Heifer
NatureWhat is the meaning of Heifer in the Bible?
A young cow used in religious rites, specifically in the ceremony of Deuteronomy 21:1-9 for cleansing the land after an unexpiated murder, and also as a peace offering in Leviticus 3:1.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the specific age and gender requirements for this animal clarifies the precise legal and ritual standards demanded by the biblical text for atonement and communal peace.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Heifer were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Heifer in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Heifer clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Deuteronomy 21:1-9Leviticus 3:1
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Heifer." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/heifer/