In biblical terminology, the term "folds" often refers to enclosures or pens used for keeping sheep, a common practice in ancient pastoral societies. The imagery of sheep and their folds is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing God's care and guidance for His people, as well as the relationship between leaders and their followers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of folds is closely associated with the pastoral lifestyle of the Israelites. Shepherding was a significant occupation, and the fold served as a place of safety and rest for the sheep. The fold was typically a stone or wooden enclosure, sometimes with a gate or door, where sheep were gathered to protect them from predators and thieves.

One of the earliest references to folds is found in Genesis 49:14, where Jacob blesses his sons and describes Issachar as "a strong donkey lying down between the sheepfolds." This imagery suggests a place of rest and security, highlighting the peaceful and stable life of Issachar's descendants.

In the Psalms, the fold is used metaphorically to describe God's protection and care for His people. Psalm 78:70-72 speaks of David, whom God chose "from the sheepfolds" to shepherd His people, Israel. This passage emphasizes the humble beginnings of David and the divine calling to lead God's flock.

Prophetic Imagery

The prophets also use the imagery of folds to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Micah 2:12, God promises to gather His people like sheep in a fold: "I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in the midst of their pasture." This prophecy speaks of God's intention to restore and protect His people, bringing them back to a place of safety and unity.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 34, God condemns the false shepherds of Israel and promises to be the true shepherd who will gather His scattered sheep. In verse 14, He declares, "I will feed them in a 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." The fold here represents God's provision and care, contrasting with the neglect of the unfaithful leaders.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. 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" (John 10:7), indicating that He is the way to safety and salvation. Jesus further explains that His sheep know His voice and follow Him, and He leads them to abundant life.

The fold in this context symbolizes the community of believers who find security and guidance in Christ. Jesus contrasts Himself with the thieves and robbers who come to steal and destroy, affirming His role as the true shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

Spiritual Significance

The concept of folds in the Bible carries deep spiritual significance, representing God's protection, provision, and leadership. It underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people, as well as the responsibility of leaders to care for their flocks. The imagery of the fold invites believers to find rest and security in God's presence, trusting in His guidance and provision.573. haplous -- simple, single
... Cognate: 573 () -- properly, , -- literally, "without folds" (J. Thayer), referring
to a (), ie without a (secret) "double agenda" which prevents an over ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/573.htm - 7k

574. haplos -- simply, sincerely
... Cognate: 574 (the adverbial form of 573 , "single, unfolded") -- properly, acting
with -- literally, "without folds" (, J. Thayer), ie without undue ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/574.htm - 7k

572. haplotes -- singleness, hence simplicity
... a piece of cloth " (, 1, 56), ie not compounded or over-complicated (needlessly
complex); "-threaded" (versus "multi-threaded"); "without folds, simplex" (J ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/572.htm - 7k

4651. mappal -- refuse, hanging parts
... 4650, 4651. mappal. 4652 . refuse, hanging parts. Transliteration: mappal
Phonetic Spelling: (map-pawl') Short Definition: folds. ...
/hebrew/4651.htm - 6k

2263. chabaq -- to clasp, embrace
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to clasp, embrace NASB Word Usage embrace (7),
embraced (3), embracing (1), folds (1), hug (1). embrace, fold. ...
/hebrew/2263.htm - 6k

5116c. navah -- pasture, meadow
... Word Origin from the same as naveh Definition pasture, meadow NASB Word Usage folds
(1), pastures (2). 5116b, 5116c. navah. 5117 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5116c.htm - 5k

1448. gederah -- a wall
... Word Origin from gadar Definition a wall NASB Word Usage folds (1), Gederah (1),
sheepfolds (2), sheepfolds* (2), wall (1), walls (3). hedge, wall. ...
/hebrew/1448.htm - 6k

4356. miklaah -- an enclosure, fold
... Definition: fold. Word Origin from kala Definition an enclosure, fold NASB Word
Usage fold (1), folds (1), sheepfolds* (1). sheepfold. Or ...
/hebrew/4356.htm - 6k

Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence.
... Accordingly, there is no necessity for any artist formally to dispose its wrinkled
folds from the beginning a day beforehand, and then to reduce them to a more ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter v virtues of the mantle.htm

Canaan
... somewhat pertaining to the statue on it, and I have brought it, with the permission
of the taskmaster." She stopped, and putting her hand into the folds of her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xii canaan.htm

The New Evangelism: and Its Relation to Cardinal Doctrines
... "I like Christianity," said Hallam, the subject of Tennyson's "In Memoriam," "because
it fits into all the folds of one's nature." How long was it before we ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the new evangelism and its.htm

Of their Cords.
... [654] These falling down over the top of the neck and divided on either side of
the throat go round the folds (of the robe) at the armpits and gather them up ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v of their cords.htm

The Words of Abbot Serapion on the Decline of Thoughts that are ...
... and first I was moved to secret sighs, and then my heart's compunction increased
and I openly burst into sobs and tears, and produced from the folds of my ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xi the words of.htm

Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History ...
... From below the knot a row of curls fell upon the folds of her outer tunic. ... "On one
condition," she answered, looking down at the folds of her tunic. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 2 those days it.htm

'In this Mountain'
... prevents vision and shuts out light, and that is the picture of humanity as it presents
itself before this prophet"a world of men entangled in the folds of a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/in this mountain.htm

Mirrors of God
... how many millenniums of intercourse with God, nobody knows how deep and intimate,
learning from Christian people the manifold wisdom which had folds and folds ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/mirrors of god.htm

There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the ...
... on a gilded chair covered with crimson velvet; and a rich canopy of the same material,
embroidered and fringed with gold, drooped in heavy folds above him. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxviii there are certain moments.htm

The Light of the World
... The cloud of the humanity, 'the veil, that is to say, His flesh,' enfolds and tempers;
and through its transparent folds reveals, even while it swathes, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the light of the world.htm

Folds (18 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Folds (18 Occurrences). ... Numbers 32:36 and Beth Nimrah,
and Beth Haran: fortified cities, and folds for sheep. ...
/f/folds.htm - 11k

Sheep-folds (4 Occurrences)
Sheep-folds. Sheepfolds, Sheep-folds. Sheepgate . Multi-Version
Concordance Sheep-folds (4 Occurrences). Genesis 49:14 ...
/s/sheep-folds.htm - 7k

Fold (23 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/f/fold.htm - 17k

Wimple
... 3. (vt) To clothe with a wimple; to cover, as with a veil; hence, to hoodwink. 4.
(vt) To draw down, as a veil; to lay in folds or plaits, as a veil. ...
/w/wimple.htm - 7k

Pens (8 Occurrences)
... Numbers 32:24 Build cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and
do that which has proceeded out of your mouth." (See NIV). ...
/p/pens.htm - 8k

Sheepfolds (9 Occurrences)
... Numbers 32:24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep;
and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.' (See NAS). ...
/s/sheepfolds.htm - 8k

Lap (12 Occurrences)
... and chotsen (Nehemiah 5:13, besides chatsen, Psalm 129:7). In all these passages
the meaning is that of a part of oriental clothing, probably the folds of the ...
/l/lap.htm - 15k

Meadows (6 Occurrences)
... lands. (See NIV). Jeremiah 25:37 The peaceable folds are brought to silence
because of the fierce anger of Yahweh. (See NIV). Zephaniah ...
/m/meadows.htm - 8k

Bag (52 Occurrences)
... GIRDLE), was often of fine material and elegant workmanship, and was either made
hollow so to carry money, or when of silk or cloth, worn in folds, when the ...
/b/bag.htm - 29k

Infants (71 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Numbers 32:16 And they come nigh unto him, and say, 'Folds for the flock
we build for our cattle here, and cities for our infants; (YLT). ...
/i/infants.htm - 28k

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