עַתּוּד (at.tud)
at.tud
goat
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 26 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun at.tud refers to a he-goat or ram, specifically one that is fully grown and prepared for use. The root suggests readiness or strength, evoking an animal that is robust and alert. In the Old Testament, this word appears frequently in lists of sacrificial animals, such as the detailed offerings recorded in Numbers 7, where multiple goats are brought by tribal leaders to consecrate the altar.
Beyond its literal meaning for livestock, at.tud carries a figurative weight when applied to people. It is used to describe the "chiefs" or leaders of a community, drawing a parallel between the dominant male of a flock and the influential figures in society. This metaphorical usage appears in passages like Isaiah 14:9, where it helps depict the hierarchy of the dead, and Zechariah 10:3, where the leaders are likened to the strong rams of Judah.
Translators often render this word as "goat" or "chief one" depending on the context. The shift from animal to human leader highlights a cultural understanding of authority rooted in strength and prominence. By using the same term for both, the biblical text connects the natural order of the flock with the social structure of the people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word at.tud refers to a he-goat or ram, an animal chosen for its strength and readiness. In ancient Israel, these animals were central to daily life and worship. They provided food, clothing, and wealth, serving as valuable resources for families and communities. Their presence in sacrificial lists highlights their importance in maintaining the relationship between God and His people.
Yet the Bible also uses this term metaphorically. Leaders are sometimes compared to these strong rams, suggesting that authority carries weight and responsibility. In Psalms 50, God reminds us that He does not need our livestock. This shifts our focus from material offerings to a heart of gratitude and obedience.
Understanding this word helps us see how the physical world points to spiritual truths. Whether in the flock or the council chamber, strength is meant to serve others. We are invited to reflect on how we use our own resources and influence to honor God and care for those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- goats18×
- and/ goats3×
- the/ male goats2×
- the/ leaders1×
- like/ male goats1×
- [the] leaders of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַתֻּדִ֣ים11×
- עַתּוּדִ֣ים4×
- עַתּוּדִֽים\׃3×
- וְ/עַתּוּדִ֔ים2×
- הָֽ/עַתֻּדִים֙2×
- עַתּ֣וּדֵי1×
- כְּ/עַתּוּדִ֖ים1×
- וְ/עַתּוּדִ֖ים1×
- הָ/עַתּוּדִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 50:9
I have no need for a bull from your stall, nor male goats from your pens.
This verse clarifies that God values the heart over material sacrifices, showing that even valuable animals like male goats are not needed by Him.
-
Numbers 7:17
and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Here the goat is part of a specific tribal offering, illustrating how communal worship involved tangible contributions from every leader.
-
Isaiah 14:9
Sheol from beneath has moved for you to meet you at your coming. It stirs up the departed spirits for you, even all the rulers of the earth. It has raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
The term shifts to describe rulers in the underworld, using the image of a dominant ram to depict the hierarchy and pride of fallen kings.
-
Proverbs 27:26
The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field.
This practical proverb highlights the economic value of goats, showing they were essential for securing long-term assets like land.