Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as it provides a deeper grasp of the meanings behind the original texts and their cultural contexts. The Greek word ἔριφος (eriphos), which means “goat” or “kid,” is particularly significant because of its literal and metaphorical use in both the New Testament and classical literature. This word helps in interpreting various parables, teachings, and sacrificial practices, offering insights into the spiritual, social, and cultural life of ancient times.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἔριφος (eriphos) [EH-ree-phos]
• Etymology: Derived from the Indo-European root wer-, meaning “to cover” or “to protect,” which aligns with the idea of an animal covered with fur or hair.
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine or feminine); second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Goat: Refers to a mature or young goat.
• Kid: Specifically denotes a young goat, commonly referred to as a “kid.”
• Sacrificial animal: Used to describe goats offered in sacrifices or religious ceremonies.

Similar Words: ἀμνός (amnos) [ahm-NOSS] means “lamb” and is often used in biblical contexts to refer to sacrificial lambs. While ἀμνός represents innocence and sacrifice, ἔριφος (eriphos) generally refers to goats, which sometimes symbolize stubbornness, judgment, or separation.

Further Insights: The word ἔριφος (eriphos) is a noun that can be either masculine or feminine and follows the second declension pattern in Greek. Below is the full declension chart for the masculine form of ἔριφος:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἔριφος is defined as “a young goat” or “kid,” with a primary emphasis on its literal meaning. The lexicon notes its usage in contexts involving livestock and sacrificial practices in the New Testament.

Thayer’s: Describes ἔριφος as “a kid, a young goat,” often used in passages relating to religious sacrifices, illustrating the cultural and religious significance of goats in ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman societies.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the term’s usage in metaphorical contexts where goats are contrasted with sheep, often depicting themes of separation, judgment, and spiritual discernment.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἔριφος as “young goat” or “kid,” with extensive references in classical Greek literature, emphasizing its role in sacrificial rites and as a common livestock term.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἔριφος as “kid” or “young goat,” highlighting its occurrences in parables, especially the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, where it is used to convey moral and spiritual lessons.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 25:32-33: “Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats [ἔριφους]. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats [ἔριφους] on the left.”
• Luke 15:29: “But he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat [ἔριφος], that I might celebrate with my friends.’”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of ἔριφος (G2056)

In summary, ἔριφος (eriphos) is a Greek noun that refers to a “young goat” or “kid.” It is used in both literal and metaphorical senses in the New Testament, often in contexts relating to livestock, sacrificial practices, or moral lessons. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, underscoring its importance in ancient cultural and religious settings. Understanding this word provides valuable insights into biblical texts and ancient sacrificial rituals, enhancing the comprehension of spiritual teachings in both New Testament and classical contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in many ancient cultures, including Greek and Jewish societies, young goats (ἔριφος) were often chosen for sacrifices because they were considered valuable offerings that demonstrated piety and reverence to the gods? This practice underscores the deep spiritual and cultural significance of goats in ancient religious rites and moral lessons.