Bible Dictionaries
Calf

Holman Bible Dictionary

The young of the cow or other closely related animals. Calves were fattened in stalls to provide veal on special occasions (Genesis 18:7-8; 1 Samuel 28:24; Luke 15:23 ,Luke 15:23,15:27 ,Luke 15:27,15:30 ). Calves were also used in sacrificial settings (Leviticus 9:2-3; Jeremiah 34:18; compare Genesis 15:9-10 ). A calf symbolized the bullish Gentile armies (Psalm 68:30 ) and Egyptian mercenary soldiers (Jeremiah 46:21 ). The feet of one of the cherubim described by Ezekiel looked like those of a calf (Ezekiel 1:7 ). One of the four creatures around the throne resembled a calf (Revelation 4:7 KJV; modern translations read, “ox”). For other religious uses of the calf, see Golden Calf .