Herdman
Jump to: Webster'sConcordanceThesaurusHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, a herdman, or herdsman, was an individual responsible for the care and management of livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats. This occupation was vital in the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East, where livestock represented wealth, sustenance, and economic stability. The role of a herdman is frequently mentioned in the Bible, reflecting its importance in the daily life and culture of the Israelites.

Biblical References and Context

The role of the herdman is first introduced in the early chapters of Genesis. Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is described as a "keeper of sheep" (Genesis 4:2), indicating his role as a shepherd or herdman. This early reference highlights the significance of animal husbandry from the dawn of human history.

In the patriarchal narratives, the patriarchs themselves were often involved in herding. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were all described as having large flocks and herds, which were tended by their servants or themselves. Genesis 13:2 notes that "Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold," underscoring the wealth associated with herding.

The book of Amos provides a unique insight into the life of a herdman. Amos, one of the minor prophets, identifies himself as a herdman from Tekoa. Amos 1:1 states, "The words of Amos, who was among the sheep breeders from Tekoa." This indicates that Amos was not only a prophet but also engaged in the practical work of herding, which may have influenced his perspective and message.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The occupation of a herdman carries rich symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. Shepherds and herdmen are often used as metaphors for leadership and care. The most famous biblical shepherd is King David, who began his life as a shepherd boy before becoming the king of Israel. His experience as a shepherd is seen as preparation for his role as a leader of God's people.

The imagery of God as a shepherd is a powerful motif in the Bible. Psalm 23:1 declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." This verse portrays God as the ultimate herdman, providing for and protecting His flock. Similarly, Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11 , where He says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."

Cultural and Economic Role

In ancient Israel, herdmen played a crucial role in the economy. Livestock provided meat, milk, wool, and hides, which were essential for food, clothing, and trade. Herdmen needed to be skilled in various tasks, including leading the animals to pasture, protecting them from predators, and ensuring their health and well-being.

The life of a herdman was often challenging, requiring long hours and vigilance. Herdmen had to navigate the terrain, find water sources, and deal with the elements. Despite these challenges, the role was respected and seen as integral to the community's survival and prosperity.

Conclusion

The role of the herdman in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing practical, symbolic, and spiritual dimensions. As caretakers of livestock, herdmen were essential to the economic and social fabric of ancient Israel. Their work is frequently used as a metaphor for leadership and divine care, illustrating the deep connection between the physical and spiritual realms in biblical thought.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) Alt. of Herdsman.
Strong's Hebrew
951. boqer -- a herdsman
... herdman. Properly, active participle from baqar as denominative from baqar; a
cattle-tender -- herdman. see HEBREW baqar. see HEBREW baqar. 950, 951. ...
/hebrew/951.htm - 6k

5349. noqed -- sheep raiser, sheep dealer, sheep tender
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition sheep raiser, sheep dealer, sheep tender
NASB Word Usage sheep breeder (1), sheepherders (1). herdman, sheepmaster. ...
/hebrew/5349.htm - 6k

7462. ra'ah -- to pasture, tend, graze
... with (as a friend) -- X break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil
entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep ...
/hebrew/7462.htm - 5k

Library

The Prophet Amos.
... existed no other statement than this, there might be truth in the remark made by
many interpreters, that we cannot, from his having been a herdman, infer that ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

The Ministerial Office
... Such was Amos in particular, who saith of himself: "I was no Prophet, neither a
Prophet's son; but I was an herdman: And the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 115 the ministerial office.htm

Letter cxcvii. To Ambrose, Bishop of Milan.
... are well-pleasing to Him; Who of old indeed chose from the sheepfold a prince for
His people; [2687] Who through the Spirit gifted Amos the herdman with power ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cxcvii to ambrose bishop.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... Peter refers. In point of time Jonah comes just with his message of woe to the city
of Nineveh. Amos the herdman and Hosea his contemporary follow. ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

Letter Liii. To Paulinus.
... from one to fifteen form the steps to which there is a mystical allusion in the
"psalms of degrees." [1470] Amos, although he is only "an herdman" from the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liii to paulinus.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Bethel: for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a royal house." And Amos replied,
"I was no prophet, neither was Ia prophet's son; but I was a herdman, and a ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Thesaurus
Herdman (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Herdsman. Multi-Version Concordance
Herdman (1 Occurrence). Amos 7:14 Then answered Amos, and ...
/h/herdman.htm - 6k

Amos (12 Occurrences)
... He was a man of humble birth, neither a "prophet nor a prophet's son," but "an herdman
and a dresser of sycomore trees," RV He prophesied in the days of Uzziah ...
/a/amos.htm - 44k

Gatherer (5 Occurrences)
... Amos 7:14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was
Ia prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: (KJV ...
/g/gatherer.htm - 8k

Abel (22 Occurrences)
... transitoriness," which are suggestive of his brief existence and tragic end; others
take it to be a variant of Jabal, yabhal, "shepherd" or "herdman," Genesis 4 ...
/a/abel.htm - 22k

Sycomore (3 Occurrences)
... Amos 7:14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was
Ia prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: (KJV ...
/s/sycomore.htm - 10k

Herdmen (6 Occurrences)

/h/herdmen.htm - 8k

Herdsman (1 Occurrence)
... HERDSMAN. hurdz'-man (boqer; the King James Version, the English Revised Version
"herdman"): A cowherd (Amos 7:14). The same word is used in Syria today. ...
/h/herdsman.htm - 9k

Herding (1 Occurrence)

/h/herding.htm - 6k

Resources
Herdman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Herdman (1 Occurrence)

Amos 7:14
Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
(KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS)

Subtopics

Herdman

Related Terms

Dwelled (5 Occurrences)

Per'izzites (21 Occurrences)

Strove (25 Occurrences)

Argument (45 Occurrences)

Strive (64 Occurrences)

Let's (74 Occurrences)

Fight (265 Occurrences)

Spring (122 Occurrences)

Cattle (277 Occurrences)

Chiefest (9 Occurrences)

Herdman (1 Occurrence)

Herds (72 Occurrences)

Herding
Top of Page
Top of Page