עָקֹד (a.qod)

a.qod

striped

H6124 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

H:A

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 6 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:A

Word Overview

The Hebrew adjective aqod describes something that is striped or streaked with contrasting colors. In the Old Testament, it appears in six verses, almost exclusively within the narrative of Jacob and his father-in-law Laban in Genesis. The word paints a vivid picture of visual patterns, specifically referring to animals marked by distinct bands or spots.

Its most notable usage occurs when Jacob negotiates his wages for tending Laban’s flock. He asks to keep only the sheep that are aqod—those with noticeable stripes or speckles—as his payment (Genesis 30:32). This specific demand highlights how carefully Jacob observed the physical traits of the livestock, distinguishing these patterned animals from the solid-colored ones that remained Laban’s property.

Translators typically render aqod as "speckled," "spotted," or "striped" to capture this clear visual distinction. The term does not imply a random or muddy mix of colors, but rather defined markings that set these animals apart. In the context of the Genesis account, these striped sheep become a tangible sign of Jacob’s increasing prosperity and divine favor amidst his complex family dynamics.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word aqod describes animals marked with distinct stripes or spots, setting them apart from solid-colored flocks. In Genesis, Jacob asks for these patterned sheep as his wages, and they become a sign of God’s favor in a difficult season. This visual detail reminds us that God notices the small things and uses ordinary moments to show His care.

When life feels uncertain, like Jacob’s time with Laban, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes. The striped sheep were not just a payment; they were a visible sign of blessing in a complex family situation. We too can find comfort in knowing that God sees our struggles and provides in ways that may seem unexpected but are always faithful.

This word invites us to look for God’s hand in the details of our lives. Just as the striped sheep stood out in the flock, God’s blessings often appear in ways that distinguish His work from the noise around us. We can rest in the hope that He is present in every season, bringing beauty and provision even when circumstances seem challenging.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

striped [ones]3×
[were] striped1×
[the] striped1×
[are] striped1×
<the>/ striped1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

עֲקֻדִּ֥ים3×
עָקֹ֛ד1×
עֲקֻדִּים֙1×
עֲקֻדִּֽים\׃1×
הָֽ/עֲקֻדִּ֣ים1×

Key Verses

Genesis 30:35
That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.

This verse shows Laban removing the aqod animals from the flock, highlighting how these striped sheep were set apart as Jacob’s portion.
Genesis 31:8
If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore speckled. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore streaked.

Here the text emphasizes that whatever pattern Jacob requested—speckled or streaked—the flock produced exactly that, showing divine intervention in the breeding process.
Genesis 31:10
During mating season, I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled.

In this dream vision, the streaked goats appear to Jacob, confirming that God was actively involved in increasing his prosperity despite Laban’s deception.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word aqod mean?

Aqod is an adjective meaning striped, streaked, or speckled. It describes animals with distinct contrasting markings, such as sheep or goats with bands of color. In Genesis, it refers specifically to the patterned livestock Jacob requested as his wages.

Why are striped animals significant in Genesis 30?

The striped animals were part of Jacob’s agreement with Laban for his wages. By asking for only the aqod sheep, Jacob set them apart from the rest of the flock. The narrative shows that God blessed Jacob with an abundance of these patterned animals, demonstrating His favor.

How is aqod different from other words for animal markings?

Aqod specifically denotes streaks or stripes, distinguishing it from words that mean spotted or grizzled. While related terms describe various patterns, aqod emphasizes linear markings. This precision helps readers understand the specific visual details of the flock Jacob managed.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)

Genesis 6 verses

Genesis 30:35

That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and…

Genesis 30:39

The flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks produced streaked, speckled, and spotted.

Genesis 30:40

Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the black in Laban’s flock. He…

Genesis 31:8

If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore speckled. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your…

Genesis 31:10

During mating season, I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats which leaped on the flock…

Genesis 31:12

He said, ‘Now lift up your eyes, and behold, all the male goats which leap on the flock are streaked, speckled, and…