גְּדִיָּה

גְּדִיָּה

a young female goat

Definition

גְּדִיָּה (gᵉdîyâh) refers specifically to a young female goat, the feminine counterpart to the more common masculine גְּדִי (gᵉdî, H1423). In its single biblical occurrence in Song of Songs 1:8, it is used poetically and metaphorically. The term denotes a kid or young she-goat, an animal of value in ancient pastoral societies, often associated with provision, sacrifice, and pastoral imagery. While the basic meaning is consistent, its poetic application in Song of Songs gives it a unique, affectionate connotation within that context.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the entire Old Testament, in Song of Songs 1:8. Here, the beloved is playfully called 'the most beautiful among women' and is told, 'If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats (גְּדִיֹּתַיִךְ) beside the shepherds' tents.' Its usage is entirely within this poetic, romantic, and pastoral setting, contrasting with the more frequent use of the masculine form (גְּדִי) in narrative and legal texts concerning sacrifices (e.g., Genesis 38:17, Judges 6:19) or food (e.g., Genesis 27:9).

Etymology

The word is a straightforward feminine formation from the masculine noun גְּדִי (gᵉdî, H1423), meaning 'a young goat' or 'kid.' The root ג־ד־י (g-d-y) relates to young herd animals. The feminine suffix ־ָה (-â) creates the specific term for a female kid. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Aramaic and Ugaritic, confirming its basic meaning as a young goat.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israel, goats were vital livestock, providing milk, hair for cloth, and meat. A young female goat (גְּדִיָּה) represented future productivity for the herd and was a valuable asset. The imagery in Song of Songs 1:8 draws on this everyday pastoral life to create a scene of idyllic, rustic beauty and intimacy. The instruction to pasture the young goats connects the beloved to themes of care, provision, and peaceful agricultural life, which would have been immediately familiar to the original audience. גְּדִי (gᵉdî, H1423) — The masculine form, a young goat (male or generic). It is far more common and used in various contexts, including sacrifice. עֵז (ʿēz, H5795) — A general term for a female goat (often a mature nanny goat), not specifying age. שָׂעִיר (śāʿîr, H8163) — Often a 'hairy one' or 'he-goat,' frequently used in ritual contexts for sin offerings (e.g., Leviticus 4:23-24).

Word Details