Calf
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Gen. 18:7; Luke 15:23)—a young bovine animal. A well-fed calf was esteemed food for a distinguished guest or celebration: Abraham prepared one for his visitors, and the father ordered the fatted calf for the returning prodigal. Jeremiah 34:18 reflects an ancient covenant rite in which a calf was divided and the parties passed between its pieces, invoking judgment upon themselves if they broke the covenant. Genesis 15:9–17 uses related symbolism in God’s covenant with Abraham.