Lexical Summary tayish: Goat, specifically a male goat or he-goat Original Word: תַּיִשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance he-goatFrom an unused root meaning to butt; a buck or he-goat (as given to butting) -- he goat. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition male goat NASB Translation male goat (1), male goats (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [תַּ֫יִשׁ] noun masculine he-goat (Late Hebrew id.; Arabic  Aramaic תְּיָשָׁא, תֵּישָׁא  id., √ unknown); — absolute תָּ֑יִשׁ Proverbs 30:31; plural תְּיָשִׁים Genesis 30:35 (J), Genesis 32:15 (E; + עִזִּים she-goats), 2 Chronicles 17:11. תֹּךְ see תכך. below. Topical Lexicon Zoological Profile The תַּיִשׁ denotes the mature male of the domestic goat (Capra hircus). Known for agility, keen senses, and the distinctively assertive gait of the breeding buck, the animal embodies vigor and leadership within a flock. Its horns, beard, and musky scent distinguish it from females and immature males. In the Levant, such goats thrived on rugged terrain unsuitable for cattle or sheep, turning otherwise marginal land into productive pasture. Occurrences in the Old Testament • Genesis 30:35 records Laban’s removal of “streaked and spotted male goats” from the herd he later gives Jacob, highlighting the animal’s genetic diversity and value in selective breeding. Economic and Pastoral Importance Male goats were indispensable for flock propagation, their strength and fertility ensuring herd growth. For pastoralists like the patriarchs, a healthy ratio of bucks to does directly affected milk yield, fiber production, and future trade potential. Consequently, bucks were protected assets, sometimes transported separately (Genesis 30:35) or counted carefully in flocks presented as gifts (Genesis 32:14). Diplomatic and Political Significance In ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, livestock gifts represented allegiance and economic capacity. The considerable tribute of male goats to Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:11) signals both the donor’s prosperity and the recipient’s status. Because male goats could rapidly sire large herds, they symbolized long-term wealth transfer rather than a one-time consumable. Didactic and Figurative Uses Proverbs 30:31 lists the he-goat as an exemplar of confident advancement—“a he-goat, and a king with his army around him”—inviting readers to observe how God’s created order illustrates principled leadership. The animal’s instinct to lead the herd up steep paths models bold yet calculated initiative, traits desirable in rulers and disciples alike. Typology and Theological Reflection Although תַּיִשׁ does not appear in Levitical sacrificial terminology, the broader biblical motif of the male goat (e.g., Leviticus 16:5; Daniel 8:5) associates the animal with substitution and judgment. The he-goat’s prominent horns prefigure dominion, while its position at the front of the flock points to headship—concepts ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the true Leader and sin-bearer (Hebrews 9:12-14). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship: Pastors and believers entrusted with resources should emulate the care Jacob took in managing breeding stock (Genesis 30:35), recognizing that wise oversight of God’s provision multiplies blessing. Related Terms and Distinctions While תַּיִשׁ refers specifically to the mature male, other Hebrew words broaden the goat vocabulary: שָׂעִיר (saʿir, “hairy one”) often appears in sacrificial contexts; עֵז (ez) denotes the female goat; גְּדִי (gĕdî) indicates a kid. Recognizing these nuances clarifies narrative detail and enriches textual study. Forms and Transliterations הַתְּיָשִׁ֜ים התישים וּתְיָשִׁ֕ים וּתְיָשִׁ֖ים ותישים תָ֑יִשׁ תיש hat·tə·yā·šîm hatteyaShim hattəyāšîm ṯā·yiš ṯāyiš Tayish ū·ṯə·yā·šîm uteyaShim ūṯəyāšîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 30:35 HEB: הַה֨וּא אֶת־ הַתְּיָשִׁ֜ים הָֽעֲקֻדִּ֣ים וְהַטְּלֻאִ֗ים NAS: and spotted male goats and all KJV: that day the he goats that were ringstraked INT: day he male the striped and spotted Genesis 32:14 2 Chronicles 17:11 Proverbs 30:31 4 Occurrences |
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