Ox-Goad
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Ox-Goad in the Bible?
An ox-goad is a farming tool comprising a wooden shaft fitted with a sharp metal spike, designed to direct the movement of oxen during plowing and transport.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical construction and utility of the ox-goad clarifies the metaphorical language used in biblical texts to describe divine discipline and the consequences of persistent rebellion.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Ox-Goad 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-Goad in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ox-Goad clarify?
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-Goad." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/oxgoad/