The term "pasture-fed" refers to animals, particularly livestock, that graze on natural pastures rather than being confined and fed processed or stored feed. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical times, where the pastoral lifestyle was prevalent, and the imagery of pasture-fed animals is often used to convey spiritual truths and divine provision.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 23:1-2 : "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." This well-known psalm highlights the Lord as the Shepherd who provides for His flock, ensuring they are fed and cared for in lush, green pastures. The imagery of green pastures symbolizes abundance, peace, and divine care.

2. Ezekiel 34:14 : "I will feed 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." Here, God promises to shepherd His people, providing them with rich and fertile pastures. This passage underscores God's commitment to the well-being and nourishment of His people.

3. John 10:9 : "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, assures His followers of safety and sustenance. The promise of finding pasture signifies spiritual nourishment and the freedom found in Christ.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical context, being pasture-fed is not merely about physical sustenance but also carries a deeper spiritual meaning. It reflects God's provision and care for His people, ensuring they have all they need to thrive. The imagery of pasture-fed animals is often used to illustrate the relationship between God and His people, where He is the Shepherd, and they are His flock.

The concept also emphasizes the importance of relying on God's provision rather than human efforts. Just as pasture-fed animals depend on the natural resources provided by God, believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision for their spiritual and physical needs.

Pastoral Imagery:

The pastoral imagery in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for God's guidance and protection. Shepherds in biblical times were responsible for leading their flocks to good pastures, protecting them from predators, and ensuring their well-being. This role is often attributed to God and Christ, who are depicted as the ultimate Shepherds, guiding their people to spiritual nourishment and safety.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of being pasture-fed can serve as a reminder to seek spiritual nourishment from God's Word and to trust in His provision. It encourages a lifestyle of dependence on God, recognizing Him as the source of all good things. In a world that often values self-sufficiency, the biblical principle of being pasture-fed calls Christians to a life of faith and reliance on God's abundant grace.7471. rei -- a pasture
... 7470, 7471. rei. 7472 . a pasture. Transliteration: rei Phonetic Spelling:
(reh-ee') Short Definition: pasture-fed. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/7471.htm - 6k

Psalm 100
... not we, but he us made: We are his people, and the sheep. within his pasture fed.
^4Enter his gates and courts with praise,. to thank him go ye thither: ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 100 2.htm

Pasture-fed (1 Occurrence)
Pasture-fed. Pastured, Pasture-fed. Pasture-grounds . Multi-Version
Concordance Pasture-fed (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings ...
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Pasture-grounds (4 Occurrences)
Pasture-grounds. Pasture-fed, Pasture-grounds. Pastureland . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (DBY). Pasture-fed, Pasture-grounds. Pastureland . Reference Bible
/p/pasture-grounds.htm - 7k

Pastured (4 Occurrences)

/p/pastured.htm - 7k

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