αἴγειος (aigeios)
aigeios
goat's
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aigeios simply means "of a goat" or "goatskin." It is derived from the noun aix, which refers to a goat. This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 11:37.
In that verse, it describes the rough clothing worn by faithful figures who suffered persecution. The text notes they went about "in sheepskins and goatskins," highlighting their humble and destitute condition. The specific mention of goatskin emphasizes the coarse, durable nature of their garments, contrasting with softer materials.
Its rarity in Scripture makes this single usage significant. It paints a vivid picture of the physical hardship endured by those listed in the Hall of Faith. The word itself carries no theological weight beyond its literal meaning, serving as a concrete detail that underscores the severity of their trials.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aigeios simply means "goat's" or "of a goat." It appears only once in the New Testament, describing the rough skins worn by those who suffered for their faith. In Hebrews 11:37, we see that faithful people went about in sheepskins and goatskins. This detail highlights their humble and destitute condition, showing how they endured persecution with coarse, durable clothing rather than soft materials.
While the word itself carries no deep theological mystery, its single use paints a vivid picture of physical hardship. It reminds us that true faithfulness often involves enduring difficult circumstances. These figures faced stoning, sawing, and sword, yet they remained steadfast in their trust in God. Their story encourages us to look beyond comfort and focus on what truly matters.
This concrete detail underscores the severity of their trials. It invites us to consider how our own faith might be tested through simple, daily hardships. The example of these believers shows that endurance is a key part of the Christian journey. We are encouraged to stand firm in hope, knowing that our efforts are seen and valued by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- goats’1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰγείοις1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:37
They were stoned. They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheep skins and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—
This verse uses aigeios to describe the coarse goatskins worn by persecuted believers, highlighting their destitute state and physical suffering.