Bible Dictionaries
Heifer

Holman Bible Dictionary

A young cow, especially one that has not yet calved. Heifers were used for plowing (Deuteronomy 21:3; Judges 14:18 ) and for threshing grain (Hosea 10:11 ). Heifers were valued for milk (Isaiah 7:21 ) and were used as sacrificial animals (1 Samuel 16:2 ). Heifers (or cows) were used in three different rites: to ratify a covenant (Genesis 15:9 ); to remove the guilt associated with a murder by an unknown person (Deuteronomy 21:1-9 ); and to remove the uncleanness associated with contact with a corpse (Numbers 19:1-10 ). The Hebrew term for the red “heifer” of Numbers 19:1 is the common term for cow.

Samson characterized scheming with his wife as “plowing with my heifer” (Judges 14:18 ). One of David's wives (2 Samuel 3:5 ) was named Eglah (heifer). The heifer was used as a symbol for the splendor of Egypt (Jeremiah 46:20 ) and of Babylon (Jeremiah 50:11 ). Hosea 10:11 pictures obedient Ephraim as a trained heifer. In contrast, disobedient Israel is a stubborn cow.