נָקֹד

נָקֹד

spotted

Definition

The Hebrew noun נָקֹד (nâqôd) refers to animals, particularly sheep and goats, that have a spotted or speckled coat. It describes livestock with patches or spots of contrasting colors, often black and white, as seen in Jacob's flocks in Genesis 30. The term is used exclusively in the context of animal husbandry and breeding, specifically in the narrative where Jacob and Laban negotiate over the division of their herds. In all its biblical occurrences, it consistently denotes this physical characteristic of being marked with spots, with no extended metaphorical meanings.

Biblical Usage

נָקֹד appears seven times in the Old Testament, all within Genesis 30–31 in the story of Jacob and Laban. It is used to describe the specific sheep and goats that Jacob was allowed to claim as his wages. The word defines the visual marker separating Jacob's flock from Laban's solid-colored animals. Key verses include Genesis 30:32, where Jacob proposes taking every speckled animal as his wages, and Genesis 30:39, which describes the flocks producing speckled offspring.

Etymology

The word derives from an unused Hebrew root likely meaning 'to mark' by puncturing or branding, suggesting the idea of making a distinct spot or mark. This root concept connects to the visual appearance of spots on an animal's coat as a natural 'marking.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is central to God's faithfulness in the Jacob narrative. The speckled animals became the means by which God prospered Jacob despite Laban's deception (Genesis 31:10-12). Understanding נָקֹד highlights that God's blessing and justice often work through ordinary, tangible details, fulfilling His covenant promises in unexpected ways. In ancient Near Eastern pastoral culture, livestock color patterns like 'speckled' were crucial for identifying ownership and wealth. Jacob's request for the speckled animals (Genesis 30:32) may have seemed a modest claim, as they were likely less common. The subsequent divine intervention in breeding (Genesis 30:39, 31:10) subverts cultural expectations of animal husbandry, showing God's supernatural provision. בָּרֹד (bārōd, H1261) — also means 'spotted' or 'dappled'; used in the same Jacob narrative (Genesis 31:10, 12) and may emphasize a slightly different pattern, perhaps with larger spots.

Word Details