שְׂעִירָה

שְׂעִירָה

a she-goat

Definition

The Hebrew word שְׂעִירָה (sᵉʻîyrâh) specifically denotes a female goat, or she-goat. It is the feminine form of the more general term for a goat or kid (שָׂעִיר, H8163). In its two biblical occurrences, it refers to a sacrificial animal used in the Levitical system for specific sin offerings. The word does not carry additional metaphorical meanings in the biblical text; its usage is strictly literal and zoological, pertaining to a type of livestock.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the context of the Mosaic law's sacrificial system, appearing only in Leviticus 4:28 and Leviticus 5:6. In both instances, it specifies the type of animal—a female goat—to be brought as a sin offering by an individual commoner (as opposed to a leader or the whole community). The usage is formulaic and legal, highlighting the precise requirements for atonement based on the offerer's social status and the nature of the offense.

Etymology

שְׂעִירָה is the feminine form of the masculine noun שָׂעִיר (śāʻîr, H8163), which means 'he-goat,' 'kid,' or 'hairy one.' The root שׂער (śʻr) relates to hairiness or roughness. The masculine form can also refer to the mythological 'goat-demons' or 'satyrs' (e.g., Leviticus 17:7, Isaiah 13:21) and is used as a name for Esau (Edom) and the land of Seir. שְׂעִירָה, however, retains only the literal, zoological sense of the female of the species.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a common noun, its specific usage within the sacrificial law connects it to the theology of atonement and substitution. The requirement for a שְׂעִירָה in Leviticus 4:28 and 5:6 underscores the accessibility of God's provision for sin—even for an ordinary individual, a specific, unblemished substitute was necessary to bear guilt. It illustrates the principle that sin requires a costly payment and points forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ. In ancient Israelite culture, goats were valuable livestock for milk, hair, and meat. Their use in sacrifices was common. The specific stipulation of a female goat for a common person's sin offering (as opposed to a male goat or other animal for different occasions) reflects the detailed gradations within the sacrificial system, which considered the status and economic means of the worshipper. This precision ensured the ritual's integrity and the offerer's meaningful participation. שָׂעִיר (śāʻîr, H8163) — The masculine counterpart, meaning a he-goat or kid; also used for 'goat-demons' and as a proper name. עֵז (ʻēz, H5795) — A more general term for a goat (either gender), often used for goats as property or for food. תַּיִשׁ (tayish, H8495) — A specific term for a male goat, a buck or leader of the flock.

Word Details