goad

Everyday

1. (noun) A goad is a pointed stick used to drive animals on. tree →
2. (verb) To goad is to push or prod someone to act, often by annoying or provoking them. tree →

In the lessons

a farm tool in old tales (a stick for driving oxen); in talk, to goad someone is to urge or provoke them into doing something

Examples

• The farmer used a goad to make the oxen move. tree →
• Do not goad your brother; he will lose his temper. tree →
• Children of the yoke and goad, pack and harness. tree →

Note

nothing for maths

In Jewish tradition

In Judges it is an ox-goad, a long pointed stick that Shamgar used as a weapon. In Ecclesiastes wise words are called goads because they prod people toward right action.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the saying about wise words as goads and well-fastened nails as showing that the teachings of the sages both urge people on and hold steady. The "one shepherd" is understood as God, the source of all true teaching.

Examples

• And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who smote of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox-goad; and he also saved Israel. (Prophets JDG.3.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails well fastened are those that are composed in collections; they are given from one shepherd. (Writings ECC.12.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the price of the filing was a pim for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks with three teeth, and for the axes; and to set the goads. (Prophets 1SA.13.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

nothing for maths