Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "shaggy" is often associated with descriptions of animals, particularly goats, and is used to convey a sense of wildness or untamed nature. The term appears in various translations of the Bible, and while it may not be a central theme, it provides insight into the cultural and symbolic significance of certain animals in biblical times.Biblical References: 1. Daniel 8:21 : "The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king." In this prophetic vision, the "shaggy goat" symbolizes the kingdom of Greece, with the large horn representing its first king, historically understood to be Alexander the Great. The use of "shaggy" here emphasizes the untamed and powerful nature of the Greek empire as it swiftly conquered vast territories. 2. Leviticus 16:21-22 : "He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites—all their sins. He shall place them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness." While the term "shaggy" is not explicitly used in this passage, the concept of the "scapegoat" is closely related. The goat, often depicted as a wild and untamed animal, carries the sins of the people into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin and guilt from the community. 3. Isaiah 13:21 : "But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. There the owls will dwell, and there the wild goats will leap about." In this passage, the desolation of Babylon is described using imagery of wild animals inhabiting the ruins. The "wild goats" or "shaggy goats" are part of this imagery, symbolizing the complete abandonment and wildness that will overtake the once-great city. Symbolism and Cultural Context: In biblical symbolism, goats often represent sin, stubbornness, and separation from God. The "shaggy" aspect of goats can emphasize their wild and untamed nature, which contrasts with the domesticated and obedient sheep. This distinction is significant in biblical teachings, where sheep are often used to symbolize the faithful followers of God, while goats can represent those who are rebellious or outside the covenant community. The use of "shaggy" in describing goats and other animals in the Bible also reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where the characteristics of animals were well-known and often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. The imagery of wild and untamed animals serves as a powerful reminder of the chaos and disorder that can result from turning away from God's order and commandments. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the imagery of shaggy goats and other wild animals can serve as a metaphor for the human condition apart from divine guidance. Just as a shaggy goat is untamed and prone to wander, so too can individuals be led astray by sin and rebellion. The biblical narrative often contrasts this wildness with the peace and order found in following God's will, as exemplified by the Good Shepherd who leads His flock with care and authority. In summary, while the term "shaggy" may not be frequently used in the Bible, its application in describing goats and other animals provides rich symbolic meaning that enhances our understanding of biblical themes related to sin, rebellion, and redemption. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Rough with long hair or wool.Strong's Hebrew 8163a. sair -- hairy... hairy. Transliteration: sair or sair Short Definition: hairy. Word Origin from the same as sear Definition hairy NASB Word Usage hairy (3), shaggy (2). ... /hebrew/8163a.htm - 5k 6785. tsemer -- wool 8163. sa'iyr -- hairy 5569. samar -- bristling, rough Library Against Men who Embellish Themselves. Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew. Change not Always Improvement. The Symbols of the Republic. Gambling, Card-Playing Off to vienna The Adventure of the Three Sons of Saint George. The Spirit and Power of Elias. Through the Red Sea Christ and the Dog Thesaurus Shaggy (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Rough with long hair or wool. 2. (n.) Rough; rugged; jaggy. Multi-Version Concordance Shaggy (2 Occurrences). ... /s/shaggy.htm - 7k Lions (50 Occurrences) Lion (92 Occurrences) Goat (92 Occurrences) Rough (24 Occurrences) Ragged (1 Occurrence) Rugged (7 Occurrences) Rug (1 Occurrence) Seirah (1 Occurrence) Shageh (1 Occurrence) Resources Shaggy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shaggy (2 Occurrences)Isaiah 13:21 Daniel 8:21 Subtopics Related Terms |