Goat

Goat (1.) Heb. 'ez, the she-goat (Gen 15:9; 30:35; 31:38). This Hebrew word is also used for the he-goat (Ex 12:5; Lev 4:23; Num 28:15), and to denote a kid (Gen 38:17, 20). Hence it may be regarded as the generic name of the animal as domesticated. It literally means "strength," and points to the superior strength of the goat as compared with the sheep.

(2.) Heb. 'attud, only in plural; rendered "rams" (Gen 31:10, 12); he-goats (Num 7:17-88; Isa 1:11); goats (Deut 32:14; Ps 50:13). They were used in sacrifice (Ps 66:15). This word is used metaphorically for princes or chiefs in Isa 14:9, and in Zech 10:3 as leaders. (Comp. Jer 50:8.)

(3.) Heb. gedi, properly a kid. Its flesh was a delicacy among the Hebrews (Gen 27:9, 14, 17; Judg 6:19).

(4.) Heb. sa'ir, meaning the "shaggy," a hairy goat, a he-goat (2Chr 29:23); "a goat" (Lev 4:24); "satyr" (Isa 13:21); "devils" (Lev 17:7). It is the goat of the sin-offering (Lev 9:3, 15; 10:16).

(5.) Heb. tsaphir, a he-goat of the goats (2Chr 29:21). In Dan 8:5, 8 it is used as a symbol of the Macedonian empire.

(6.) Heb. tayish, a "striker" or "butter," rendered "he-goat" (Gen 30:35; 32:14).

(7.) Heb. 'azazel (q.v.), the "scapegoat" (Lev 16:8, 10, 26).

(8.) There are two Hebrew words used to denote the undomesticated goat:, Yael , only in plural mountain goats (1Sam 24:2; Job 39:1; Ps.104:18). It is derived from a word meaning "to climb." It is the ibex, which abounded in the mountainous parts of Moab. And 'akko , only in Deut 14:5, the wild goat.

Goats are mentioned in the New Testament in Matt 25:32, 33; Heb 9:12, 13, 19; 10:4. They represent oppressors and wicked men (Ezek 34:17; 39:18; Matt 25:33).

Several varieties of the goat were familiar to the Hebrews. They had an important place in their rural economy on account of the milk they afforded and the excellency of the flesh of the kid. They formed an important part of pastoral wealth (Gen 31:10, 12; 32:14; 1Sam 25:2).