What is a Beeves in the Bible – A beeves in the Bible is an archaic plural form of “beef,” referring to cattle or horned livestock (bovine animals). It appears in the King James Version (KJV) as a term for oxen or cows used in sacrifices, tributes, and daily life.
Meaning and Usage
“Beeves” comes from old English and denotes live cattle, especially those suitable for plowing or offerings. Modern Bible translations usually render it as “cattle,” “oxen,” or “herd.” The Hebrew word behind it is bāqār, which broadly means bovine livestock.
Key Bible Examples
- Leviticus 22:19: “Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.” (Used in rules for acceptable sacrifices.)
- Leviticus 22:21: Instructions for peace offerings involving beeves.
- Numbers 31:28, 30, 33, 38, 44: Counts of beeves taken as tribute after battle, showing their value as property and spoils of war.
The term appears seven times total in the KJV, mainly in Leviticus and Numbers.
Context in Biblical Times
In ancient Israel, beeves (cattle) were vital for:
- Agriculture (plowing fields).
- Food and dairy.
- Religious sacrifices, where only perfect animals without blemish were acceptable.
They represented wealth and were part of the economy and worship system.
Also Read-What Is the Opposite of 47
Beeves vs. Modern Terms
- Beeves: Old plural for live cattle.
- Beef: Today usually means meat from cattle.
- Cattle/Oxen: Common modern equivalents in newer Bible versions.
The word highlights how language in older translations like the KJV differs from contemporary English.
FAQs : What is a Beeves in the Bible
Why does the Bible use “beeves”?
It reflects 17th-century English in the KJV translation. “Beeves” was the standard plural of “beef” meaning cattle at the time.
How many times does “beeves” appear in the Bible?
Seven times, all in the King James Version, primarily in Leviticus and Numbers.
What animal does “beeves” refer to?
Horned cattle or oxen — ruminating animals used for work, food, and offerings.
Do modern Bibles use “beeves”?
No. Versions like NIV or ESV use “cattle” or “oxen” for clarity.
Is “beeves” only in the Old Testament?
Yes. It does not appear in the New Testament.