The donkey, a domesticated member of the horse family, holds significant symbolic and practical roles throughout the Bible. Known for its strength, endurance, and humble nature, the donkey is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a symbol of service, peace, and humility.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, donkeys are often depicted as valuable assets in agrarian society. They were used for transportation, carrying loads, and plowing fields. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, owned donkeys, indicating their wealth and status (Genesis 12:16). The donkey's role as a beast of burden is highlighted in the account of Balaam, where a donkey is given the ability to speak to its master, warning him of the angel of the Lord standing in the way (Numbers 22:21-33).

The donkey also appears in the laws given to Israel. For example, the commandment to rest on the Sabbath extends to one's animals, including donkeys, emphasizing the importance of rest and humane treatment (Exodus 23:12). Additionally, the law concerning the redemption of the firstborn donkey with a lamb underscores the donkey's value and the principle of substitutionary redemption (Exodus 13:13).

Symbolism and Prophecy

The donkey is often associated with peace and humility, contrasting with the horse, which is typically linked to war. This symbolism is vividly portrayed in the prophecy of Zechariah, which foretells the coming of a king riding on a donkey: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, signifying His peaceful mission and messianic identity (Matthew 21:1-7).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the donkey continues to serve as a symbol of humility and service. Jesus' choice to ride a donkey into Jerusalem during His triumphal entry is a deliberate act that fulfills Old Testament prophecy and contrasts with the expectations of a conquering king. This act underscores the nature of His kingdom, which is not of this world but is characterized by peace and humility.

The donkey also appears in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where the Samaritan uses his own donkey to transport the injured man to safety (Luke 10:34). This act of compassion and service highlights the donkey's role in facilitating acts of mercy and kindness.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, donkeys were common in the Near East and were essential to daily life. They were more affordable and easier to maintain than horses, making them accessible to a broader segment of the population. Their ability to navigate difficult terrain made them indispensable for travel and trade.

The donkey's significance in the Bible is multifaceted, serving as a practical animal for work and transportation, a symbol of peace and humility, and a vehicle for divine messages and fulfillment of prophecy. Its presence in key biblical narratives underscores its importance in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel and the early Christian community.3688. onos -- a donkey
... a donkey. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Masculine Transliteration: onos
Phonetic Spelling: (on'-os) Short Definition: a donkey, an ass Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3688.htm - 6k2543. chamor -- a male ass
... 2542, 2543. chamor. 2544 . a male ass. Transliteration: chamor Phonetic
Spelling: (kham-ore') Short Definition: donkey. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/2543.htm - 6k

860. athon -- a female donkey
... 859, 860. athon. 861 . a female donkey. Transliteration: athon Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-thone') Short Definition: donkey. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/860.htm - 6k

Life in the Villages
... Our travelling paraphernalia was simple, luggage being limited to the amount
that a small donkey could carry in addition to a rider. ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter v life in the.htm

A Casket of Jewels
... The month of September brings the eagerly looked-for day when by cart, donkey, litter,
or even on foot, from north, south, east, and west, the small travellers ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxiii a casket of.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... I also saw several kinds of baskets hanging at the donkey's sides. ... They were accompanied
by a manservant who often went ahead with the heavily loaded donkey. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

The Apostles Chosen
... As she sat reading, a man, well known in that neighborhood as Jacob, the
charcoal carrier, came by with his donkey. Jacob used to ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the apostles chosen.htm

Down the Islands
... points in the island their twin peaks may be seen jutting up over the other hills,
like, according to irreverent English sailors, the tips of a donkey's ears. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

Donkey's (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Donkey's (7 Occurrences). John ... Zion. Behold, your
King comes, sitting on a donkey's colt." (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/d/donkey's.htm - 8k

Colt (15 Occurrences)
... Colt (15 Occurrences). Matthew 21:2 saying to them, "Go into the village that is
opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. ...
/c/colt.htm - 12k

Kab (1 Occurrence)
... Behold, they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver,
and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. ...
/k/kab.htm - 7k

Lasted (3 Occurrences)
... Behold, they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver,
and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. ...
/l/lasted.htm - 7k

Grapes (74 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey's colt to the choice vine;
he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. ...
/g/grapes.htm - 31k

Idiot (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Idiot (1 Occurrence). Job 11:12 An empty-headed man becomes
wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt. (See NAS). ...
/i/idiot.htm - 7k

Foal (10 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble,
and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY ...
/f/foal.htm - 11k

Ties (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey's colt to the choice vine;
he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. ...
/t/ties.htm - 8k

Empty-headed (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Empty-headed (1 Occurrence). Job 11:12 An empty-headed
man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt. (WEB). ...
/e/empty-headed.htm - 6k

Donning (1 Occurrence)

/d/donning.htm - 6k

Did Balaam's donkey really talk to him? | GotQuestions.org

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What is the significance of the triumphal/triumphant entry? | GotQuestions.org

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