עֵז
𐤏𐤆
ʻêz
H5796 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A domesticated goat, either male or female, primarily the she-goat in singular, but also used more broadly to refer to goats in general. In some contexts, particularly the masculine plural, the term can denote goat's hair or goats as a collective group. The term functions as a standard designation for goats among herd animals.
Semantic Range
she-goat, goat (generic—male or female), goats collectively, goat's hair (by metonymy)
Root / Etymology
From the root עז, meaning 'to be strong, mighty.' The word עֵז (ʻêz) is derived from this root and originally connects to the idea of physical strength, likely referencing the robustness and vitality of the animal. The term appears both in Hebrew and Aramaic usage, with the same basic sense.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עֵז is the standard biblical Hebrew word for 'goat,' with a particular association in its singular form with the she-goat, although in plural forms it can refer to male goats or goats collectively. In contrast, the term תַּיִשׁ (ta’yish) specifically denotes a male goat, distinguishing it from עֵז. Goat's hair, derived from the animal, was a common material in ancient Israelite society, particularly for weaving tents (Exodus 26:7). The term appears frequently in contexts relating to pastoral life, sacrificial regulations, and descriptions of wealth or daily subsistence. In exilic and post-exilic periods, the term retains its literal agricultural sense and does not develop new theological or religious nuances. English renderings such as 'she-goat' or simply 'goat' do not always capture the precise gender or collective nuance present in the Hebrew. The use of עֵז in Aramaic contexts (particularly Daniel 8) maintains continuity with Hebrew usage, though at times plural masculine forms are elliptically used for goat's hair, reflecting material rather than the living animal.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to עֵז; {a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)}; goat.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עז (ʿ-z) — strength, might, robustness
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H186 | אוּזַי | My Strength |
| H5818 | עֻזִּיָּה | to Yah-is-Strength |
| H5821 | עַזָּן | Strong-One |
| H5822 | עׇזְנִיָּה | the strong raptor |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5796-01 |
עִזִּ֜ין | izin | ANcfpa |
of goats | she-goats | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5796-01 |
Ezra 6:17 | עִזִּ֜ין | izin | ANcfpa |
of goats | she-goats |