Lexical Summary aqod: Speckled, striped Original Word: עָקֹד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ring straked From aqad; striped (with bands) -- ring straked. see HEBREW aqad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition striped, streaked NASB Translation striped (7). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָקֹד adjective striped, streaked; — of Jacob's goats and sheep; as substantive ׳ע Genesis 30:40 (collective), plural עֲקֻדִּים Genesis 31:8 (twice in verse); plural as attributive Genesis 30:35,39, predicate Genesis 31:10,12. [עָקָה] noun feminine Psalm 55:4 see עוק. עקה (√ of following; cf Arabic Topical Lexicon Imagery and MeaningThe Hebrew adjective עָקֹד portrays animals whose coats display bands or rings of contrasting color. In the pastoral world of the Ancient Near East such markings were uncommon and therefore easily recognized. Scripture uses the term solely for goat and sheep coloration, drawing attention to visual distinctiveness that sets certain animals apart from the monochrome majority. Occurrences in the Patriarchal Narrative Every appearance of עָקֹד lies within the saga of Jacob’s service to Laban (Genesis 30–31). Jacob bargains for ownership of the flock variants that are “speckled, spotted, and all the dark-colored lambs, and every spotted or speckled goat” (Genesis 30:32). Laban immediately removes the existing animals of that description, leaving Jacob with only uniformly colored stock. Yet through a divinely directed breeding strategy, Jacob’s herds soon reproduce a multitude of streaked offspring (Genesis 30:39–40). In Jacob’s later explanation to Rachel and Leah he testifies, “In the breeding season I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, spotted, and speckled” (Genesis 31:10). The Angel of God then affirms, “I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you” (Genesis 31:12). Each reference to the streaked animals underscores God’s providential intervention on behalf of the patriarch. Covenantal Overtones 1. Divine Faithfulness Though marginalized by Laban’s duplicity, Jacob remains the heir of the covenant promise given to Abraham and Isaac. The booming population of עָקֹד flocks operates as a tangible reminder that God multiplies what He has pledged to bless, even when human circumstances appear stacked against His servant. 2. Legitimate Wealth Acquisition The unusual markings function as visible proof of which animals truly belong to Jacob. By assigning him the ring-streaked portion, God vindicates the patriarch’s integrity and prevents accusation of theft. The text therefore links עָקֹד with just labor and righteous recompense. Theological and Ethical Insights • Sovereignty in the Ordinary The simplest elements of agrarian life—mating patterns, genetics, and coat colors—fall under the Creator’s meticulous governance. The rise of the streaked population teaches that no realm is too mundane for divine rule. • Integrity Amid Injustice Jacob’s earlier reliance on deception (Genesis 27) is now supplanted by trust in God’s directive. The flourishing of the ring-streaked animals illustrates that honest dependence on the Lord outshines human craftiness. • Accountability for Oppressors God’s statement “I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you” (Genesis 31:12) assures the oppressed that He notes every injustice. The conspicuous success of the עָקֹד animals signals eventual reckoning for exploitative masters. Typological Reflections The rare coat pattern hints at a people set apart within the larger flock—distinct, yet still part of the whole. Later Scripture will celebrate God’s purpose to call out a holy nation from among the nations and ultimately unite Jew and Gentile in one redeemed body (Ephesians 2:14). The ring-streaked imagery therefore anticipates inclusion by grace rather than pedigree. Ministry Applications • Encouragement for Believers in Unfair Employment Jacob’s experience heartens modern workers who suffer inequitable treatment. Fidelity toward God, coupled with diligence, invites His intervention. • Stewardship and Entrepreneurship The account sanctions creative but ethical strategies for livelihood. Faith does not stifle industry; it inspires ingenuity under divine guidance. • Teaching Children About God’s Care The visual nature of streaked animals offers a vivid illustration for family devotions: God notices, God provides, God keeps promises. Summary עָקֹד, though a technical term for streaked livestock, becomes a narrative instrument through which Scripture displays divine faithfulness, justice, and blessing. Seven concise mentions weave a testimony that the Lord watches over His covenant people, overturns human scheming, and multiplies blessing in unmistakable ways—even in the stripes of a goat. Forms and Transliterations הָֽעֲקֻדִּ֣ים העקדים עֲקֻדִּ֥ים עֲקֻדִּֽים׃ עֲקֻדִּים֙ עָקֹ֛ד עקד עקדים עקדים׃ ‘ā·qōḏ ‘ă·qud·dîm ‘āqōḏ ‘ăquddîm aKod akudDim hā‘ăquddîm hā·‘ă·qud·dîm haakudDimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 30:35 HEB: אֶת־ הַתְּיָשִׁ֜ים הָֽעֲקֻדִּ֣ים וְהַטְּלֻאִ֗ים וְאֵ֤ת NAS: on that day the striped and spotted KJV: the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, INT: he male the striped and spotted and all Genesis 30:39 Genesis 30:40 Genesis 31:8 Genesis 31:8 Genesis 31:10 Genesis 31:12 7 Occurrences |
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hinder).