Topical Encyclopedia
The term "hind" refers to a female deer, specifically the red deer or fallow deer, and is mentioned several times in the Bible. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the hind was known for its grace, swiftness, and sure-footedness, qualities that are often highlighted in biblical passages. The Hebrew word for hind is "אַיָּלָה" (ayalah), and it is used metaphorically in Scripture to convey beauty, agility, and the ability to navigate difficult terrain.
Biblical References:1.
Grace and Beauty: In the Song of Solomon, the hind is used as a symbol of beauty and grace. The beloved is compared to a hind, emphasizing her elegance and the admiration she inspires. "Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle, that browse among the lilies" (
Song of Solomon 4:5). This imagery highlights the tender and delicate nature of the beloved, akin to the gentle and graceful movements of a hind.
2.
Swiftness and Agility: The hind's ability to move swiftly and with agility is noted in several passages. In
2 Samuel 22:34 and its parallel in
Psalm 18:33, David praises God for making his feet like those of a hind, enabling him to stand on high places. "He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights" (
Psalm 18:33). This metaphor underscores the divine empowerment and stability granted to the faithful, allowing them to overcome obstacles and ascend to spiritual heights.
3.
Sure-footedness: The hind's sure-footedness is also a symbol of confidence and security. In
Habakkuk 3:19, the prophet declares, "The Lord GOD is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights" . This passage reflects a deep trust in God's provision and guidance, suggesting that just as the hind navigates rugged terrain with ease, so too can the believer rely on God's strength to traverse life's challenges.
4.
Symbol of Longing and Desire: In
Psalm 42:1, the psalmist uses the imagery of a hind to express a deep spiritual longing for God. "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God" . This vivid picture of a thirsty hind seeking water serves as a metaphor for the soul's intense desire for communion with the Creator, highlighting the innate need for spiritual sustenance and refreshment.
Cultural and Symbolic Significance:In biblical times, the hind was not only admired for its physical attributes but also held symbolic significance. Its characteristics were often used to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons. The hind's grace and beauty were seen as reflections of divine creation, while its agility and sure-footedness were viewed as gifts from God, enabling believers to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and trust in divine guidance.
The hind's portrayal in Scripture serves as a reminder of the virtues of grace, agility, and spiritual longing. It encourages believers to seek God's strength and guidance, to aspire to spiritual heights, and to cultivate a deep and abiding desire for a relationship with the Lord.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hindthe female of the common stag orCervus elaphus . It is frequently noticed in the poetical parts of Scripture as emblematic of activity, (Genesis 49:21;Psalms 18:33) gentleness, (Proverbs 5:19) feminine modesty, (Solomon 2:7;3:5) earnest longing, (Psalms 42:1) and maternal affection. (Jeremiah 14:5) Its shyness and remoteness from the haunts of men are also alluded to, (Job 39:1) and its timidity, causing it to cast its young at the sound of thunder. (Psalms 29:9)
ATS Bible Dictionary
HindThe female of the hart or stag, a species of deer, distinguished for the lightness and elegance of its form. The hind is destitute of horns, like all the females of this class, except the reindeer. InGenesis 49:21, Naphtali is compared to a hind roaming at liberty, or quickly growing up into elegance; while the "goodly words" of Naphtali refer to the future orators, prophets, and poets of the tribe. A faithful and affectionate wife is compared to the hind,Proverbs 5:19, as also are swift and sure-footed heroes,2 Samuel 22:34Habakkuk 3:19.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Hebrews `ayalah (
2 Samuel 22:34;
Psalm 18:33, etc.) and `ayeleth (
Psalm 22, title), the female of the hart or stag. It is referred to as an emblem of activity (
Genesis 49:21), gentleness (
Proverbs 5:19), feminine modesty (Cant. 2:7;
3:5), earnest longing (
Psalm 42:1), timidity (
Psalm 29:9). In the title of
Psalm 22, the word probably refers to some tune bearing that name.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The female of the red deer, of which the male is the stag.
2. (n.) A spotted food fish of the genus Epinephelus, as E. apua of Bermuda, and E. Drummond-hayi of Florida; -- called also coney, John Paw, spotted hind.
3. (n.) A domestic; a servant.
4. (n.) A peasant; a rustic; a farm servant.
5. (a.) In the rear; -- opposed to front; of or pertaining to the part or end which follows or is behind, in opposition to the part which leads or is before; as, the hind legs or hind feet of a quadruped; the hind man in a procession.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HIND OF THE MORNING, THEThe translation of Aijeleth hash-Shahar ('ayyeleth ha-shachar) in the title ofPsalm 22, probably the name of some wellknown song to which the psalm was intended to be sung, which possibly had reference to the early habits of the deer tribe in search of water and food, or to the flight of the hind from the hunters in early dawn; or "morning" may symbolize the deliverance from persecution and sorrow.
