עַ֫יִר (a.yir)
a.yir
colt
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ayir denotes a young male donkey, specifically one that is vigorous and in its prime. Unlike terms for older beasts or those used primarily for burden-bearing, this word highlights the animal’s strength and readiness. In the ancient Near East, such an animal was a valuable asset, representing both economic worth and personal status.
Its usage in Scripture often carries symbolic weight regarding humility and peace rather than military might. This is most evident in Zechariah 9:9, where the prophet describes a king arriving not on a warhorse, but on a colt, the foal of a donkey. This image contrasts sharply with the trappings of imperial power, presenting a ruler who is accessible and gentle. The word appears in Judges as well, grounding its meaning in everyday rural life.
Translators typically render ayir as "colt" or "young donkey" to preserve this sense of youth and vitality. While it shares the general category of ass with other Hebrew terms, ayir is distinct in its emphasis on the animal's prime condition. This distinction helps readers understand why such a specific word was chosen for prophetic texts describing messianic entry, signaling a deliberate choice of a vehicle suited for peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ayir refers to a young male donkey in its prime, valued for its strength and vitality. In ancient times, such an animal was a significant asset, representing both economic worth and personal status. Unlike older beasts used primarily for heavy burdens, the colt symbolized energy and readiness, making it a fitting choice for those who needed reliability without the aggression of warhorses.
Scripture often uses this image to highlight humility and peace rather than military might. Zechariah describes a coming king riding on a donkey’s colt, contrasting sharply with imperial power. This deliberate choice signals a ruler who is accessible and gentle, inviting us to consider how we present ourselves in leadership and service.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that true strength often lies in gentleness. Whether in daily work or spiritual leadership, you are called to serve with the same readiness and humility. May you find peace in knowing that God values a gentle heart over displays of force.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- donkeys3×
- donkey/ his1×
- and/ the/ donkeys1×
- and/ a male donkey of1×
- a male donkey1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַ֖יִר1×
- עִיר֔/וֹ1×
- עֲיָרִ֜ים1×
- עֲיָרִ֔ים1×
- עֲיָרִ֑ם1×
- וְ/עַ֥יִר1×
- וְ/הָ/עֲיָרִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
This verse uses the colt to symbolize a king who brings salvation through humility rather than military conquest.
-
Genesis 49:11
Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
The colt is bound to a vine, illustrating abundance and the prosperity associated with Judah's future blessing.
-
Judges 10:4
He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkey colts. They had thirty cities, which are called Havvoth Jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead.
Here the colts represent the wealth and social status of Jair’s sons as they judge Israel.