ἔριφος
ériphos
G2056 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A young goat, specifically a kid, with occasional reference to a young animal distinguished by age or size; the primary sense is a juvenile goat, as opposed to an adult one. In some contexts, may generically refer to a small, immature goat as distinct from mature goats (αἴξ). Rarely, can be used metaphorically to denote youth or immaturity in other animals.
Semantic Range
a young goat, kid; young animal in a goat herd; juvenile animal (rare); specifically used for sacrificial animals in some contexts
Root / Etymology
From ἔριον ('wool') or a related stem, likely through the association of goats with their hairiness; however, direct derivation is uncertain. The root connects with terms referring to the species or their fleece.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἔριφος appears infrequently in the Greek Bible, and where it does, it almost always designates a young goat (kid), as opposed to the more general αἴξ (goat) for adult animals. In Septuagint usage, it is typically employed in lists or sacrificial contexts to specify a young goat, corresponding to Hebrew גְּדִי (gədī) in sacrificial regulations. In post-classical and Koine usage, the term fares similarly, although it may have a more technical or ritual nuance depending on the context. English translations traditionally render ἔριφος as "kid" or "young goat," but the technical sacrificial sense may not be fully transparent. The term carries no special metaphorical or symbolic weight in New Testament or contemporary literature, and should not be confused with words denoting adult goats, sheep, or lambs. In extra-biblical Greek, ἔριφος can occasionally be used more broadly for the young of other small-horned animals, but goat remains the primary referent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from the same as ἔριον (through the idea of hairiness); a kid or (genitive case) goat:--goat, kid.
Root Family
ἔριφ- (ériphos) — young goat, kid
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2056-01 |
ἐρίφων | eriphon | N GEN M PL |
goats | of young goats | a young goat | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2056-01 |
Matthew 25:32 | ἐρίφων | eriphon | N GEN M PL |
goats | of young goats | young goats |
G2056-01 |
Luke 15:29 | ἔριφον | eriphon | N ACC M SG |
kid | of young goats | a young goat |