Goats are mentioned often in the Bible, symbolizing various things. Today, we’ll uncover the meaning behind goats in Scripture and what lessons we can learn from these references.
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What Does The Bible Say About Goats
Matthew 25:32-33
“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”
This verse speaks of the final judgment where Jesus will separate the righteous from the wicked. The metaphor of separating sheep from goats represents the distinction between those who belong to Christ and those who do not. It emphasizes the importance of living a life aligned with God’s will and surrendering to His guidance.
Psalm 50:9-10
“I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.”
In this verse, God declares that He has no need for material offerings such as bulls or goats, as He is the owner of all creation. It reminds us that God desires a heart of genuine worship and obedience, rather than outward displays or sacrifices. It highlights the importance of offering ourselves as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God.
Leviticus 16:7-10
“Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat.”
This verse describes the ritual of the Day of Atonement, where one goat is sacrificed as a sin offering, and the other is chosen to be the scapegoat, representing the removal of sins from the people. It foreshadows the work of Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sins of the world and provides atonement for humanity.
Isaiah 53:6
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
This verse depicts humanity as sheep gone astray, emphasizing our tendency to sin and wander away from God’s path. However, it also highlights God’s mercy and love by laying the iniquity of all upon Jesus. It reveals the redemptive work of Christ, who takes our sins upon Himself and offers forgiveness and restoration to all who believe in Him.
Leviticus 5:6
“They are to bring to the priest as a guilt offering a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value. In this way, the priest will make atonement for them for the wrong they have committed unintentionally, and they will be forgiven.”
This verse details the process of bringing a guilt offering to the priest for unintentional sins. It signifies the need for making amends and seeking forgiveness for our wrongdoings. It also points to the future sacrifice of Jesus, who, as the unblemished Lamb of God, offers atonement and forgiveness for both intentional and unintentional sins.
Proverbs 27:26
“The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.”
In this verse, the metaphorical value of lambs and goats is used. It highlights the practical benefit of lambs, which provide wool for clothing, while goats represent a marketable asset. It serves as a reminder of how God provides for our needs through the natural resources He created and teaches us to properly steward and appreciate His provision.
John 10:27-28
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
In this verse, Jesus refers to His followers as sheep, symbolizing their dependence on Him as their shepherd. It emphasizes the significance of hearing and obeying His voice, as well as the eternal security believers have in Him. It demonstrates Jesus’ love and protection, assuring that no one can separate His faithful followers from His saving grace.
Genesis 37:31-33
“Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, ‘We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.’ He recognized it and said, ‘It is my son’s robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!'”
In this narrative, Joseph’s brothers deceived their father by presenting Joseph’s bloodied robe of many colors, stained with goat’s blood, as evidence of his death. It depicts the brothers’ deceit and shows the consequences of their jealousy and betrayal. The incident serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of envy and the importance of maintaining integrity and honesty in our relationships.
Mark 15:34
“And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).”
These were the words uttered by Jesus while He was on the cross, indicating the moment when He bore the weight of humanity’s sins and experienced separation from God the Father. It reveals the immense sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation, willingly enduring abandonment to reconcile us to God and bring us into a restored relationship with Him.
Ezekiel 34:17-18
“As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?”
This verse contains a rebuke from God to the leaders of Israel, who were exploiting and mistreating the weak and vulnerable members of their society. God, as the ultimate Judge, addresses their selfishness and greed, questioning their need to take more than their fair share. It highlights the importance of justice, compassion, and responsible stewardship in our dealings with others.
Romans 8:39
“Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In this verse, Paul assures believers that nothing can separate them from God’s unfailing love. It emphasizes the unbreakable bond between God and His children, regardless of any external circumstances or challenges. It brings comfort, security, and hope, reminding us that our standing in God’s love is not based on our own merits but on the unchanging nature of His love.
2 Chronicles 29:21
“They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven male lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. The king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the Lord.”
This verse describes the offering brought by King Hezekiah and the people to restore the worship of God in the temple. The sin offering included male goats, among other animals, and symbolized the repentance and dedication of the kingdom, the sanctuary, and the people to the Lord. It represents the importance of corporate and individual repentance and the commitment to align our lives with God’s will.
