### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tayish**, represented by `{{H8495}}`, refers to a **he goat**. Derived from an unused root meaning to butt, the term appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**. It specifically denotes a male goat, typically in contexts related to livestock, wealth, and animal husbandry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8495}}` is used to identify male goats as valuable components of a flock. It appears in the narrative of Jacob's arrangement with Laban, where Jacob `removed` `{{H5493}}` the `ringstraked` `{{H6124}}` and `spotted` `{{H2921}}` **he goats** to build his own flock [[Genesis 30:35]]. He goats are also listed as significant assets, included in the large present Jacob prepared for his brother [[Genesis 32:14]] and as tribute brought by the `Arabians` `{{H6163}}` to King `Jehoshaphat` `{{H3092}}` [[2 Chronicles 17:11]]. Figuratively, a **he goat** is presented in Proverbs as a model of stately bearing [[Proverbs 30:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the pastoral context of **tayish**:
* `{{H5795}}` **ʻêz** (she goat): As the female counterpart, this word is often used alongside `{{H8495}}` to give a full accounting of a flock. Jacob’s gift included twenty **he goats** and two hundred `she goats` `{{H5795}}` [[Genesis 32:14]].
* `{{H352}}` **ʼayil** (ram): Meaning a `ram`, this word describes the male sheep. `Rams` `{{H352}}` are frequently listed with **he goats** in inventories of wealth, such as the tribute given to Jehoshaphat [[2 Chronicles 17:11]].
* `{{H6629}}` **tsôʼn** (flock): This collective noun for a `flock` of sheep or goats provides the broader setting. The `Arabians` `{{H6163}}` brought `flocks` `{{H6629}}` to the king, which were then itemized to include thousands of rams and **he goats** [[2 Chronicles 17:11]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H8495}}` highlights several key themes:
* **A Measure of Wealth:** He goats served as a clear and countable sign of wealth. The tribute to King Jehoshaphat included seven thousand and seven hundred **he goats**, indicating their value in ancient economies [[2 Chronicles 17:11]].
* **Animal Husbandry:** The account in Genesis shows an awareness of selective breeding, with Jacob separating the distinctively marked **he goats** to manage the flock's genetics [[Genesis 30:35]].
* **A Symbol of Stately Presence:** In wisdom literature, the **he goat** is used metaphorically to represent a dignified and impressive figure. It is listed with a `king` `{{H4428}}` as something against which there is `no rising up` `{{H510}}` [[Proverbs 30:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8495}}` is more than a simple zoological term. It functions as a specific marker of wealth and livestock management in both patriarchal and monarchical narratives ([[Genesis 30:35]], [[2 Chronicles 17:11]]). Beyond its literal application in economic contexts, it also serves as a potent symbol in wisdom literature, illustrating the concept of a stately and confident presence [[Proverbs 30:31]]. The word **tayish** thus provides insight into both the practical realities and the symbolic worldview of ancient Israel.
TRV