בְּעִיר (be.ir)
be.ir
cattle
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun be’ir refers broadly to domesticated animals, specifically cattle or livestock. It appears in only five verses across the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Genesis, Numbers, and Psalms. The term encompasses valuable herd animals that served as essential resources for ancient Israelite society.
In its scriptural context, be’ir often highlights the tangible wealth and provision of God. For instance, in Genesis 32:14, Jacob sends a gift of be’ir to his brother Esau, illustrating how livestock functioned as currency and peace offerings. Similarly, Psalm 50:10 uses the word to emphasize that all such animals belong to God, reinforcing the idea that material blessings are ultimately divine gifts rather than human possessions.
While less common than other Hebrew words for animals, be’ir carries significant weight in narratives involving trade, sacrifice, or stewardship. Its limited usage underscores the importance of livestock in biblical times, reflecting both economic reality and theological truth about ownership and generosity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we think of wealth today, bank accounts or property often come to mind first. In biblical times, however, livestock like cattle represented real security and life itself. The word be’ir reminds us that God cares about the tangible needs of His people, providing for their daily sustenance and economic stability.
Psalm 50:10 offers a gentle perspective shift: all these animals belong to Him. This truth invites us to view our own resources not as things we strictly own, but as gifts entrusted to our care. It encourages a heart of generosity, knowing that what we have is ultimately from God.
In Genesis 45:17, Joseph’s brothers are told to load their animals to move to Egypt. This shows how livestock facilitated major life changes and family reunions. We can trust that the same God who provided for ancient herds provides for our current journeys.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- livestock/ their1×
- cattle/ their1×
- animal[s]/ your1×
- and/ livestock/ their1×
- and/ livestock/ our1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְעִירָֽ/ם\׃\ \ס1×
- וּ/בְעִירֵֽ/נוּ\׃1×
- בְּעִירָֽ/ם\׃1×
- בְּעִירָ֑/ם1×
- בְּעִ֣ירְ/כֶ֔ם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 45:17
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan.
This verse highlights how livestock served as essential tools for migration and family restoration during a time of crisis.
-
Numbers 20:8
“Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”
God’s instruction to provide water for both people and their cattle demonstrates His detailed care for all living creatures.
-
Psalms 78:48
He also gave over their livestock to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.
Here, the loss of livestock illustrates the severity of judgment, showing that material blessings are held loosely in God’s hands.