# ox, oxen #

## Definition: ##

An "ox" is a type of cattle that is specifically trained to do agricultural work. The plural of this term is "oxen." Usually oxen are male and have been castrated.

* Throughout the Bible, oxen were depicted as animals tied together by a yoke to pull a cart or a plow.
* Having oxen work together under a yoke was such a common occurrence in the Bible that the phrase "to be under a yoke" became a metaphor for hard work and labor.
*  A bull is also a male type of cattle, but it has not been castrated and has not been trained as a work animal.

(See also: [[other/cow]] **·** [[other/yoke]])

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Samuel 15:1-3](en/tn/1sa/help/15/01)
* [2 Chronicles 15:10-11](en/tn/2ch/help/15/10)
* [Exodus 24:5-6](en/tn/exo/help/24/05)
* [Luke 14:4-6](en/tn/luk/help/14/04)
* [Matthew 22:4](en/tn/mat/help/22/04)