A young animal prized as the source of tender meat, suitable for celebrations. However, it also had associations with both the OT sacrificial system and idolatry.

Exodus 32:2-8

The association of the calf with idolatry

1 Kings 12:28-29

See also

Exodus 32:19-24
Deuteronomy 9:16-21
2 Kings 10:28-29; 17:16
2 Chronicles 11:15
Nehemiah 9:16-18
Psalms 106:19-20
Hosea 8:5-6; 10:5; 13:2
Acts 7:41
Micah 6:6

The sacrifice of calves

See also

Leviticus 9:1-4,8-11
2 Samuel 6:12-13
1 Kings 1:9-10
Hebrews 9:11-12,19-20
Proverbs 15:17

The flesh of the calf as a prized food

Luke 15:22-23

See also

Genesis 18:6-8
1 Samuel 14:31-32; 28:24-25
Jeremiah 31:18

The metaphorical use of calves

Malachi 4:2

See also

Psalms 29:6; 68:30
Jeremiah 34:18; 46:20-21

See also

4404 food
4476 meals
4609 beast, the
4615 bull
4627 creatures
7317 blood of Christ
7324 calf worship
7435 sacrifice, in OT
8768 idolatry