Bible Dictionary
Goad
A goad was a long pointed instrument used by a farmer to direct oxen. It could also serve as a weapon, and Scripture uses it figuratively for correction and for the futility of resisting God’s direction.
Definition
A goad was a long pointed rod used by a farmer to direct oxen while plowing. It could have a sharp point at one end and a chisel-like part for clearing earth from a plowshare, and it could serve as a formidable weapon.
Biblical Usage
Shamgar killed six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad. “The words of the wise are as goads” presents instruction as something that directs and impels. The saying about kicking against the goad describes useless resistance to superior power.
Historical Background
The ancient goad was probably like the implement used by Syrian farmers: a strong wooden branch with a pointed spike and a flattened iron end. It was a substantial instrument, sometimes about eight to ten feet long.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. malmad, only in Judg. 3: 31), an instrument used by ploughmen for guiding their oxen. Shamgar slew six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad. “The goad is a formidable weapon. It is sometimes ten feet long, and has a sharp point. We could now see that the feat of Shamgar was not so very wonderful as some have been accustomed to think.” In 1 Sam. 13:21, a different Hebrew word is used, dorban, meaning something pointed. The expression (Acts 9:5, omitted in the R.V.), “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks”, i.e., against the goad, was proverbial for unavailing resistance to superior power.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Judges 3:31; 1 Samuel 13:21) The Hebrew word in the latter passage probably means the point of the plough-share . The former word does probably refer to the goad, the long handle of which might be used as a formidable weapon. The instrument, as still used in countries of southern Europe and western Asia, consists of a rod about eight feet long, brought to a sharp point and sometimes cased with iron at the head.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>god (dorebhan, malmadh; kentron): The goad used by the Syrian farmer is usually a straight branch of oak or other strong wood from which the bark has been stripped, and which has at one end a pointed spike and at the other a flat chisel-shaped iron. The pointed end is to prod the oxen while plowing. The flattened iron at the other end is to scrape off the earth which clogs the plowshare. The ancient goad was probably similar to this instrument. It could do villainous work in the hands of an experienced fighter (Jud 3:31). If 1Sa 13:21 is correctly translated, the goads were kept sharpened by files.</p><p>Figurative: "The words of the wise are as goads" (Ec 12:11). The only reference to goads in the New Testament is the familiar passage, "It is hard for thee to kick against the goad" (Ac 26:14). It was as useless for Saul to keep on in the wrong way as for a fractious ox to attempt to leave the furrow. He would surely be brought back with a prick of the goad.</p><p>James A. Patch</p>