עֵז (ez)
ez
goat
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The word ez refers to a goat, specifically a she-goat in its Aramaic form. In the Hebrew Bible, the related masculine noun az (H5795) is far more common, but this feminine variant appears in Ezra 6:17. Here it denotes one of the seventy male goats offered as a sin offering for the whole community during the dedication of the rebuilt temple.
This single occurrence highlights the word’s liturgical function. Goats were standard sacrificial animals, often chosen for their availability and symbolic role in atonement rituals. The use of the Aramaic term reflects the linguistic context of Ezra, where much of the text is written in that language rather than classical Hebrew.
Though rare, this entry connects directly to broader biblical themes of purification and communal worship. It reminds readers that even in foreign tongues, the ancient Israelites maintained their religious practices with precision and reverence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ez simply means goat. It appears only once in the Bible, in Ezra 6:17. This verse records the sacrifices offered when the temple was rebuilt. The people gave seventy male goats as a sin offering for all Israel. This act showed their desire to restore right relationship with God.
Goats were common animals in ancient times. They were practical choices for sacrifices because they were available and easy to care for. Their use in worship reminds us that God accepts ordinary offerings when given with sincere hearts. The dedication of the temple was a time of great joy and restoration for the community.
This single mention connects us to a long history of faithful worship. It shows how people sought forgiveness and peace through specific rituals. We can find comfort in knowing that God values the intent behind our actions, whether we use goats or other gifts today. His grace remains constant across all ages.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- goats1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִזִּ֜ין1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 6:17
They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
This verse lists the goat among other sacrifices offered for a sin offering, highlighting its role in communal atonement during the temple dedication.