Herd

Herds of cattle (Hebrew bāqār) were a primary measure of wealth in ancient Israel, along with flocks of sheep and goats. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Job are all described as wealthy in part by the size of their herds. Cattle herds provided meat, milk, hides, and labor (plowing, threshing). The law specified distinctions between sacrificial animals from the herd (bulls and cows) and from the flock (sheep and goats), with herd animals typically associated with more costly peace offerings and burnt offerings (Lev. 1:3; 3:1). The famous parable context in Luke 15:23 — the fatted calf killed to celebrate the prodigal son's return — assumes that cattle-keeping was part of a prosperous household's economy.