The term "ewe" refers to a female sheep, a domesticated animal that holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible. Sheep, including ewes, are frequently mentioned in Scripture, often symbolizing purity, innocence, and the people of God. The imagery of sheep and shepherds is deeply woven into the biblical narrative, illustrating the relationship between God and His people.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Sacrificial System: In the Old Testament, sheep, including ewes, were integral to the sacrificial system established by God. Ewes, as part of the flock, were often used in offerings. For instance, in Leviticus 3:6, the peace offering could be from the flock, either male or female, without blemish. This requirement underscores the importance of purity and perfection in offerings to God.

2. Symbol of Innocence and Purity: Ewes, like lambs, are often associated with innocence and purity. This symbolism is evident in passages such as Isaiah 53:7, where the suffering servant is likened to a lamb led to the slaughter, emphasizing submission and innocence.

3. God as Shepherd: The imagery of God as a shepherd and His people as sheep is prevalent throughout Scripture. Psalm 23:1 states, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." This metaphor highlights God's guidance, provision, and care for His people, akin to a shepherd's care for his flock, which includes ewes.

4. Parables and Teachings of Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses sheep in His parables and teachings. In John 10:14-15 , Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep." Here, the relationship between Jesus and His followers is likened to that of a shepherd and his sheep, emphasizing care, sacrifice, and intimate knowledge.

5. The Lost Sheep: The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3-7 illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost. Although the parable does not specify the gender of the sheep, the inclusion of ewes in the flock is implicit. This account underscores God's love and mercy, as He seeks to bring every lost soul back into the fold.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, sheep were a vital part of the agrarian economy, providing wool, milk, and meat. Ewes, as the female members of the flock, were essential for reproduction and the growth of the flock. The care and management of sheep were common occupations, with shepherds playing a crucial role in society. This cultural backdrop enriches the biblical metaphors of sheep and shepherds, making them relatable and powerful for the original audience.

Theological Implications

The use of ewes and sheep in biblical symbolism extends beyond mere agricultural references. It reflects profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The imagery of sheep highlights themes of dependence, guidance, and redemption. Believers are called to recognize their need for the Good Shepherd, who provides, protects, and ultimately sacrifices Himself for the well-being of His flock.

In summary, the ewe, as part of the broader category of sheep, serves as a rich symbol in the biblical narrative, illustrating key aspects of faith, sacrifice, and divine care.(n.) The female of the sheep, and of sheeplike animals.EWE

u (rachel, `ul, seh, "a female sheep"):

Rachel (compare pr. note Rachel, and Arabic rachala, "to migrate") is the ordinary Hebrew word for ewe, but is translated "sheep," though with clear indication of sex in context, in Isaiah 53:7 and Songs 6:6 (the Revised Version (British and American) "ewes"). `Aloth, participle of `ul, "to suckle" (compare Arabic ghal) is found in Psalm 78:71 and Isaiah 40:11 (the King James Version "are with young," the English Revised Version "that give suck," the American Standard Revised Version "have their young"). In 1 Samuel 6:7, 10 occurs paroth `aloth, "milch kine." Seh, in Leviticus 22:28, while translated "ewe," might from the context be "ewe" or "shegoat" and indeed seems to be used here as a term applying equally to either, being used elsewhere for one of a flock of sheep or goats.

See SHEEP.

Alfred Ely Day

3535. kibsah -- ewe lamb
kibsah or kabsah. 3534, 3535. kibsah or kabsah. 3536 . ewe lamb. Transliteration:
kibsah or kabsah Phonetic Spelling: (kib-saw') Short Definition: lamb. ...
/hebrew/3535.htm - 6k

7353. rachel -- ewe
... 7352, 7353. rachel. 7354 . ewe. Transliteration: rachel Phonetic Spelling:
(raw-kale') Short Definition: ewes. Word ... ewe, sheep. From ...
/hebrew/7353.htm - 5k

3776. kisbah -- a ewe lamb
... kisbah. 3777 . a ewe lamb. Transliteration: kisbah Phonetic Spelling: (kis-baw')
Short Definition: lamb. ... of keseb Definition a ewe lamb NASB Word Usage lamb (1 ...
/hebrew/3776.htm - 6k