"The first rays of the morning sun, by which it announces its appearance before being itself visible, are compared to the fork-like antlers of a stag; and this appearance is called,Psalm 22 title. `The hind of the morning,' because those antler rays preceded the red of dawn, which again forms the transition to sunrise" (Delitzsch, Iris. 107).
According to Hengstenberg, the words indicate the subject-matter of the poem, the character, sufferings, and triumph of the person who is set before us. SeePSALMS. For an interesting Messianic interpretation see Hood, Christmas Evans, the Preacher of Wild Wales, 92.
M. O. Evans
HIND
hind.
SeeDEER.
Strong's Hebrew
355. ayyalah -- ahind, doe... 354, 355. ayyalah. 356 . a
hind, doe. Transliteration: ayyalah Phonetic Spelling:
(ah-yaw-law') Short Definition: doe. Word Origin fem.
...hind.
...310. achar -- thehind or following part
... 309, 310. achar. 311 . thehind or following part. Transliteration:
achar Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ar') Short Definition: after....
268. achor -- thehind side, back part
... 267, 268. achor. 269 . thehind side, back part. Transliteration: achor
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-khore') Short Definition: back. Word...
6119. aqeb -- heel, footprint,hind part
... 6118, 6119. aqeb. 6120 . heel, footprint,hind part. Transliteration:
aqeb Phonetic Spelling: (aw-kabe') Short Definition: heel....
365. ayeleth -- "lofty tree," a city and harbor on the Red Sea
... ayeleth. 365a . "lofty tree," a city and harbor on the Red Sea. Transliteration:
ayeleth Phonetic Spelling: (ah-yeh'-leth) Short Definition:hind.hind, Aijeleth...
314. acharon -- coming after or behind
... akh-ar-one'}; from 'achar; hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing
the east) western -- after (-ward), to come, following,hind(-er, -ermost...
Library
The Twenty-Second Psalm.
... The margin tells us they mean "thehind of the morning." This has a beautiful,
though hidden meaning. Some have thought of the innocent...
Meditation vi. The Last Pasch.
... He passed a stake through its body, fastening the front legs on a cross piece
of wood; and stretching thehind ones along the stake....
What we Should Believe Concerning the Transformations which Seem...
... propagation, I believe they were not made through the metamorphosis of men, but
were slyly substituted for them on their removal, just as thehind was for...
Over the Mountains. "My Beloved is Mine, and I am His: He Feedeth...
... Our blessed Lord is called, in the title of the twenty-second Psalm, "theHind of
the morning "; and the spouse in this golden Canticle sings, "My Beloved is...
Ancient Chaldaea
... Some of them had the beak of an eagle or a hawk; others, four wings and two faces;
others, the legs and horns of a goat; others, again, thehind quarters of a...
The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money...
... field and at home. When I saw that I could run with thehind, then I caught
it, and prepared meat for my father. I seized upon the...
A Bundle of Myrrh
... May God be pleased to make us grow in grace, and give us so much of the Holy Spirit,
that with feet likehind's feet we may stand upon the high places of...
Parasitism.
... filaments protrude. Its fourhind limbs entirely disappear, and twelve
short-forked swimming organs temporarily take their place. Thus...
Diamond Woke Very Early in the Morning, and Thought what a Curious...
... The next instant old Diamond lashed out with both hishind legs, and giving one
cry of terror young Diamond found himself lying on his neck, with his arms as...
Narrow Escapes. Is Thrown from a Horse. Has Pneumonia. Nearly...
... One day I was hauling heavy barn sills. They were swung under thehind axle,
and the pole was tied by a chain back around the sill....
Thesaurus
Hind (4 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A spotted food fish of the genus Epinephelus, as E. apua of Bermuda, and
E. Drummond-hayi of Florida; -- called also coney, John Paw, spotted
hind.
...Morning (264 Occurrences)
... service. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.HIND OF THE MORNING, THE. The translation...
from. the same root. SeeHIND OF THE MORNING. noghah, naghha...
Overreach (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vi) To reach too far. 4. (vi) To strike the toe of thehind foot against
the heel or shoe of the forefoot; -- said of horses....
Coney (2 Occurrences)
... In size, teeth and habits the Syrian hyrax somewhat resembles the rabbit, though
it is different in color, being reddish brown, and lacks the longhind legs of...
Song (207 Occurrences)
... The title means (Revised Version, margin) "Thehind of the morning," but whether
the original song so named was a hunting song or a morning serenade it is...
Hin (19 Occurrences)
Hough (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The joint in thehind limb of quadrupeds between the leg and shank,
or tibia and tarsus, and corresponding to the ankle in man....
Quarter (33 Occurrences)
... limb of a quadruped with the adjacent parts; one fourth part of the carcass of a
slaughtered animal, including a leg; as, the fore quarters; thehind quarters....
Naphtali (51 Occurrences)
... Naphtali, Tribe of. On this tribe Jacob pronounced the patriarchal blessing, "Naphtali
is ahind let loose: he giveth goodly words" (Genesis 49:21)....
Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is ahind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
(See RSV). Exodus 1:4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. (See RSV)....
Resources
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