Goad
Artifactsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
A goad is a long pole with a sharp metal point used to guide oxen during plowing and to clear debris from the plowshare.
What is the meaning of Goad in the Bible?
A goad is a long pole with a sharp metal point used to guide oxen during plowing and to clear debris from the plowshare.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical nature of the goad clarifies the imagery in Acts 9:5, where Saul describes being struck by its sharpness, illustrating the persistent and inescapable nature of divine correction.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Goad were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Goad in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Goad clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Acts 9:5
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.
How to Cite This Entry
"Goad." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/goad/