עָרוֹד
𐤏𐤓𐤅𐤃
ʻârôwd
H6171 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A species of wild ass (Equus hemionus), noted for its untamable, swift, and solitary character, native to arid regions of the ancient Near East. In biblical usage, often a symbol of untamed nature and wilderness, representing either literal animal or, figuratively, untamed or free persons.
Semantic Range
onager, wild ass, untamed animal, symbol of wilderness or untamed freedom
Root / Etymology
From the root ערד, which is attested as meaning 'to be solitary, wild.' The noun form עָרוֹד (ʻârôwd) appears to be formed by a standard nominal pattern indicating a species or type, here referring to the onager or Asiatic wild ass. Related to the place name עֲרָד (Arad), possibly also reflecting the association with arid or wilderness regions. The form and meaning suggest a derivation from qualities of solitude and wildness, though the precise etymological development is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The עָרוֹד is referenced in poetic or wisdom contexts (e.g., Job 39:5), highlighting its wild nature and freedom from domestication—a trait distinguishing it from domesticated donkeys or mules. The onager (Equus hemionus) is distinct from the regular donkey (חֲמוֹר, H2543) and from the פֶּרֶה (pere), another term for wild ass. However, in some passages, the distinction between עָרוֹד and פֶּרֶה may be difficult to sustain, as both evoke wild, untamed equids of the steppe and desert. Later translations often render עָרוֹד simply as 'wild ass' or sometimes conflate it with other wild equids. In the social and religious context of the Hebrew Bible, the wild ass could symbolize outsiders, unrestrained behavior, or the unknown wilderness. No usage supports applying the term to any later identity such as 'Jew' or 'Judean.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as עֲרָד; an onager (from his lonesome habits); wild ass.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ערד (ʿ-r-d) — to be wild, to be solitary, to roam
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6171-01 |
עָ֝ר֗וֹד | arod | HNcmsa |
the swift donkey | wild onager | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6171-01 |
Job 39:5 | עָ֝ר֗וֹד | arod | HNcmsa |
the swift donkey | wild onager |