Matthew 5:45
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about God’s impartiality in providing for His creation. Regardless of one’s moral standing, God enables both the righteous and the unrighteous to experience His blessings. It reveals the undeserved grace and mercy of God, reminding us of His goodness and calling us to show the same love and generosity to others, irrespective of their actions or beliefs.
Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
In this prophetic verse, Zechariah speaks of the coming Messiah, who would enter Jerusalem humbly, riding on a donkey. It foretells Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city before His crucifixion. It illustrates the dual nature of Christ as both the humble servant and the victorious King, fulfilling the messianic prophecies and inviting us to receive Him as our Savior and Lord.
Jeremiah 50:8
“Flee out of Babylon; leave the land of the Babylonians, and be like the goats that lead the flock.”
In this verse, Jeremiah calls for the people to leave Babylon, the land of their captors, and return to their homeland. He uses the imagery of goats, known for their agility and leadership in guiding flocks, to encourage the Israelites to take the initiative and influence others to follow. It signifies the importance of being bold, decisive, and faithful in fulfilling God’s commands, even in challenging circumstances.
1 Samuel 10:3
“Then you will go on from there until you reach the great tree of Tabor. Three men going up to worship God at Bethel will meet you there. One will be carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and another a skin of wine.”
This verse describes Samuel’s prophetic encounter with Saul, anointing him as the first king of Israel. The three goats mentioned symbolize the provision and celebration associated with their encounter with God. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in providing for our needs and His desire for us to worship Him with gratitude and joy.
Psalm 23:1-2
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”
This famous psalm portrays God as a caring shepherd who provides for and guides His people. The green pastures and quiet waters represent the provision of physical sustenance and spiritual refreshment. It reminds us that when we trust in God’s leading, we will lack nothing and find true rest and fulfillment in Him.
Proverbs 14:4
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”
This proverbial verse speaks of the correlation between hard work and fruitful outcomes. It uses the imagery of oxen, known for their strength in plowing fields, to highlight the importance of diligence, despite the challenges it may bring. It teaches us the value of perseverance and investing our efforts in meaningful pursuits, even when they require sacrifices along the way.
Revelation 5:6-7
“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.”
In this apocalyptic vision, John sees the exalted Lamb of God, who is Jesus Christ, in the midst of heavenly beings. The Lamb’s sacrificial death is symbolized by its appearance as having been slain. The seven horns and seven eyes represent the Lamb’s complete power and perfect understanding. It emphasizes Jesus’ role as the worthy and victorious redeemer, who fulfills God’s purposes and holds authority over all creation.
Genesis 31:38-40
“I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten rams from your flocks. I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night. This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes.”
This verse represents Jacob’s complaint to Laban, his father-in-law, about the hardships and sacrifices he endured during his time of service. It illustrates Jacob’s commitment to faithfully care for Laban’s flock, even at great personal cost. It teaches us the importance of integrity, diligence, and perseverance in fulfilling our responsibilities, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
Revelation 20:15
“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
This verse occurs in the context of the final judgment, where those whose names are not written in the book of life face eternal separation from God. It highlights the significance of having our names recorded in the book of life through faith in Jesus Christ. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation and reinforces the urgency to share the message of His grace with others.
Hebrews 9:12
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
This verse contrasts the earthly sacrifices of goats and calves in the Old Testament with the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It highlights the superiority of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, which accomplished eternal redemption once and for all. It emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ shed blood, which provides complete forgiveness and eternal salvation for all who trust in Him.
Psalm 50:13-14
“Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.”
In this psalm, God challenges the people who mechanically offer animal sacrifices without genuine thanksgiving and obedience. It emphasizes that God desires a heart of gratitude and devotion rather than mere ritualistic acts. It reminds us that true worship involves a surrendered heart, expressed through a lifestyle of gratitude, obedience, and fulfilling our commitments to God.
Hebrews 10:4
“It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
This verse reinforces the understanding that the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament were insufficient for complete forgiveness and the removal of sins. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose shed blood has the power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It highlights the uniqueness and efficacy of Jesus’ sacrifice, offering us true forgiveness, reconciliation, and salvation through faith in Him.