אֶפְרֹחַ (eph.ro.ach)
eph.ro.ach
young
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ephroch refers specifically to a young bird or chick. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the context of divine care for vulnerable creatures. In Deuteronomy 22:6–7, the law commands that if someone finds a nest with a mother bird sitting on eggs or chicks (ephroch), they may take the young but must let the mother go free.
This unique usage highlights a balance between human need and compassion for animal life. The word does not refer to adult birds or general livestock, but specifically to the dependent offspring in the nest. By requiring the release of the parent, the text preserves the family unit while allowing the harvest of the young. In Job 39:16, the term describes the chicks of the ostrich, emphasizing their vulnerability and lack of parental protection compared to other birds.
The scarcity of this word in Scripture makes its appearances significant. It serves as a concrete example of how biblical law extends ethical consideration to the natural world, even to creatures that might otherwise be seen as mere resources. The term grounds theological principles in observable reality, showing that care for creation includes attention to the youngest and most fragile members of the animal kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ephroch points to a specific moment of fragility in creation. It names the young bird still dependent on its parent for survival. This small detail reveals a God who notices the vulnerable, not just the powerful or the mature.
In Deuteronomy, this term grounds a law about compassion. You are allowed to take the young ones, but you must let the mother go. This preserves the life of the parent and allows the nest to continue. It teaches that our needs do not override the dignity of other creatures.
Even in Job, where the ostrich’s chicks are described as vulnerable, the text acknowledges their place in God’s world. We can trust a Creator who cares for the smallest among us. This perspective invites us to treat all life with respect and kindness, knowing that every creature reflects His design.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- young ones1×
- the/ young ones1×
- and/ young ones/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶפְרֹחָ֥י/ו1×
- הָֽ/אֶפְרֹחִ֔ים1×
- אֶפְרֹחִים֙1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 22:6
If you come across a bird’s nest on the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young.
This verse uses ephroch to define the boundary between taking what is needed and showing mercy to the parent bird.
-
Job 39:30
His young ones also suck up blood. Where the slain are, there he is.”
Here the word highlights the harsh reality of survival for ostrich chicks, who lack the protective care seen in other birds.