### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) is the feminine form of śāʻîr (`{{H8163}}`). The root meaning of śāʻîr is "hairy" or "shaggy," which naturally extended to denote a "goat" due to its characteristic hairiness. Consequently, sᵉʻîyrâh specifically refers to a "she-goat" or a "female kid of the goats." Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on the gender and species of this particular animal, often implying a young one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively within the prescriptive texts of the Mosaic Law concerning sacrificial offerings. Its usage is highly specific and ritualistic:
* In [[Leviticus 4:28]], it is prescribed as the offering for an individual's unintentional sin: "And if his sin, which he has sinned, is made known to him, then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he has sinned." Here, the explicit mention of "female" (sᵉʻîyrâh) is crucial for fulfilling the precise requirements of the sin offering.
* Similarly, [[Leviticus 5:6]] states: "and he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord for his sin which he has sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering." This passage reiterates its role as a valid sin offering, interchangeable with a female lamb in certain circumstances, yet always specified as female.
The consistent use of sᵉʻîyrâh in these contexts underscores the meticulous detail and strict adherence required in the Mosaic cultic system. The "she-goat" was a common and accessible animal, making it a suitable offering for the common Israelite, while its unblemished status was paramount, symbolizing purity and wholeness necessary for atonement.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **śāʻîr (`{{H8163}}`):** The masculine counterpart, meaning "he-goat" or "hairy one." While śāʻîr can also carry connotations of "satyrs" or "demon-goats" in prophetic literature (e.g., [[Isaiah 13:21]], [[Isaiah 34:14]]), sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) never assumes these negative or supernatural associations; its usage remains strictly tied to the domestic animal.
* **ʻēz (`{{H5795}}`):** A more general term for "goat" or "goat hair," often used collectively or without specific gender emphasis. sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) is a specific designation within the broader category of ʻēz.
* **Sacrifice (e.g., zebach `{{H2077}}`, chattâʼth `{{H2403}}`):** The primary context for sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) is its role within the sacrificial system, particularly as a "sin offering" (chattâʼth). This links it directly to the broader theological concepts of atonement, propitiation, and the meticulous requirements of the Mosaic covenant for dealing with sin.
* **Purity and Blemishlessness:** The explicit requirement for the sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) to be "without blemish" connects it to the overarching principle of ritual purity and holiness necessary for approaching a holy God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) is primarily derived from its role within the Old Testament sacrificial system.
* **Substitutionary Atonement:** The offering of a sᵉʻîyrâh for sin embodies the principle of substitution. The life of an innocent animal was offered in place of the life of the sinner, symbolizing the transfer of guilt and the expiation of sin before God.
* **Divine Precision and Holiness:** The specific instruction to use a "female kid of the goats" for certain offerings highlights God's meticulousness and the sacredness of His commands. Every detail in the worship prescribed by God was significant, reflecting His absolute holiness and the seriousness of sin.
* **Accessibility of Atonement:** The fact that a "she-goat" was a common and relatively accessible animal underscores God's gracious provision for all people, regardless of their economic status, to participate in the sacrificial system and seek atonement for their sins.
* **Foreshadowing Christ:** Ultimately, the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the offerings of animals like the sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`), served as a shadow pointing to the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While these animal sacrifices could temporarily cover sins, they could not permanently take them away ([[Hebrews 10:4]]). Christ's sinless life and atoning death provided the once-for-all sacrifice that truly cleanses and perfects those who believe, fulfilling the purpose of all previous offerings.
### Summary
sᵉʻîyrâh (`{{H8166}}`) is a specific Hebrew noun denoting a "she-goat" or "female kid of the goats," derived from the root meaning "hairy." Its most significant biblical occurrences are found within the Levitical law, where it is prescribed as a specific animal for sin offerings. The precise designation of a "female" and the requirement for it to be "without blemish" underscore the divine meticulousness of the Mosaic Law and the foundational principles of ritual purity and substitutionary atonement. While a common animal, its role in the cultic worship of ancient Israel points to the gravity of sin and God's gracious provision for expiation, ultimately foreshadowing the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fully accomplished what these animal sacrifices could only anticipate.
TRV