Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia A sheepfold, in biblical terms, refers to an enclosure or pen where sheep are kept, often constructed to provide protection and security for the flock. This concept is rich in symbolism throughout the Bible, representing themes of safety, community, and divine care.Old Testament Context In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, sheepfolds were essential for the protection of sheep from predators and thieves. They were typically made of stone walls or thorny hedges and sometimes included a gate or door. The shepherd would often sleep at the entrance to guard the sheep, a practice that underscores the shepherd's role as protector and caretaker. The imagery of the sheepfold is used in the Old Testament to describe God's relationship with His people. In Psalm 100:3 , it is written, "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." This verse highlights the idea of God as the shepherd and His people as the sheep, cared for within the safety of His fold. New Testament Context The New Testament expands on the metaphor of the sheepfold, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In John 10:1-16 , Jesus uses the imagery of the sheepfold to describe 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. But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep" (John 10:1-2). Here, the sheepfold represents the community of believers, and Jesus is the legitimate shepherd who enters through the gate, in contrast to false leaders. Jesus further explains, "I am the gate for the sheep" (John 10:7), emphasizing that He is the way to salvation and the protector of His flock. The sheepfold, in this context, symbolizes the Kingdom of God, where believers find safety and belonging through Christ. Symbolism and Application The sheepfold serves as a powerful symbol of the Church, where believers are gathered and protected under the leadership of Christ, the Good Shepherd. It represents the spiritual security and community found in a relationship with God. The imagery of the sheepfold also calls believers to recognize the voice of their Shepherd and to follow Him faithfully, as Jesus states, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). In pastoral care, the concept of the sheepfold encourages church leaders to emulate the Good Shepherd by providing guidance, protection, and nurturing to their congregations. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against spiritual threats and the need for a strong, unified community of faith. Conclusion The sheepfold is a multifaceted biblical symbol that conveys themes of divine protection, community, and the intimate relationship between God and His people. Through the imagery of the sheepfold, Scripture invites believers to find refuge in Christ and to live in harmony within the fold of His Church. 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.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A fold or pen for sheep; a place where sheep are collected or confined.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEEPCOTE; SHEEPFOLDshep'-kot, shep'-kot, shep'-fold (gedherah, mikhlah, mishpethayim, naweh; aule): At night the sheep are driven into a sheepfold if they are in a district where there is danger from robbers or wild beasts. These folds are simple walled enclosures (Numbers 32:16 Judges 5:16 2 Chronicles 32:28 Psalm 78:70 Zephaniah 2:6 John 10:1). On the top of the wall is heaped thorny brushwood as a further safeguard. Sometimes there is a covered hut in the corner for the shepherd. Where there is no danger the sheep huddle together in the open until daylight, while the shepherd watches over them (Genesis 31:39 Luke 2:8). In the winter time caves are sought after (1 Samuel 24:3 Zephaniah 2:6). The antiquity of the use of some of the caves for this purpose is indicated by the thick deposit of potassium nitrate formed from the decomposition of the sheep dung. Strong's Hebrew 4942. mishpethayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps... burden, sheepfold. From shaphah; a stall for cattle (only dual) -- burden, sheepfold. see HEBREW shaphah. 4941, 4942. mishpethayim. 4943 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/4942.htm - 6k 4356. miklaah -- an enclosure, fold 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 . John Chapter x. 14-21 Shepherd Life in the Orient. Account of St. Spyridon: his Modesty and Steadfastness. Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. The Tenth Chapter of the Gospel of John. Of the Shepherd, and the ... He Restoreth My Soul. 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 Sheepcote (2 Occurrences) Entereth (40 Occurrences) Bozrah (9 Occurrences) Climbeth (1 Occurrence) Sheep-farmer (1 Occurrence) Sheep-fold (1 Occurrence) Solemn (100 Occurrences) Verily (146 Occurrences) Truth (380 Occurrences) Resources What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the door” (John 10:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven I AM statements in the Gospel of John? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Lo Debar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Sheepfold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sheepfold (3 Occurrences)John 10:1 Jeremiah 49:19 Jeremiah 50:44 Subtopics Related Terms |
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