כֶּבֶשׂ

The Hebrew word כֶּבֶשׂ (keh-ves) denotes a young male sheep, typically a lamb. It appears frequently in the Old Testament, almost exclusively in the context of ritual sacrifices and offerings. The term often specifies an animal that is young and without blemish, highlighting the requirement for purity in worship. The Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, commonly renders כֶּבֶשׂ with words such as ἀμνός (amnos), meaning "lamb," or πρόβατον (probáton), a general term for "sheep" or "flock."

In the sacrificial system, the כֶּבֶשׂ played a significant role, particularly in burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. Its inclusion alongside bulls and rams in many offering lists underscores its importance as a prescribed animal for various acts of worship and atonement. The repeated emphasis on sacrifices of lambs throughout the Mosaic Law highlights God's chosen method for reconciliation and the dedication of the people to Him. The recurring nature of these sacrifices served as a constant reminder of sin and the need for divine forgiveness.

The theological weight of כֶּבֶשׂ, especially in its sacrificial context, prefigures later theological developments concerning the ultimate sacrifice. While the Old Testament sacrifices provided temporary atonement, they pointed forward to the perfect and complete sacrifice that would fully address sin. The consistent use of the lamb as an innocent offering establishes a pattern that resonates with later biblical themes of redemptive sacrifice and substitution.