Original Word: ταῦρος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: tauros
Pronunciation: tau'-ros
Phonetic Spelling: (tow'-ros)
Definition: a bull, an ox.
Meaning: A bull or ox, often used in the context of sacrificial animals or as a symbol of strength and power.

Word Origin: Derived from the primary Greek root for "bull" or "ox."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H6499 פַּר (par): Refers to a young bull or steer, often used in the context of sacrificial offerings.
- H7794 שׁוֹר (shor): Denotes an ox or bull, frequently mentioned in the context of agricultural work and sacrificial practices.

These Hebrew terms are foundational to understanding the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, which is echoed in the New Testament references to ταῦρος. The continuity between the Hebrew and Greek terms highlights the consistent biblical theme of sacrifice and atonement throughout the Scriptures.

Usage: The term ταῦρος appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts related to sacrificial practices and metaphorical language. It is used to denote a literal bull or ox, particularly in discussions of Old Testament sacrificial laws and practices.

Context: The Greek word ταῦρος (tauros) is used in the New Testament to refer to a bull or ox, animals that held significant roles in both agricultural and religious contexts in ancient times. In the Greco-Roman world, bulls were symbols of strength, fertility, and power, often associated with various deities and used in religious rituals.

In the context of the New Testament, ταῦρος is most notably referenced in discussions of the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Bulls were among the animals prescribed for sacrifice under the Mosaic Law, serving as offerings for sin and atonement. The use of bulls in sacrifices is emblematic of the need for a substitutionary atonement, a theme that is fulfilled in the New Testament through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) provides a clear translation of passages where ταῦρος is mentioned, emphasizing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments in the understanding of sacrifice and redemption. For example, in Hebrews 9:13, the text refers to the blood of bulls and goats as part of the purification rites, contrasting them with the superior sacrifice of Christ.

Theologically, ταῦρος serves as a reminder of the temporary and anticipatory nature of the Old Testament sacrifices, which pointed forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus. The imagery of the bull, with its connotations of strength and vitality, underscores the power and efficacy of Christ's atoning work.

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a bull
NASB Translation
bulls (2), oxen (2).

STRONGS NT 5022: ταῦρος

ταῦρος, ταύρου, ὁ (from the root meaning 'thick', 'stout'; allied with σταυρός, which see; cf. Vanicek, p. 1127; Fick Part i., p. 246. Cf. English steer), from Homer down, the Sept. for שׁור, a bull (ox): Matthew 22:4; Acts 14:13; Hebrews 9:13; Hebrews 10:4.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

bull, ox.

Apparently a primary word (compare towr, "steer"); a bullock -- bull, ox.

see HEBREW towr

Forms and Transliterations

ταυροι ταύροι ταύροί ταῦροί ταύρον ταύρος ταύρου ταυρους ταύρους ταυρων ταύρων tauroi taûroí tauron taurōn taúron taúrōn taurous taúrous

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts