עָרוֹד (a.rod)
a.rod
wild donkey
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun ‘arod refers specifically to the wild donkey, an animal known for its untamable nature and strength. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears only once, in Job 39:5, where it serves as a vivid example of God’s creative power over creatures that resist human control.
Its meaning is straightforward: unlike the domesticated donkey used for labor, the wild ass represents freedom and untamed energy. The text highlights its independence, noting how it scorns the noise of the city and ignores the driver’s goad. This distinction emphasizes the gap between what humans can command and what remains beyond their reach.
Translators typically render ‘arod as "wild donkey" or "wild ass," preserving the contrast with its tamed counterpart. The word underscores a key theme in Job: God’s wisdom extends to realms that human logic cannot fully grasp, reminding readers of the vastness of divine authority over all creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word arod refers to the wild donkey, an animal celebrated for its untamable spirit and raw strength. In Job 39:5, this creature stands as a vivid example of God’s creative power over life that resists human control. Unlike domesticated animals used for labor, the wild ass represents freedom, independence, and energy that no goad can command.
This image reminds us that God’s wisdom extends to realms beyond our logic or reach. While we may seek order in every area of life, this passage invites us to rest in the truth that some aspects of creation—and perhaps our own lives—remain mysteries held securely in divine hands. It is a comforting thought that we do not need to master everything to be cared for.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] wild ass1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָ֝ר֗וֹד1×
Key Verses
-
Job 39:5
“Who has set the wild donkey free? Or who has loosened the bonds of the swift donkey,
This verse highlights the creature's untamable nature to illustrate God's sovereign authority over forces that human effort cannot control.