Lexical Summary tsoneh or tsone: Flock, Sheep Original Word: צֹנֵא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sheep Or tsoneh {tso-neh'}; for tso'n; a flock -- sheep. see HEBREW tso'n NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition flocks NASB Translation sheep (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֹנֶה, [צֹנֶא] noun [masculine] flocks ("" form of צאֹן q. v.); — absolute צֹנֶה Psalm 8:8; suffix צֹנַאֲכֶם Numbers 32:24 (JE). Topical Lexicon Pastoral Context in the Ancient Near East צֹנֵא represents the small domesticated livestock—primarily sheep and goats—that formed the backbone of nomadic and agrarian life throughout the Levant. In a semi-arid land where crops were often uncertain, herds supplied milk, meat, wool, skins, and fertilizer, and could be driven to fresh pasture when local resources failed. Possessing צֹנֵא therefore equaled both mobility and wealth (Genesis 13:2, 5; Job 1:3). Herding shaped daily rhythms, social structures, and even settlement patterns, as seen when the tribes east of the Jordan built “cities for your little ones and folds for your flocks” (Numbers 32:24). Biblical Occurrences 1. Numbers 32:24 – Moses instructs Reuben and Gad to establish secure enclosures before crossing the Jordan. The verse underscores responsible stewardship: promises to the Lord must be kept, yet prudent care for dependents—both children and animals—cannot be neglected. Economic and Social Significance Flocks functioned as a portable bank account. Bride-prices (Genesis 29:18-20), treaty gifts (2 Kings 3:4), and village taxes alike were paid in animals. Large holdings signified status (1 Samuel 25:2), while loss of livestock marked judgment or calamity (Amos 4:6). The need to protect, water, and pasture צֹנֵא produced local alliances, boundary agreements, and occasional conflict (Genesis 26:20). Shepherding also trained future leaders—Jacob, Moses, and David all learned patience, vigilance, and self-sacrifice in the fields before guiding Israel. Sacrificial and Cultic Importance Sheep drawn from the צֹנֵא became central offerings in Israel’s worship. Daily burnt offerings (Exodus 29:38-41), the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:3-13), and festal sacrifices required blemish-free animals, signalling that gratitude and atonement cost the offerer real value. The flock served as a living reminder that sin demands innocent life and that fellowship with God involves tangible obedience. Typological and Christological Connections The prophetic portrait of the Messiah builds upon imagery rooted in צֹנֵא. Isaiah envisioned One “led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7), language fulfilled when John the Baptist identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Simultaneously, Jesus assumed the shepherd’s role: “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me” (John 10:14). Thus the modest village flock becomes a window into the mystery of redemption—Christ both offers Himself as the sacrificial Lamb and tends believers as His prized flock. Theological Themes Drawn from צֹנֵא • Divine Provision: God supplies pasture and protection (Psalm 23:1-3). Ministry Applications Today 1. Pastoral Care: Leaders imitate the Good Shepherd by knowing, feeding, and guarding the congregation (1 Peter 5:2-4). Conclusion Though appearing only twice, צֹנֵא threads through Scripture’s grand narrative—economically sustaining families, symbolically conveying atonement, and prophetically unveiling the Messiah. From the dusty plains of Moab to the pastoral poetry of David, small livestock testify to the Creator’s wisdom, humanity’s stewardship, and the Shepherd-Lamb who redeems His flock forever. Forms and Transliterations לְצֹנַאֲכֶ֑ם לצנאכם צֹנֶ֣ה צנה lə·ṣō·na·’ă·ḵem ləṣōna’ăḵem letzonaaChem ṣō·neh ṣōneh tzoNehLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 32:24 HEB: לְטַפְּכֶ֔ם וּגְדֵרֹ֖ת לְצֹנַאֲכֶ֑ם וְהַיֹּצֵ֥א מִפִּיכֶ֖ם NAS: and sheepfolds for your sheep, and do KJV: and folds for your sheep; and do INT: your little and sheepfolds your sheep proceeded of your mouth Psalm 8:7 2 Occurrences |
    |