** The vulnerability and innocence of the *seh* make it a potent metaphor. In [[Isaiah 53:7]], the Suffering Servant is depicted as a *seh* (sheep) "led to the slaughter" and "before its shearers is silent," powerfully conveying His meekness and submission in suffering. This imagery underscores a profound theological truth about vicarious atonement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of *seh* is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **`{{H6629}}` (tson):** This broader term refers to a "flock" of sheep or goats collectively. A *seh* is an individual member of the *tson*.
* **`{{H3532}}` (keves/kisbeh):** A more specific term for a "lamb" or "young ram," often used interchangeably with *seh* in sacrificial contexts but typically denoting a male animal.
* **`{{H6260}}` (ez):** Specifically refers to a "goat." While *seh* can include goats, `{{H6260}}` is used when the distinction is important.
* **`{{H7210}}` (rakhel):** A "ewe," or female sheep, used in [[Isaiah 53:7]] alongside *seh* to emphasize the quiet submission.
* **Shepherd (`{{H7462}}` ra'ah):** The one who tends the *seh*, a foundational biblical image for God's care for His people.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement:** The primary theological framework for *seh*, signifying the shedding of blood for the expiation of sin and reconciliation with God.
* **Passover:** The central historical and redemptive event where the *seh* plays a pivotal role, establishing a lasting covenant sign.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *seh* is profound and far-reaching, culminating in its foreshadowing of the Messiah:
1. **Purity and Unblemished Sacrifice:** The requirement for the *seh* to be "without blemish" ([[Exodus 12:5]]) for sacrificial purposes establishes a standard of perfection. This points forward to the sinless nature of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, who was "a lamb without blemish or spot" ([[1 Peter 1:19]], using the Greek `{{G286}}` for lamb).
2. **Atonement and Redemption:** The blood of the Passover *seh* protected Israel from divine judgment and secured their liberation from bondage in Egypt. This act of substitutionary atonement is the Old Testament paradigm for redemption, powerfully anticipating Christ's blood shed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and the liberation of humanity from the bondage of sin and death.
3. **Vulnerability and Dependence:** The image of the *seh* as a vulnerable, often silent creature dependent on its shepherd ([[Psalm 23:1]]) reflects humanity's inherent need for divine guidance and protection. This dependency underscores God's role as the benevolent Shepherd of His people.
4. **Prophetic Foreshadowing of the Suffering Servant:** The depiction of the *seh* in [[Isaiah 53:7]] as silently led to slaughter is a direct and poignant prophecy of Jesus' voluntary suffering and death, bearing the sins of humanity without protest. John the Baptist's declaration, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([[John 1:29]]), is the New Testament culmination of this Old Testament imagery, explicitly linking the sacrificial *seh* to Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *seh* ({{H7716}}`) primarily refers to a young member of a flock, encompassing both sheep and goats. Its significance in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, deeply embedded in the daily life and religious practices of ancient Israel. Most notably, the *seh* serves as the quintessential sacrificial animal, particularly in the Passover, symbolizing purity, substitutionary atonement, and divine redemption. Through its portrayal as a vulnerable creature, *seh* also underscores humanity's dependence on God, the Good Shepherd. Ultimately, the prophetic imagery associated with the *seh*, especially in [[Isaiah 53:7]], finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is revealed as the perfect "Lamb of God" whose sacrificial death provides ultimate cleansing and salvation for all humanity.
TRV