עֶגְלָה

עֶגְלָה

a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e. a heifer)

Definition

The Hebrew noun עֶגְלָה refers specifically to a female calf, most often one that is young but nearly grown, hence the common translation 'heifer.' It denotes a valuable domestic animal, typically used for agricultural work, sacrifice, or as a measure of wealth. In its most famous ritual use, the 'heifer of three years old' (Genesis 15:9) is part of God's covenant ceremony with Abram. In a different context, the 'heifer' in Deuteronomy 21:3-6 is part of a unique ceremony for atoning for an unsolved murder, showing the word's application in judicial rites.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 13 times, primarily in legal, narrative, and prophetic texts. Its usage falls into three main categories: 1) Ritual sacrifice, as in God's command to Abram (Genesis 15:9) and Samuel's instruction to Jesse (1 Samuel 16:2). 2) Legal ceremony, specifically the ritual for an unsolved murder detailed in Deuteronomy 21:3-6. 3) As a symbol of agricultural prosperity and subsequent loss, used in prophetic imagery (Isaiah 7:21) and laments (Isaiah 15:5). It also appears in Samson's riddle (Judges 14:18) as a metaphor.

Etymology

The word עֶגְלָה is the feminine form of the masculine noun עֵגֶל (ʿēgel, H5695), meaning 'calf, bull-calf.' It is derived from a common Semitic root (ʿ-g-l) related to circling or rolling, likely describing the frisky, circular motion of a young calf. The feminine form specifically denotes the gender of the animal, which was often significant for its ritual and economic roles in Israelite society.

Semantic Range

עֶגְלָה is theologically significant in two key ceremonies. First, in Genesis 15:9, the three-year-old heifer is part of the animals cut in God's unilateral covenant with Abram, symbolizing purification and solemn commitment. Second, and more uniquely, in Deuteronomy 21:1-9, an unworked heifer is used in a ritual to cleanse the land from the guilt of unsolved murder, highlighting concepts of corporate responsibility, the sanctity of life, and God's provision for atonement even when the perpetrator is unknown. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of these passages by connecting the specific animal to its covenantal and purgative functions. In ancient Israel, a young female calf (heifer) was a significant economic asset, representing future milk, labor, and offspring. It was too valuable for ordinary meat consumption and was typically reserved for special occasions, sacrifice, or ritual use. The requirement for a heifer that had 'not been worked' or 'not worn a yoke' (Deuteronomy 21:3) for the purification ritual indicates it needed to be in a state of untouched purity, unblemished by common labor, to be suitable for a sacred ceremony. This differs from a modern view of cattle primarily as a source of beef. עֵגֶל (ʿēgel, H5695) — The masculine counterpart, a (young) bull-calf. פָּרָה (pārâ, H6510) — A mature cow, distinguished by age and often used for plowing.

Word Details