7716. seh -- one of a flock, a sheep (or goat)
... 2), sheep and one (1), sheep* (1). lesser, small cattle, ewe, goat, lamb,
sheep. Or sey {say}; probably from sha'ah through the idea ...
/hebrew/7716.htm - 6k

5763. ul -- to nurse, give suck
... to suckle. A primitive root; to suckle, ie Give milk -- milch, (ewe great)
with young. 5762, 5763. ul. 5764 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5763.htm - 6k

Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma.
... Chapter VII."Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma. You
shall have leave to begin with the parables, where you ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter vii of the parables of.htm

David not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery.
... he was accused of his crime by a prophet, who, when he had come to show him his
sin, set before him the parable of the poor man who had but one ewe-lamb, and ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 david not lustful though.htm

And with what Moderation and Self-Restraint those Men Used their ...
... he was accused of his crime by a prophet, who, when he had come to show him his
sin set before him the parable of the poor man who had but one ewe-lamb, and ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 31 and with what.htm

Certain Other Divine Precepts the Apostolic Description of Charity ...
... The shepherd's patience seeks and finds the straying ewe: [9143] for Impatience
would easily despise one ewe; but Patience undertakes the labour of the quest ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter xii certain other divine precepts.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing,
save one little ewe-lamb, which he possessed, and nourished up; and it had been ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies.
... Expected; not known; sent into the orb. 60 Seeking the "ewe" he had not lost
before,. The ... 85 Perishing. Ever perishes the "ewe:". And ...
/.../book v general reply to sundry.htm

Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation These ...
... Now, of course the (parable of) the two sons will point to the same end as (those
of) the drachma and the ewe: for it has the self-same cause (to call it forth ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter ix certain general principles of.htm

Of St. Paul, and the Person whom He Urges the Corinthians to ...
... are, to bring about the (desired) end of the man, grace your harangue with all the
allurements of mercy in your power, and under the parable of the "ewe" go in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiii of st paul and.htm

The Day was Near Its End. ...
... They came upon a ewe lying in the roadway. She looked up with a mute appeal, but
moved not. ... Then laying hold of her fleece, he moved the ewe tenderly aside. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 25 the day was.htm

Chapter xxi
... And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made
a covenant, Abraham (namely) set seven ewe lambs apart by themselves, And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

Ewe (8 Occurrences)
... (n.) The female of the sheep, and of sheeplike animals. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. EWE. u (rachel, `ul, seh, "a female sheep"): Rachel (compare pr. ...
/e/ewe.htm - 10k

Ewe-lamb (4 Occurrences)
Ewe-lamb. Ewe, Ewe-lamb. Ewe-lambs . Multi-Version Concordance Ewe-lamb
(4 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:10 And on the eighth day he ...
/e/ewe-lamb.htm - 7k

Ewe-lambs (3 Occurrences)
Ewe-lambs. Ewe-lamb, Ewe-lambs. Ewes . Multi-Version Concordance
Ewe-lambs (3 Occurrences). Genesis 21:28 And Abraham ...
/e/ewe-lambs.htm - 7k

Lambs (107 Occurrences)
... And the Lord was pleased with Abel's offering; (BBE). Genesis 21:28 Abraham
set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. (WEB ...
/l/lambs.htm - 39k

Rachel (42 Occurrences)
...Ewe, "the daughter", "the somewhat petulant, peevish, and self-willed though beautiful
younger daughter" of Laban, and one of Jacob's wives (Genesis 29:6, 28). ...
/r/rachel.htm - 24k

Defect (62 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish,
and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of ...
/d/defect.htm - 25k

Ewes (7 Occurrences)

/e/ewes.htm - 8k

Sheep (413 Occurrences)
... is probaton. For other names, see notes under CATTLE; EWE; LAMB; RAM. 2.
Zoology: The origin of domestic sheep is unknown. There ...
/s/sheep.htm - 52k

Blemish (71 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish,
and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of ...
/b/blemish.htm - 31k

Seven (404 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Genesis 21:28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs
of the flock by themselves. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/seven.htm - 42k

Who was Uriah the Hittite? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about pets? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Nathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Ewe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus