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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **seh**, represented by `{{H7716}}`, denotes **a member of a flock**, specifically a **sheep** or a **goat**. It appears 46 times across 39 unique verses. The term is general, referring to an individual animal from the "lesser" or "small" cattle, such as a lamb, ewe, or kid. It is linguistically compared to `{{H2089}}` **zeh**, which is used as a permutation for **seh** in scripture [[1 Samuel 17:34]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7716}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is foundational to the laws of sacrifice, most notably in the instruction for the Passover, where each house is to take a **lamb** [[Exodus 12:3]], which must be a male of the first year and without blemish [[Exodus 12:5]]. The word also appears in legal contexts concerning property and restitution, such as the laws for a stolen **sheep** [[Exodus 22:1]] or the command to return a brother's lost **sheep** [[Deuteronomy 22:1]]. Figuratively, it symbolizes vulnerability and innocence, as when Abraham tells Isaac that God himself will provide a **lamb** for the burnt offering [[Genesis 22:8]], and most famously in the prophecy of the afflicted servant who is brought "as a **lamb** to the slaughter" [[Isaiah 53:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader understanding of flock animals in the Bible:
* `{{H6629}}` **tsôʼn** (flock): While `{{H7716}}` refers to an individual **sheep** or goat, this word is the collective term for a **flock**. It is used when describing Jacob's wages from Laban's flock [[Genesis 30:32]].
* `{{H3532}}` **kebes** (lamb, sheep): This term, often used for a young ram, appears alongside `{{H7716}}` in the requirements for the Passover sacrifice, specifying that the chosen animal can come from the **sheep** `{{H3532}}` or the goats `{{H5795}}` [[Exodus 12:5]].
* `{{H5795}}` **ʻêz** (goat): This word for goat is frequently used in parallel with terms for sheep to describe the composition of a flock. The Passover **lamb** `{{H7716}}` could be selected from either the sheep or the **goats** [[Exodus 12:5]].
* `{{H7794}}` **shôwr** (ox, bullock): This term for larger cattle is often listed alongside `{{H7716}}` in legal and sacrificial contexts to cover the primary types of livestock, such as in laws of trespass [[Exodus 22:9]] or what is forbidden to be sacrificed if it has a blemish [[Deuteronomy 17:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7716}}` is significant, particularly in its symbolic usage.
* **The Unblemished Sacrifice:** The requirement that the Passover **lamb** `{{H7716}}` be "without blemish" `{{H8549}}` establishes a core principle of divine acceptance through a perfect offering [[Exodus 12:5]]. Sacrificing a **sheep** with a blemish is called an "abomination" `{{H8441}}` to the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Deuteronomy 17:1]].
* **Symbol of Helplessness and Dependence:** The image of a "lost" `{{H6}}` **sheep** `{{H7716}}` is used to portray a state of going astray and needing to be sought by a master [[Psalms 119:176]]. Similarly, Israel is depicted as a "scattered" `{{H6340}}` **sheep** `{{H7716}}`, driven away by predators [[Jeremiah 50:17]].
* **Prophetic Suffering:** In prophecy, the **lamb** `{{H7716}}` becomes a powerful archetype of innocent suffering. The servant of the Lord is brought "as a **lamb** to the slaughter" `{{H2874}}`, remaining silent before his oppressors, which stands as a profound theological image [[Isaiah 53:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7716}}` **seh** is a fundamental term for a sheep or goat. While it functions practically within biblical law and economy, its greatest impact comes from its symbolic role. It represents the standard for an acceptable, unblemished sacrifice central to Israel's worship. Furthermore, it provides the powerful prophetic imagery of innocent suffering and the vulnerability of God's people, making it a cornerstone concept in both legal and redemptive contexts.
TRV