The term "greyhound" appears in the Bible in the book of Proverbs, specifically in Proverbs 30:29-31. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, and refusing to retreat before anything; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him." In some translations, the term "greyhound" is used instead of "strutting rooster," reflecting variations in the interpretation of the original Hebrew text.

Biblical Context and Interpretation

The Hebrew word in question is "zarzir mothnayim," which has been variously translated as "greyhound," "strutting rooster," or "war horse" in different Bible versions. The term "zarzir" is understood to mean "girded" or "well-prepared," and "mothnayim" refers to "loins" or "hips." This has led to differing interpretations, with some scholars suggesting that the passage refers to an animal known for its speed and grace, such as a greyhound, while others propose a rooster or a horse known for its proud and stately demeanor.

In the context of Proverbs 30, the passage lists creatures and figures that exhibit a certain majesty or confidence in their movement. The greyhound, known for its speed and elegance, fits well within this list, symbolizing swiftness and grace. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical theme of recognizing the beauty and order in God's creation.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The greyhound has been historically valued for its speed and hunting prowess. In ancient cultures, including those of the Near East, greyhounds were esteemed as hunting dogs and symbols of nobility. Their depiction in art and literature often highlights their agility and keen sight, qualities that would have been admired in the biblical era.

In the biblical context, the mention of a greyhound (or its equivalent) serves to illustrate the wisdom of observing and learning from the natural world. The creatures listed in Proverbs 30:29-31 are examples of God's intricate design, each possessing unique attributes that reflect divine creativity and order.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the greyhound in Proverbs invites reflection on the virtues of grace, speed, and preparedness. These qualities can be seen as metaphors for spiritual readiness and the pursuit of righteousness. Just as the greyhound is prepared and swift in its movements, believers are encouraged to be vigilant and ready in their spiritual walk, embodying the grace and purpose that God intends for His creation.

The greyhound, whether explicitly mentioned or implied through translation, serves as a reminder of the diversity and intentionality within God's creation. It calls believers to appreciate the natural world and to seek wisdom in the observation of its creatures, recognizing the Creator's hand in all things.Greyhound

the translation in the text of the Authorized Version, (Proverbs 30:31) of the Hebrew word zarzir mothnayin ; i.e. "one girt about the loins." Various are the opinions as to what animal "comely in going" is here intended Some think "a leopard," others "an eagle," or "a man girt with armor," or "a zebra," or "a war-horse girt with trappings." But perhaps the word means "a wrestler," when girt about the loins for a contest.

(Proverbs 30:31), the rendering of the Hebrew zarzir mothnayim, meaning literally "girded as to the lions." Some (Gesen.; R.V. marg.) render it "war-horse." The LXX. and Vulgate versions render it "cock." It has been by some interpreters rendered also "stag" and "warrior," as being girded about or panoplied, and "wrestler." The greyhound, however, was evidently known in ancient times, as appears from Egyptian monuments. (n.) A slender, graceful breed of dogs, remarkable for keen sight and swiftness. It is one of the oldest varieties known, and is figured on the Egyptian monuments.GREYHOUND

gra'-hound.

See DOG.

2223. zarzir -- girded
... greyhound. By reduplication from zuwr; properly, tightly girt, ie Probably a racer,
or some fleet animal (as being slender in the waist) -- + greyhound. ...
/hebrew/2223.htm - 6k

4975. mothen -- loins
... to be slender. From an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or
small of the back; only in plural the loins -- + greyhound, loins, side. ...
/hebrew/4975.htm - 6k

The Weird Lady
... steed is dead in his stall, Earl Harold, Since thou hast been with me; The rust
has eaten thy harness bright, And the rats have eaten thy greyhound light, That ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the weird lady.htm

A Good Teaching How a Man Shall Flee These Deceits, and Work More ...
... as well in body as in soul; and abide courteously and meekly the will of our Lord,
and snatch not overhastily, as it were a greedy greyhound, hunger thee never ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the six and 3.htm

Introduction
... They are to set about this spiritual work not only with energy, but with courtesy:
not "snatching as it were a greedy greyhound" at spiritual satisfactions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/introduction.htm

The Origin of Species.
... Thus, the spaniel and the greyhound, the dray-horse and the Arab, the pouter and
the tumbler, breed together with perfect freedom, and their mongrels, if ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... the gods, moreover, is really surmounted by the head of a quadruped having a pointed
snout and long retreating ears, and belonging to the greyhound, jackal, or ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1. <. ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Greyhound (1 Occurrence)
... it "cock." It has been by some interpreters rendered also "stag" and "warrior,"
as being girded about or panoplied, and "wrestler." The greyhound, however, was ...
/g/greyhound.htm - 7k

Dog (19 Occurrences)
... There is further the reference to the greyhound (Proverbs 30:31 English Versions)
as one of the four things which are "stately in their going." But the ...
/d/dog.htm - 20k

Zoology
... see) not found in Palestine CHIROPTERA: Bat CARNIVORA (a) Felidae, Cat, Lion, Leopard
(b) Hyaenidae, Hyena (c) Canidae, Dog (including Greyhound), Fox, Jackal ...
/z/zoology.htm - 18k

Griddle (5 Occurrences)

/g/griddle.htm - 8k

Grey-headed (2 Occurrences)
Grey-headed. Greyheaded, Grey-headed. Greyhound . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Greyheaded, Grey-headed. Greyhound . Reference Bible.
/g/grey-headed.htm - 7k

Fallow (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Left unplanted after plowing; uncultivated; resting; as, fallow farmland.
2. (a.) Pale red or pale yellow; as, a fallow deer or greyhound. ...
/f/fallow.htm - 9k

Slip (22 Occurrences)
... to slip a piece of cloth or paper. 9. (vt) To let loose in pursuit of game,
as a greyhound. 10. (vt) To cause to slip or slide off ...
/s/slip.htm - 16k

He-goat (23 Occurrences)
... (Root in JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS RSV). Proverbs 30:31 The greyhound; the
he-goat also; And the king against whom there is no rising up. ...
/h/he-goat.htm - 13k

Hound (1 Occurrence)
... one which hunts game by scent, as the foxhound, bloodhound, deerhound, but also
used for various breeds of fleet hunting dogs, as the greyhound, boarhound, etc ...
/h/hound.htm - 7k

Hunting (9 Occurrences)
... East, and it is not improbable that they were put to this service by the Hebrews
also, but there is no clear Biblical evidence, as "greyhound" in Proverbs 30 ...
/h/hunting.htm - 22k

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