Lexical Summary tragos: Goat Original Word: τράγος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a male goatFrom the base of trogo; a he-goat (as a gnawer) -- goat. see GREEK trogo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom trógó Definition a male goat NASB Translation goats (4). Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 5131, τράγος (tragos), designates a male goat. In the Epistle to the Hebrews the term functions as part of a theological argument contrasting the provisional efficacy of Levitical sacrifices with the definitive, once-for-all atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ. Four occurrences (Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:13, Hebrews 9:19, Hebrews 10:4) draw on the Old Testament cultus, in which goats were integral to sin offerings and the Day of Atonement ritual. By invoking goats alongside calves or bulls, Hebrews underscores both the seriousness of sin that demanded blood and the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice that renders further animal offerings obsolete. Old Covenant Background 1. Sin Offerings 2. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) Occurrences in Hebrews • Hebrews 9:12 – “He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” Christ’s entrance surpasses the annual entry of the high priest, achieving what goats could only symbolize: eternal redemption. • Hebrews 9:13 – “For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean,” The author concedes the real, though external, cleansing afforded by animal blood, laying the groundwork for the “much more” logic of Christ’s work (Hebrews 9:14). • Hebrews 9:19 – Moses’ use of “the blood of calves and goats” to inaugurate the covenant (Exodus 24:5–8) foreshadows Christ’s blood inaugurating the new covenant (Hebrews 9:20-22). • Hebrews 10:4 – “because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” The ineffectiveness of goats’ blood to remove sin’s guilt permanently vindicates the necessity of Christ’s sacrifice. Typological Fulfillment in Christ 1. Perfect Substitution Just as the goat died in place of the sinner, so Christ “was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28). Yet unlike the animal, His infinite worth secures an everlasting redemption. 2. Complete Removal of Guilt The scapegoat’s banishment prefigures the promise, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). Through Jesus, sin is not merely covered but decisively removed. 3. Access to God Goats allowed symbolic approach; Christ grants actual entrance: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19). Historical and Second Temple Context During Second Temple Judaism the Day of Atonement was the liturgical climax of the year. Josephus (Antiquities 3.10.3) attests to the centrality of the goats, and the Mishnah (Yoma) records elaborate procedures for selecting, sacrificing, and dispersing them. Hebrews, likely written before the temple’s destruction in AD 70, addresses worshipers familiar with these rites, urging them to embrace the superior priesthood and sacrifice of Christ. Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Preaching the Gospel The recurring mention of goats invites proclamation that no human effort or ritual can cleanse the conscience; only Christ’s blood suffices. • Assurance of Salvation Believers troubled by past sins are reminded that the once-for-all sacrifice offers complete forgiveness, negating the need to “sacrifice again” through penance or merit (Hebrews 10:14). • Worship and Communion Understanding the Old Testament use of goats enriches the Lord’s Supper, where the cup signifies the new covenant in Christ’s blood, far surpassing the blood of goats. • Discipleship and Holiness If goats’ blood motivated Israel to ceremonial purity, how much more should Christ’s blood compel believers to ethical and spiritual holiness (Hebrews 9:14). Key Cross-References Leviticus 4:23; Leviticus 16:5–22; Numbers 7:16; 2 Chronicles 29:21; Hebrews 9:12-14; Hebrews 9:19-22; Hebrews 10:1-18; Isaiah 53:6; John 1:29. Summary The τράγος serves as a vivid emblem of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. In Hebrews, goats underscore the gravity of sin, the inadequacy of repetitive offerings, and the surpassing excellence of Jesus Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice fulfills and transcends the shadowy patterns of the law. Forms and Transliterations τράγοι τράγος τράγους τράγω τραγων τράγων τρανή tragon tragōn trágon trágōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 9:12 N-GMPGRK: δι' αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων NAS: the blood of goats and calves, KJV: by the blood of goats and calves, INT: by blood of goats and calves Hebrews 9:13 N-GMP Hebrews 9:19 N-GMP Hebrews 10:4 N-GMP |
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