מִקְנֶה (miq.neh)
miq.neh
livestock
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 60 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun miqneh refers to livestock, specifically domestic animals that serve as wealth and property. Derived from the root meaning "to buy" or "to acquire," it literally denotes something purchased. In the ancient Near East, where money was less common than barter, a family’s security and status were measured in herds rather than coins. Consequently, the word appears frequently in Genesis to describe the substantial flocks of sheep and goats, as well as herds of cattle, that defined patriarchal prosperity.
While it broadly covers farm animals, the lexicon sources note a specific distinction: miqneh typically refers to sheep, goats, and oxen, while excluding beasts of burden like horses or donkeys in many contexts. This nuance is visible when Joseph distributes grain for food; he accepts livestock as payment but lists horses and donkeys separately from the miqneh (Genesis 47:17). The term thus captures the core agricultural assets that sustained nomadic and early settled communities, representing both their immediate sustenance and their long-term economic foundation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about Abraham or Jacob, their wealth is often measured in flocks and herds. The Hebrew word miqneh refers to these domestic animals, which served as the primary form of security and status in the ancient world. It comes from a root meaning 'to buy' or 'acquire,' highlighting that livestock was something carefully gathered and protected. In a time without banks or coins, these animals represented both daily sustenance and long-term stability.
For your faith life, this word reminds us of God’s provision in tangible ways. Just as God watched over Jacob’s flocks during his years of service, He cares for the resources entrusted to you today. Whether you have much or little, these possessions are tools for stewardship rather than ends in themselves. They invite you to trust in the Provider who sustains your needs.
Consider how Joseph used grain to exchange for livestock during the famine (Genesis 47:16). This shows that even when earthly security shifts, God remains faithful. We can bring our concerns about provision to Him, knowing He values our faithfulness more than the size of our herds. May you find peace in His steady care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 60 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- livestock/ their11×
- livestock11×
- [the] livestock of8×
- livestock/ his6×
- livestock/ your5×
- the/ livestock3×
- and/ livestock/ your3×
- and/ livestock3×
- livestock/ our2×
- and/ livestock/ their2×
- and/ livestock of2×
- and/ for/ [the] livestock of2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִקְנֶ֖ה4×
- מִקְנֵ֣ה3×
- מִקְנֵ֖/הוּ3×
- מִקְנֵי/הֶֽם\׃2×
- מִקְנֵי/הֶ֗ם2×
- מִקְנֵה\־2×
- וּ/בְ/מִקְנֵ֥ה2×
- מִקְנַ֖/י1×
- מִקְנֶה֩1×
- מִקְנֶה\־1×
- מִקְנֶֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- מִקְנֶֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 13:2
Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
This verse establishes Abram’s immense prosperity, showing how livestock was a primary measure of wealth and blessing in the patriarchal era.
-
Genesis 47:16
Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”
Here, livestock serves as currency during the famine, illustrating its practical value as a stable asset when money ran out.
-
Exodus 9:4
Yahweh will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.”’”
God uses miqneh to demonstrate His power by distinguishing between the animals of Israel and Egypt, protecting His people’s livelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word miqneh mean?
How is miqneh different from other words for animals?
Why is livestock important in the book of Genesis?
Every Occurrence (60 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 21 verses
Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.
Genesis 13:2Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
Genesis 13:7There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the…
Genesis 26:14He had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great household. The Philistines envied him.
Genesis 29:7He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go…
Genesis 30:29Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me.
Genesis 31:9Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock, and given them to me.
Genesis 31:18and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had…
Genesis 33:17Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place…
Genesis 34:5Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob held…
Genesis 34:23Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let’s give our consent to them, and…
Genesis 36:6Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, with his livestock, all his…
Genesis 36:7For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because…
Genesis 46:6They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt—Jacob, and…
Genesis 46:32These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds,…
Genesis 46:34that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our…
Genesis 47:6The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in…
Genesis 47:16Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”
Genesis 47:17They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and…
Genesis 47:18When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our…
Genesis 49:32the field and the cave that is therein, which was purchased from the children of Heth.”