What the Bible Says About the Meaning of Ass

In the Bible, the term “ass” refers to a donkey, an animal often associated with humility and service. It is used in various contexts, symbolizing labor, patience, and sometimes, as a representation of the humble nature of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5).

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Scripture

13 But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck.
14 And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery.
15 For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’

Exodus 13:13-15

Biblical Meaning of “Ass” Explained

The term “ass,” or donkey, appears throughout the Bible, symbolizing not just humility but also the qualities of endurance and strength. In ancient times, the donkey was a vital domestic animal, often used for transporting goods and people, which highlights its role in serving human needs. This practical significance is reflected in verses like Exodus 23:5, where one is instructed to help an owner whose donkey has fallen under its burden, illustrating the importance of compassion and support for the downtrodden. The humility associated with the donkey positions it as a vessel for both labor and grace, embodying the notion that strength often lies in service.

Additionally, the donkey carries profound theological symbolism. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on an ass (Matthew 21:5) starkly contrasts with the expected royal steeds of a conquering king, emphasizing His humble nature and the peaceful mission of His ministry. This moment illustrates how biblical narratives often subvert conventional expectations, favoring humility over grandeur. In a broader sense, the donkey serves as a reminder of the value of gentleness and humility in the Christian life. The pastoral care required in interacting with such humble creatures resonates with Jesus’ teachings on servanthood and the value of those who may not possess power or status in society, drawing Christians toward a deeper understanding of love and service in their faith journey.

Beyond the characteristics of humility and service, the donkey also symbolizes themes of obedience and discernment in the biblical narrative. In the story of Balaam and his donkey, the donkey becomes a crucial figure, helping illuminate the prophet’s blindness to the divine will. When Balaam fails to see the angel blocking their path, it is the donkey who showcases an uncanny awareness of the spiritual realm, demonstrating obedience and insight. This account underscores that true wisdom and understanding often come from unexpected sources. The donkey’s ability to perceive beyond mere physical realities encourages believers to be open to hearing God’s voice and recognizing truth in places they might not expect.

Furthermore, the role of the donkey in various parables and teachings also evokes the themes of endurance and loyalty. Serving as a beast of burden, the donkey embodies steadfastness, often reflecting the tenacity required in the spiritual life. Like the faithful servant in the Parable of the Talents, the donkey’s diligence in fulfilling its role can serve as a metaphor for how believers are called to remain faithful in their responsibilities, no matter how menial or overlooked they may appear. This reflects the biblical exhortation to commit one’s works, however small, to God as an act of worship. In this way, the association of the donkey with labor and loyalty becomes a broader call to embody faithfulness in all aspects of life, encouraging believers to find dignity and purpose in every task they undertake.

Symbol of Humility and Service

In biblical contexts, the ass (or donkey) often represents humility and servitude. Unlike more majestic animals such as horses, which are associated with power and warfare, the ass is seen as a humble creature. This symbolism reflects the idea that true strength lies in humility and the willingness to serve others. The use of the ass in various biblical narratives emphasizes the importance of lowliness and the value of serving God and others without seeking glory or recognition.

Vehicle of Peace

The ass is also portrayed as a symbol of peace in the Bible. In contrast to horses, which are often associated with battle and conquest, the ass is depicted as a gentle and peaceful animal. This distinction highlights the biblical theme of peace over conflict. The presence of the ass in certain narratives signifies a peaceful approach to leadership and authority, suggesting that true leaders should embody peace and gentleness rather than aggression and dominance.

Representation of the Common People

Furthermore, the ass can be seen as a representation of the common people in biblical society. It is an animal that was widely used by the everyday person for labor and transportation. This association underscores the biblical emphasis on valuing all individuals, regardless of their social status. The use of the ass in various stories serves to remind readers of the importance of humility, the dignity of labor, and the worth of every person in the eyes of God.

How to Embrace Humility for a Faithful Christian Life

Embracing humility is a transformative journey that can deepen your faith and strengthen your relationship with God and others. Start by recognizing that humility is not about thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less. Reflect on Philippians 2:3-4, which encourages us to consider others’ interests above our own. This mindset shift can be practiced in everyday interactions—listen more than you speak, serve without seeking recognition, and be open to learning from those around you, regardless of their status. Remember, Jesus exemplified humility throughout His life, washing His disciples’ feet and sacrificing Himself for our sake. As you cultivate a humble heart, you’ll find that it opens the door to deeper connections, greater compassion, and a more profound understanding of God’s grace in your life. Embrace this path, and watch how it transforms not only your faith but also the lives of those you touch.

Bible References to the Meaning of “Ass”:

Exodus 23:4-5: 4 “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him.”
5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.

Numbers 22:21-35: 21 So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.
22 But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary.
23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road.
24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side.
25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So he struck her again.
26 Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left.
27 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.
28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
29 Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.”
30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.”
31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.
32 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me.
33 The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.”
34 Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.”
35 And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak.

Deuteronomy 22:1-4: 1 “You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray and ignore them. You shall take them back to your brother.”
2 If your brother is not near you, or if you do not know him, you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall stay with you until your brother seeks it. Then you shall restore it to him.
3 You shall do the same with his donkey or with his garment, or with any lost thing of your brother’s, which he loses and you find; you may not ignore it.
4 You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way and ignore them. You shall help him to lift them up again.

1 Samuel 9:3-5: 3 Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.”
4 And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them.
5 And when they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, let us go back, lest my father cease to care about the donkeys and become anxious about us.”

Job 1:14-15: 14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

Isaiah 1:3-4: 3 The ox knows its owner,
and the donkey its master’s crib,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
4 Ah, sinful nation,
a people laden with iniquity,
offspring of evildoers,
children who deal corruptly!
They have forsaken the Lord,
they have despised the Holy One of Israel,
they are utterly estranged.

Isaiah 30:6-7: 6 An oracle on the beasts of the Negeb. Through a land of trouble and anguish, from where come the lioness and the lion, the adder and the flying fiery serpent, they carry their riches on the backs of donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people that cannot profit them.
7 Egypt’s help is worthless and empty;
therefore I have called her
“Rahab who sits still.”

Zechariah 9:9-10: 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Matthew 21:1-7: 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.

Luke 13:15-16: 15 Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it?
And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

John 12:14-15: 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”