Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "fold" primarily refers to an enclosure or pen for sheep, symbolizing safety, community, and divine care. The imagery of the fold is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where shepherding was a common occupation. This concept is used metaphorically throughout Scripture to convey spiritual truths about God's relationship with His people.Old Testament References The fold is often mentioned in the context of shepherding, a prevalent theme in the Old Testament. In Ezekiel 34:14-15 , God promises to care for His people as a shepherd cares for his flock: "I will tend them in good pasture, and their grazing place will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD." Here, the fold represents a place of provision and rest, highlighting God's protective and nurturing nature. New Testament References In the New Testament, the concept of the fold is expanded upon by Jesus Christ, who identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:1-16 , Jesus uses the imagery of the sheepfold to describe His relationship with His followers. He states, "I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture" (John 10:7-9). Here, the fold signifies the safety and salvation found in Christ, who is both the Shepherd and the gate. Spiritual Significance The fold is emblematic of the Church, the community of believers who are gathered and protected by Christ. It represents the spiritual home where believers find fellowship, guidance, and sustenance. The imagery of the fold underscores the importance of unity and belonging within the body of Christ, as well as the assurance of divine oversight. Theological Implications Theologically, the fold illustrates the doctrine of divine election and the security of the believer. Just as a shepherd knows his sheep and calls them by name, God knows those who are His and ensures their eternal security. This is reflected in John 10:27-28 : "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." Practical Application For believers, the concept of the fold encourages trust in God's provision and protection. It calls for a commitment to the community of faith, where believers can grow and thrive under the care of the Good Shepherd. The fold also serves as a reminder of the mission to bring others into the safety of Christ's fold, echoing the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. In summary, the biblical imagery of the fold is rich with meaning, portraying God's loving care, the security of salvation, and the communal nature of the Christian faith. Easton's Bible Dictionary An enclosure for flocks to rest together (Isaiah 13:20). Sheep-folds are mentioned Numbers 32:16, 24, 36; 2 Samuel 7:8; Zephaniah 2:6; John 10:1, etc. It was prophesied of the cities of Ammon (Ezek. 25:5), Aroer (Isaiah 17:2), and Judaea, that they would be folds or couching-places for flocks. "Among the pots," of the Authorized Version (Psalm 68:13), is rightly in the Revised Version, "among the sheepfolds." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To lap or lay in plaits or folds; to lay one part over another part of; to double; as, to fold cloth; to fold a letter.2. (v. t.) To double or lay together, as the arms or the hands; as, he folds his arms in despair. 3. (v. t.) To enclose within folds or plaitings; to envelop; to enfold; to clasp; to embrace. 4. (v. t.) To cover or wrap up; to conceal. 5. (v. i.) To become folded, plaited, or doubled; to close over another of the same kind; to double together; as, the leaves of the door fold. 6. (n.) A doubling, esp. of any flexible substance; a part laid over on another part; a plait; a plication. 7. (v.) Times or repetitions; -- used with numerals, chiefly in composition, to denote multiplication or increase in a geometrical ratio, the doubling, tripling, etc., of anything; as, fourfold, four times, increased in a quadruple ratio, multiplied by four. 8. (v.) That which is folded together, or which enfolds or envelops; embrace. 9. (n.) An enclosure for sheep; a sheep pen. 10. (n.) A flock of sheep; figuratively, the Church or a church; as, Christ's fold. 11. (n.) A boundary; a limit. 12. (v. t.) To confine in a fold, as sheep. 13. (v. i.) To confine sheep in a fold. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FOLD; FOLDINGfold fold'-ing (verb; chabhaq, sabhakh; helisso): Greek 4428. ptusso -- to fold, ie roll up ... to fold, ie roll up. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ptusso Phonetic Spelling: (ptoos'-so) Short Definition: I fold, roll up Definition: I fold, roll up ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4428.htm - 6k 1362. diplous -- twofold, double 833. aule -- a courtyard, a court 1667. helisso -- to roll up, to coil 4167. poimne -- a flock 5073. tetraplous -- fourfold 4263. probaton -- a little sheep 1835. hexekonta -- sixty 2859. kolpos -- the bosom 1794. entulisso -- to wrap up Strong's Hebrew 1223. botsrah -- an enclosure, a fold (for sheep)... 1222, 1223. botsrah. 1224 . an enclosure, a fold (for sheep). Transliteration: botsrah Phonetic Spelling: (bots-raw') Short Definition: fold. ... /hebrew/1223.htm - 6k 4356. miklaah -- an enclosure, fold 1563. galam -- to wrap up, fold, fold together 1699. dober -- a pasture 7257. rabats -- stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out 2263. chabaq -- to clasp, embrace 5116. naveh -- abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation 2264. chibbuq -- a clasping, folding (of the hands) 5440. sabak -- to interweave 6471. paam -- a beat, foot, anvil, occurrence Library The Four-Fold Gospel The Shepherd and the Fold Seven-Fold Joy Of a Three-Fold Coming of Our Lord in the Inward Man Of a Three-Fold Unity which is in us by Nature The Five-Fold Division of the Bible. One Fold and one Shepherd Of the Three-Fold Meaning of the Prophecies, which are to be ... The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working Two-Fold Bearing of the Kingdom of God --An Inward, Spiritual ... Thesaurus Fold (23 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (vt) To lap or lay in plaits or folds; to lay one part over another part of; to double; as, to fold cloth; to fold a letter. ... /f/fold.htm - 17k Seven-fold (6 Occurrences) Thirty-fold (3 Occurrences) Four-fold (2 Occurrences) Sixty-fold (1 Occurrence) Sheep-fold (1 Occurrence) Two-fold (1 Occurrence) Three-fold (1 Occurrence) Thousand-fold (1 Occurrence) Folding (14 Occurrences) Resources What is the five (5) fold ministry? | GotQuestions.orgWhy would God leave the 99 to find 1? | GotQuestions.org What is Wicca? Is Wicca witchcraft? | GotQuestions.org Fold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fold (23 Occurrences)Matthew 13:23 Mark 4:20 Luke 8:8 John 10:1 John 10:16 Ephesians 5:27 Hebrews 1:12 Genesis 4:24 Exodus 26:9 2 Kings 4:39 Job 5:24 Isaiah 13:20 Isaiah 65:10 Jeremiah 23:3 Jeremiah 25:30 Jeremiah 43:12 Jeremiah 49:20 Jeremiah 50:6 Jeremiah 50:45 Ezekiel 25:5 Ezekiel 34:14 Habakkuk 3:17 Haggai 2:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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