Sacred Sacrifice: τράγος (Strong’s G5131: tragos) Points to Messiah’s Blood

Strong’s G5131: A masculine noun referring to a male goat used in sacrificial rituals, tragos holds significant theological meaning in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews where it symbolizes the inadequacy of animal sacrifices compared to the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τράγος (tragos) specifically denotes a male goat, particularly one used in sacrificial rituals. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in Hebrews, where it serves as a powerful symbol of the Old Testament sacrificial system. The word carries deep theological significance as it represents the temporary and incomplete nature of animal sacrifices in contrast to the Messiah’s perfect and final sacrifice. The early church fathers frequently used τράγος in their writings to explain how the Old Testament sacrificial system pointed forward to and was fulfilled in Jesus’ sacrificial death. Today, understanding τράγος helps believers appreciate the completeness and finality of the Messiah’s sacrifice.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τράγος, tragos, TRAH-gos
• Detailed pronunciation: τρά (TRAH) + γος (gos)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: τράγος (tragos)
• Ancient Greek origin meaning “he-goat”
• No prefixes or suffixes; basic noun form

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “male goat”
• Specifically a mature male goat
• Used in sacrificial contexts
• Symbol of Old Testament sacrificial system

For compound words: Not applicable as τράγος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “he-goat” – Most precise translation emphasizing gender
2. “male goat” – Clear modern translation
3. “buck” – Concise equivalent term for male goat

E – Exploring Similar Words

αἴξ (aix) [AYks] – general word for goat, less specific about gender – See G122
ἔριφος (eriphos) [EH-ree-fos] – young goat or kid – See G2056
χίμαρος (chimaros) [KHEE-mah-ros] – young he-goat – See G5495

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Greek nouns change form based on their function in the sentence. Examples:

• Nominative: τράγος (subject)
• Genitive: τράγου (possession)
• Dative: τράγῳ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τράγον (direct object)
• Plural forms add appropriate endings

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τράγος and its significance. BDAG emphasizes its specific reference to male goats in sacrificial contexts. Thayer’s lexicon notes its distinction from other words for goats, highlighting its use in ritual contexts. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical Greek literature, particularly in religious contexts. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in Hebrews, contrasting animal sacrifices with the Messiah’s sacrifice. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH provides valuable context from Septuagint usage, where it frequently appears in sacrificial contexts. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common usage in documents related to animal transactions and religious ceremonies.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats [τράγων] and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:12

Additional References:
Hebrews 9:13, Hebrews 9:19, Hebrews 10:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Odyssey	“The herdsman brought a large male goat [τράγος] for sacrifice.”
Herodotus: Histories	“They worshipped the male goat [τράγος] as sacred.”
Aristophanes: Peace	“A fine male goat [τράγος] was chosen for the festival.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τράγος serves as a powerful reminder of the Old Testament sacrificial system and its fulfillment in the Messiah. Its exclusive use in Hebrews emphasizes the contrast between temporary animal sacrifices and Jesus’ perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. This word helps us understand how the elaborate system of animal sacrifices pointed forward to and was fulfilled in the Messiah’s death. Through τράγος, we see God’s perfect plan of salvation, where the blood of bulls and goats is replaced by the precious blood of Jesus, providing eternal redemption for all who believe.

D – Did You Know?

1. τράγος appears exclusively in Hebrews in the New Testament
2. The word is related to the origin of the term “tragedy” in Greek theater
3. It was used specifically for mature male goats in sacrificial contexts

Strong’s G5131: A masculine noun referring to a male goat used in sacrificial rituals, tragos holds significant theological meaning in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews where it symbolizes the inadequacy of animal sacrifices compared to the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sacrifice, goat, male goat, he-goat, sacrificial system, Hebrews, atonement, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, temple worship, Levitical system​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​