In biblical terminology, the term "beeves" refers to cattle or bovine animals, particularly those used for agricultural purposes or sacrificial offerings. The word "beeves" is an archaic plural form of "beef," which in this context denotes live cattle rather than the meat derived from them. This term appears in several passages of the Old Testament, primarily in the context of laws and regulations concerning sacrifices and offerings.

Biblical References

The term "beeves" is found in the King James Version of the Bible, but in the Berean Standard Bible , it is typically translated as "cattle" or "oxen." One of the key passages where beeves are mentioned is in the book of Leviticus, which outlines the laws given to the Israelites regarding offerings:

· Leviticus 22:19-21 : "you must present an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf. Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it."

In this passage, the term "cattle" encompasses beeves, indicating that these animals were considered suitable for sacrificial offerings, provided they were without blemish. The emphasis on the animals being unblemished underscores the importance of purity and perfection in offerings made to God.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In ancient Israelite society, beeves held significant economic and religious value. As domesticated animals, they were essential for agricultural work, providing labor for plowing fields and transportation. Additionally, they were a source of milk, meat, and hides, contributing to the sustenance and livelihood of the people.

Religiously, beeves were integral to the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. The sacrificial offerings of cattle were a means of atonement and worship, symbolizing the people's devotion and obedience to God's commandments. The requirement for offerings to be without blemish reflects the holiness and perfection that God demands from His people.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines regarding the treatment and use of beeves. These laws emphasized ethical treatment and the importance of offering only the best to God. For instance, the prohibition against offering defective animals (Leviticus 22:20) highlights the principle of giving God the first and best of one's possessions.

Furthermore, the laws concerning restitution and compensation often involved beeves. For example, in cases of theft or loss, the offender was required to make restitution, sometimes involving the replacement of cattle (Exodus 22:1). This reflects the value placed on beeves within the community and the importance of justice and fairness in interpersonal relations.

Conclusion

The term "beeves" in the Bible represents more than just cattle; it signifies the broader themes of sacrifice, purity, and ethical living. Through the laws and narratives involving beeves, the Scriptures convey lessons on devotion, stewardship, and the pursuit of holiness in the lives of God's people.(an old English plural of the word beef), a name applicable to all ruminating animals except camels, and especially to the Bovidce, or horned cattle (Leviticus 22:19, 21; Numbers 31:28, 30, 33, 38, 44). (n.) Plural of Beef.BEEVES

bevs (Leviticus 22:21 the King James Version).

See CATTLE.

God Desires not Sacrifices, but Righteousness.
... property,. His maiden, or his slave born ill his house,. His horses, or his
cattle, or his beeves,. Nay, covet not a pin, O Pamphilus,. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter iv god desires not sacrifices.htm

The Longbeards' Saga. AD 400
... How to the Winilfolk Went they with war-words," 'Few are ye, strangers, And many
are we: Pay us now toll and fee, Cloth-yarn, and rings, and beeves: Else at ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the longbeards saga a d 400.htm

How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them.
... Phineas to do, who indeed came back, bringing with him an army that had received
no harm, and a great deal of prey; fifty-two thousand beeves, seventy-five ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how the hebrews.htm

The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
... King Solomon made marvellous provision for his household (1 Kings 4:22), but all
his beeves and fine flour would be as the drop of the bucket compared with thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the spiced wine of my.htm

Beeves (6 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEEVES. bevs (Leviticus 22:21 the King James Version).
See CATTLE. Multi-Version Concordance Beeves (6 Occurrences). ...
/b/beeves.htm - 8k

Asses (68 Occurrences)
... 31:28 And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle:
one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the ...
/a/asses.htm - 29k

Threescore (87 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Numbers 31:33 And threescore and twelve thousand beeves, (KJV JPS
ASV). Numbers 31:34 And threescore and one thousand asses, (KJV JPS ASV). ...
/t/threescore.htm - 33k

Beetle (7 Occurrences)

/b/beetle.htm - 10k

Befall (25 Occurrences)

/b/befall.htm - 13k

Offereth (28 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 22:21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD
to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall ...
/o/offereth.htm - 15k

Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 22:21 And whoever offereth a sacrifice of peace-offerings to the LORD
to accomplish his vow, or a free-will-offering in beeves, or sheep, it shall be ...
/f/free-will-offering.htm - 9k

Twelve (176 Occurrences)
... war. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 31:33 And
threescore and twelve thousand beeves, (KJV JPS ASV). Numbers ...
/t/twelve.htm - 38k

Portion (227 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion
of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of ...
/p/portion.htm - 41k

Beasts (241 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion
of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of ...
/b/beasts.htm - 40k

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