Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia A goad is a traditional farming implement used to drive and guide livestock, particularly oxen, during plowing or other agricultural tasks. It is typically a long, pointed stick or rod, sometimes with a metal tip, used to prod the animals to move in the desired direction. The goad is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, both in literal and metaphorical contexts.Biblical References: 1. Judges 3:31 : "After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath. He struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, and he too saved Israel." In this passage, the goad is used as a weapon by Shamgar, one of the judges of Israel, to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. This highlights the goad's versatility and the resourcefulness of Shamgar in using a common agricultural tool for a military purpose. 2. 1 Samuel 13:21 : "The charge was a pim for the plowshares and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads." This verse provides insight into the economic and practical aspects of life in ancient Israel, where goads were essential tools for farming and required regular maintenance and sharpening. 3. Ecclesiastes 12:11 : "The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails given by one Shepherd." Here, the goad is used metaphorically to describe the words of wisdom that prod and guide individuals toward righteous living and understanding. The comparison to goads suggests that wisdom can sometimes be sharp or uncomfortable, yet ultimately beneficial for spiritual growth. 4. Acts 26:14 : "We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’" In this account of Paul's conversion, Jesus uses the metaphor of kicking against the goads to illustrate the futility and self-destructive nature of resisting divine guidance. The imagery suggests that just as an animal would injure itself by kicking against a goad, so too does a person harm themselves by resisting God's will. Symbolism and Interpretation: In the Bible, the goad symbolizes guidance, discipline, and the sometimes painful process of correction. It serves as a reminder of the need for direction and the importance of heeding wise counsel. The metaphorical use of the goad in Scripture underscores the idea that divine guidance, though it may be challenging or uncomfortable, is ultimately for the benefit and growth of the believer. The goad also represents the authority and sovereignty of God, who directs the paths of His people. Just as a farmer uses a goad to lead oxen, God uses His word and His Spirit to lead His followers. The imagery of the goad emphasizes the necessity of submission to God's will and the wisdom of following His guidance. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews malmad, only in Judges 3: 31), an instrument used by ploughmen for guiding their oxen. Shamgar slew six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad. "The goad is a formidable weapon. It is sometimes ten feet long, and has a sharp point. We could now see that the feat of Shamgar was not so very wonderful as some have been accustomed to think."In 1 Samuel 13:21, a different Hebrew word is used, dorban, meaning something pointed. The expression (Acts 9:5, omitted in the R.V.), "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks", i.e., against the goad, was proverbial for unavailing resistance to superior power. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A pointed instrument used to urge on a beast; hence, any necessity that urges or stimulates.2. (v. t.) To prick; to drive with a goad; hence, to urge forward, or to rouse by anything pungent, severe, irritating, or inflaming; to stimulate. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GOADgod (dorebhan, malmadh; kentron): The goad used by the Syrian farmer is usually a straight branch of oak or other strong wood from which the bark has been stripped, and which has at one end a pointed spike and at the other a flat chisel-shaped iron. The pointed end is to prod the oxen while plowing. The flattened iron at the other end is to scrape off the earth which clogs the plowshare. The ancient goad was probably similar to this instrument. It could do villainous work in the hands of an experienced fighter (Judges 3:31). If 1 Samuel 13:21 is correctly translated, the goads were kept sharpened by files. Greek 2759. kentron -- a sharp point ... a sharp point. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: kentron Phonetic Spelling: (ken'-tron) Short Definition: a sting, goad Definition: a sting, goad ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2759.htm - 6k 1461b. egkentrizo -- to ingraft, graft in Strong's Hebrew 1861. dorbown -- a goad... a goad. Transliteration: dorbown Phonetic Spelling: (dor-bone') Short Definition: goad. goad (also dor-bawn'); of uncertain derivation; a goad -- goad. ... /hebrew/1861.htm - 5k 1861b. darebonah -- a goad 1861a. dorban -- a goad 4451. malmad -- an oxgoad 3925. lamad -- to exercise in, learn 7850. shotet -- a scourge Library His Conversion Use what You Have Follies of the Greek Mythology. Use what You Have. Christ's Remonstrances The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ... The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus The Anger and Grief of Jesus On the Road to Jerusalem 1 John iv. 17-21 Thesaurus Goad (2 Occurrences)... Shamgar slew six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad. "The goad is a formidable weapon. It is sometimes ten feet long, and has a sharp point. ... /g/goad.htm - 9k Ox-goad (2 Occurrences) Prick (2 Occurrences) Oxgoad (1 Occurrence) Sting (5 Occurrences) Ox (197 Occurrences) Kick (8 Occurrences) Shamgar (2 Occurrences) Alphabet (2 Occurrences) Go (17871 Occurrences) Resources What is an ox goad / oxgoad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to kick against the pricks? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about being stiff-necked? | GotQuestions.org Goad: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Goad (2 Occurrences)Acts 26:14 Judges 3:31 Subtopics Goad: 600 Men Killed With, by Shamgar, a Judge (Hero) of Israel Goad: An Instrument of Torture Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) |
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