אֶ֫לֶף (e.leph)
e.leph
cattle
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun eleph refers specifically to cattle or oxen, highlighting their role as essential livestock rather than abstract wealth. In the Old Testament, this word appears in only six verses, primarily within Deuteronomy, Proverbs, and Isaiah. It denotes these animals both in the context of agricultural labor and as valuable personal property.
Unlike terms for general money or broad categories of riches, eleph points to the living beast itself. This specificity grounds the concept of prosperity in tangible, working resources. The sources indicate that the word emphasizes the animal's utility in farming and its status as a significant possession, reflecting a society where livestock formed the backbone of economic stability.
Its limited usage suggests it was a common term for everyday life rather than a poetic flourish. By focusing on the ox, the text connects spiritual or national blessing directly to material sustenance and labor. The word serves as a concrete reminder that ancient prosperity was measured in herds and harvests, not just coin.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eleph points directly to the ox, a working animal essential for ancient farming. It reminds us that God’s blessings often come in practical forms—like healthy livestock or productive land—rather than abstract wealth. In Deuteronomy 28:4, this term appears in a promise of fruitfulness, showing how material provision supports daily life and community stability.
Proverbs 14:4 offers a sobering truth: without oxen, the barn stays empty. This highlights our dependence on God for both labor and sustenance. When we trust Him, He provides not just spiritual grace but also the tangible resources needed to work and thrive. His care extends to every detail of our daily needs.
Isaiah 30:24 paints a picture of future peace, where even working animals eat well. This suggests that God’s restoration brings wholeness to all creation, including the tools we use. We can find comfort in knowing He values the ordinary aspects of life, inviting us to rest in His provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cattle<s>/ your4×
- and/ the/ cattle<s>1×
- [are] cattle<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲלָפֶ֖י/ךָ3×
- וְ/הָ/אֲלָפִ֣ים1×
- אֲלָפֶ֙י/ךָ֙1×
- אֲ֭לָפִים1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:4
You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock.
This verse includes the ox as part of a comprehensive blessing, linking physical prosperity with divine favor.
-
Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Here the ox is central to productivity, illustrating how strength and labor lead to abundance.
-
Isaiah 30:24
The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that till the ground will eat savory feed, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork.
The inclusion of well-fed oxen signals a time of peace and restoration where even animals are cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word eleph mean?
Why is eleph important in the Bible?
How is eleph different from other words for wealth?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Deuteronomy 4 verses
He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground,…
Deuteronomy 28:4You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of…
Deuteronomy 28:18The fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock will be…
Deuteronomy 28:51They will eat the fruit of your livestock and the fruit of your ground, until you are destroyed. They also won’t leave…