Ox (1)
NatureWhat is the meaning of Ox (1) in the Bible?
An ox is a domesticated bovine trained as a draft animal, distinguished from general cattle by its specific function in labor and frequently referenced in ancient Near Eastern texts alongside wild bovine species.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the role of the ox illuminates the agricultural economy, legal frameworks concerning property and animal welfare, and the daily realities of life described in the Hebrew Bible.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Ox (1) were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ox (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ox (1) clarify?
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
"Ox (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ox-1/