Topical Encyclopedia A sheep-fold, in biblical terms, refers to an enclosure or pen where sheep are kept, providing them with protection and security. This concept is frequently used in the Bible, both in literal and metaphorical contexts, to illustrate spiritual truths about God's care for His people and the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep.Biblical References: 1. Literal Usage: · In ancient times, a sheep-fold was typically a stone or wooden enclosure, often with a single entrance, where sheep were gathered for safety, especially at night. The shepherd would guard the entrance, ensuring that no predators could harm the flock. This imagery is vividly depicted in the pastoral life of the Israelites, who were familiar with the responsibilities and challenges of shepherding. 2. Metaphorical Usage: · The concept of the sheep-fold is used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the relationship between God and His people. In John 10:1-16, Jesus uses the imagery of the sheep-fold to explain His role as the Good Shepherd. He states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber" (John 10:1). Here, the sheep-fold represents the community of believers, and Jesus is the gate through which the sheep enter, emphasizing His role as the sole legitimate means of access to spiritual safety and salvation. · Jesus further elaborates, "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture" (John 10:9). This passage highlights the security and provision found in Christ, as well as the freedom and sustenance He offers to His followers. · The imagery of the sheep-fold also underscores the intimate knowledge and care the shepherd has for his sheep. Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me" (John 10:14). This relationship is characterized by mutual recognition and trust, reflecting the deep bond between Christ and His followers. 3. Old Testament Context: · The Old Testament also uses the imagery of the sheep-fold to convey God's protective and nurturing role. In Psalm 23, David famously describes the Lord as his shepherd, illustrating the peace and security found under God's care. Although the term "sheep-fold" is not explicitly mentioned in this psalm, the underlying themes of guidance, provision, and protection are consistent with the concept. · In Ezekiel 34, God rebukes the leaders of Israel for failing to shepherd His people properly and promises to be the true shepherd who will gather His scattered sheep. This passage foreshadows the coming of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who will faithfully tend to His flock. Theological Significance: The sheep-fold serves as a powerful symbol of the church, where believers find refuge and community under the leadership of Christ. It emphasizes the exclusivity of Christ as the way to salvation and the importance of entering through Him. The imagery also highlights the pastoral care and guidance provided by Christ, who knows each of His sheep by name and leads them to spiritual nourishment and safety. In summary, the sheep-fold is a rich biblical metaphor that encapsulates themes of protection, guidance, and the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. Easton's Bible Dictionary A strong fenced enclosure for the protection of the sheep gathered within it (Numbers 32:24; 1 Chronicles 17:7; Psalm 50:9; 78:70). In John 10:16 the Authorized Version renders by "fold" two distinct Greek words, aule and poimne, the latter of which properly means a "flock," and is so rendered in the Revised Version. (See also Matthew 26:31; Luke 2:8; 1 Corinthians 9:7.) (see FOLD.) Greek 833. aule -- a courtyard, a court ... aule Phonetic Spelling: (ow-lay') Short Definition: court-yard, fore-court, palace, house Definition: court-yard, fore-court, sheep-fold; but it may be ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/833.htm - 7k 4263. probaton -- a little sheep Strong's Hebrew 4356. miklaah -- an enclosure, fold... sheepfold. Or miklah {mik-law'}; from kala'; a pen (for flocks) -- ((sheep-))fold. Compare miklah. see HEBREW kala'. see HEBREW miklah. 4355, 4356. ... /hebrew/4356.htm - 6k 4942. mishpethayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps 1223. botsrah -- an enclosure, a fold (for sheep) Library John Chapter x. 10-Jan The Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the ... Epistle Xlvi. To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem . Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch . John Chapter x. 14-21 Shepherd Life in the Orient. The Heart of God Account of St. Spyridon: his Modesty and Steadfastness. Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Thesaurus Sheepfold (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEEPCOTE; SHEEPFOLD. shep ... James A. Patch. Multi-Version Concordance Sheepfold (3 Occurrences). John ... /s/sheepfold.htm - 10k Sheep-fold (1 Occurrence) Sheepcote (2 Occurrences) Sheepfolds (9 Occurrences) Fold (23 Occurrences) Thief (41 Occurrences) Robber (14 Occurrences) Entereth (40 Occurrences) Manners (6 Occurrences) Manner (351 Occurrences) Resources Why would God leave the 99 to find 1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sheep-fold (1 Occurrence)John 10:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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