In biblical terminology, the word "strake" is an archaic term that appears in the context of animal husbandry, specifically in the account of Jacob's dealings with Laban in the book of Genesis. The term is used to describe a marking or streak on the animals.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to "strake" is found in Genesis 30:37-39 :

"Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. And he set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And they bred when they came to drink. So the flocks bred in front of the branches, and they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted."

In this passage, Jacob employs a strategy to increase the number of streaked, speckled, and spotted livestock, which were to be his wages from Laban. The term "strake" is related to the appearance of these animals, which were marked with streaks or stripes.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, livestock was a significant measure of wealth and prosperity. Jacob's method of breeding was not only a practical approach to increase his own wealth but also a demonstration of his resourcefulness and God's favor upon him. The use of "strake" in this context highlights the specific characteristics of the animals that were considered valuable and distinct.

Theological Significance:

The account of Jacob's breeding practices is often seen as an example of divine providence and blessing. Despite Laban's attempts to deceive Jacob, God ensured that Jacob prospered. The marked animals symbolize God's intervention and the fulfillment of His promise to bless Jacob. This narrative underscores the theme of God's faithfulness and the idea that He can work through ordinary means to achieve His purposes.

Linguistic Notes:

The term "strake" is derived from older English translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, where it is used to describe the streaked appearance of the animals. Modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, use terms like "streaked" or "striped" to convey the same meaning.

Application:

The account of Jacob and the straked animals serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God's provision. It encourages believers to recognize God's hand in their lives, even in seemingly mundane or challenging circumstances. The narrative also highlights the value of wisdom and discernment in dealing with others, as Jacob navigated his complex relationship with Laban.1. (v.) imp. of Strike.

2. (n.) A streak.

3. (n.) An iron band by which the fellies of a wheel are secured to each other, being not continuous, as the tire is, but made up of separate pieces.

4. (n.) One breadth of planks or plates forming a continuous range on the bottom or sides of a vessel, reaching from the stem to the stern; a streak.

5. (n.) A trough for washing broken ore, gravel, or sand; a launder.

6479. pitslah -- a peeled spot or stripe
... Word Origin from patsal Definition a peeled spot or stripe NASB Word Usage stripes
(1). strake. From patsal; a peeling -- strake. see HEBREW patsal. ...
/hebrew/6479.htm - 6k

8258. sheqaarurah -- depression, hollow
... 1). hollow strake. From shaqa'; a depression -- hollow strake. see HEBREW shaqa'.
8257, 8258. sheqaarurah. 8259 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8258.htm - 6k

Tempest and Trust
... Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing
lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.18 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/tempest and trust.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... boat: which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and,
fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, [1158] strake sail, [1159 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

Strake (1 Occurrence)
... streak. 5. (n.) A trough for washing broken ore, gravel, or sand; a launder.
Multi-Version Concordance Strake (1 Occurrence). Acts ...
/s/strake.htm - 7k

Strakes (1 Occurrence)
... places"). For "strake," Tobit 11:11; the King James Version Acts 27:17. See
STRIKE. Multi-Version Concordance Strakes (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/strakes.htm - 7k

Straits (9 Occurrences)

/s/straits.htm - 9k

Quicksands (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/q/quicksands.htm - 7k

Quicksand (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/q/quicksand.htm - 7k

Undergird (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/u/undergird.htm - 6k

But (42052 Occurrences)
... 20. (n.) The portion of a half-coupling fastened to the end of a hose.
21. (n.) The joint where two planks in a strake meet. 22. ...
/b/but.htm - 9k

Stealer (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) One who steals; a thief. 2. (n.) The endmost plank of a strake which stops
short of the stem or stern. Multi-Version Concordance Stealer (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/stealer.htm - 6k

String (12 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A nerve or tendon of an animal body. 8. (n.) An inside range of ceiling
planks, corresponding to the sheer strake on the outside and bolted to it. ...
/s/string.htm - 11k

Strike (168 Occurrences)
... AV's uses of the simple "strike" are modern, including "strike sail" (Acts 27:17;
here and in Tob 11:11 with an archaic preterite "strake," elsewhere "struck ...
/s/strike.htm - 46k

Strake: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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