Topical Encyclopedia
The term "buffalo" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the creature often associated with the buffalo in biblical texts is the "wild ox" or "aurochs." These animals are mentioned in various passages and are considered symbols of strength and power. The Hebrew word often translated as "wild ox" is "re'em," which some scholars believe may refer to a now-extinct species of large wild cattle.
Biblical References:1.
Numbers 23:22 : "God brought them out of Egypt; He is for them like the horns of the wild ox." This verse highlights the strength and power of God, likening His might to the formidable horns of the wild ox. The imagery suggests a creature of great strength, possibly akin to the buffalo or aurochs, known for their impressive horns and robust nature.
2.
Deuteronomy 33:17 : "His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like the horns of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth." Here, the wild ox is used metaphorically to describe the power and majesty of Joseph's descendants. The comparison to a firstborn bull and the wild ox underscores the might and authority bestowed upon them.
3.
Job 39:9-12 : "Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will it stay by your manger at night? Can you hold it to the furrow with a harness? Will it plow the valleys behind you? Can you rely on its great strength? Will you leave your heavy work to it? Can you trust it to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor?" In this passage, God challenges Job by pointing out the untamable nature of the wild ox, emphasizing its strength and independence. The rhetorical questions highlight the creature's power and the futility of human attempts to domesticate it.
Symbolism and Interpretation:In biblical literature, the wild ox symbolizes untamed strength and divine power. Its frequent association with horns, a common biblical symbol of power and authority, reinforces this interpretation. The wild ox's depiction as a creature that cannot be easily controlled or domesticated serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the limits of human power.
Cultural and Historical Context:The wild ox, or aurochs, was a large and powerful animal that roamed the ancient Near East. It was known for its impressive size and strength, making it a fitting symbol for divine power in biblical texts. While the exact species referred to as "re'em" is debated, the imagery remains consistent with the characteristics of large, horned cattle, such as the buffalo or aurochs.
In summary, while the term "buffalo" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of a powerful, horned beast is present through the depiction of the wild ox. This creature serves as a potent symbol of strength, power, and the majesty of God throughout the Scriptures.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A species of the genus Bos or Bubalus (B. bubalus), originally from India, but now found in most of the warmer countries of the eastern continent. It is larger and less docile than the common ox, and is fond of marshy places and rivers.
2. (n.) A very large and savage species of the same genus (B. Caffer) found in South Africa; -- called also Cape buffalo.
3. (n.) Any species of wild ox.
4. (n.) The bison of North America.
5. (n.) A buffalo robe. See Buffalo robe, below.
6. (n.) The buffalo fish. See Buffalo fish, below.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BUFFALObuf'-a-lo.
SeeCATTLE.
Library
The Author --Dr. HC Leupold
... The Author"Dr. HC LEUPOLD. Dr. Herbert Carl Leupold, Columbus, Ohio, was
born atBuffalo, NY, on July 23, 1891. He received his...
Of the Life and Conduct of Abbot Paphnutius.
... that he enjoyed and delighted in the daily society of angels, and because of this
remarkable characteristic of his [1200] he was surnamed by them theBuffalo....
Critical Conventions.
... For the dissatisfied party held a synod of their own atBuffalo Creek, at the time
specified by the constitution, and ordained Bell and David Henkel. 73....
False Teachings of the Apostasy.
... "Buffalo, Feb.4"A lively row is in progress at Burns, a little town about twenty
miles fromBuffalo, growing out of a new money-making scheme, introduced at...
The Evolution of Language
... could instantly recognize. Imagine, for instance, a herd ofbuffalo browsing
in a glade of the African forest. The vanguard, some...
The Worship of the Church
... Title Page. THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH And the Beauty of Holiness. by. JA
REGESTER, STD. Rector of St. Paul's Church,Buffalo, NY. "Oh...
Illustrations
... East gate and sentry box, Bhamo, Burmah 69 19. Farmhouse, withbuffalo shed attached
70 20. A fishing village on the lake near Yuennan Fu 77 21....
The First Division of Ancient Christianity: the Church under the...
... Translations of the Writings of the Fathers down to AD325. American edition,Buffalo
and New York, 1885-1896; new edition, New York, 1896 (a reprint)....
Continued.
... And Jehovah rends the cedars of Lebanon, And makes them leap like a calf; Lebanon
and Sirion like a youngbuffalo The voice of Jehovah hewing flashes of fire!...
Preface. Essentially
... The third deals with the history of the Ohio, Iowa,Buffalo, and the Scandinavian
synods, and, Deo volente, will go to press as soon as Concordia Publishing...
Thesaurus
Buffalo (5 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A very large and savage species of the same genus (B. Caffer) found in South
Africa; -- called also Cape
buffalo.
... 5. (n.) A
buffalo robe.
...Buffalo's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceBuffalo's (1 Occurrence). Psalms 92:10 But my horn shalt
thou exalt like abuffalo's: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. (DBY)....
Buds (20 Occurrences)
Buffet (4 Occurrences)
Zoology
... Assyrian sculptures. Thebuffalo is found in Palestine, but is believed
to have been introduced since Bible times. The Tartarian...
Unicorn (6 Occurrences)
... reem) is doubtful. Some have supposed it to be thebuffalo; others, the white
antelope, called by the Arabs rim. Most probably, however...
Gnat (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Any fly resembling a Culex in form or habits; esp., in America, a small
biting fly of the genus Simulium and allies, as thebuffalo gnat, the black fly...
Buffaloes (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural ofBuffalo. Multi-Version Concordance Buffaloes
(2 Occurrences). Psalms 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth....
Bugle (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A sort of wild ox; abuffalo. 2. (n.)
A horn used by hunters. 3. (n.) A copper instrument of the...
Bottle (28 Occurrences)
... The primitive bottle among eastern peoples was really a bag made from skins, tanned
or untanned, of kid, goat, cow, camel orbuffalo-in most cases drawn off of...
Resources
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