Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "shear" primarily refers to the act of cutting or trimming wool from sheep. This practice is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing themes of provision, sacrifice, and judgment.Old Testament References 1. Genesis 31:19 · The act of shearing sheep is mentioned in the narrative of Jacob and Laban. "While Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols." This passage highlights the cultural and economic significance of sheep shearing in ancient times, as it was a time of harvest and celebration. 2. 1 Samuel 25:4 · The account of Nabal and Abigail provides another instance of sheep shearing. "While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep." Here, sheep shearing is depicted as a time of festivity and abundance, which David hoped to share in by seeking provisions from Nabal. 3. 2 Samuel 13:23-24 · The narrative of Absalom's revenge against Amnon also involves sheep shearing. "Now it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons." This event underscores the social and familial gatherings associated with shearing. 4. Isaiah 53:7 · The prophetic imagery of the suffering servant uses the metaphor of shearing to describe submission and sacrifice. "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." This passage is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. New Testament References While the New Testament does not explicitly mention the act of shearing, the imagery of sheep and shepherding continues to be significant, reflecting themes of guidance, sacrifice, and redemption. The metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and the Lamb of God (John 1:29) draws on the rich Old Testament symbolism associated with sheep and their care. Symbolism and Themes · Provision and Prosperity: Sheep shearing was a time of economic gain and celebration, reflecting God's provision and blessing. · Sacrifice and Submission: The imagery of a sheep before its shearers is used to convey themes of humility, obedience, and sacrifice, most notably in the prophecy of Isaiah 53. · Judgment and Justice: In some contexts, shearing can symbolize judgment, as the removal of wool represents exposure and vulnerability. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, sheep shearing was a significant agricultural event. It marked the culmination of a year's worth of shepherding labor and was often accompanied by feasting and social gatherings. The process required skill and care, as it was important to shear the wool without harming the sheep. This practice not only provided wool for clothing and trade but also reinforced the pastoral lifestyle central to the economy and culture of the time. Overall, the concept of shearing in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, reflecting the agricultural practices of ancient Israel while also conveying deeper spiritual truths about provision, sacrifice, and divine care. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To cut, clip, or sever anything from with shears or a like instrument; as, to shear sheep; to shear cloth.2. (v. t.) To separate or sever with shears or a similar instrument; to cut off; to clip (something) from a surface; as, to shear a fleece. 3. (v. t.) To reap, as grain. 4. (v. t.) Fig.: To deprive of property; to fleece. 5. (v. t.) To produce a change of shape in by a shear. See Shear, n., 4. 6. (n.) A pair of shears; -- now always used in the plural, but formerly also in the singular. See Shears. 7. (n.) A shearing; -- used in designating the age of sheep. 8. (n.) An action, resulting from applied forces, which tends to cause two contiguous parts of a body to slide relatively to each other in a direction parallel to their plane of contact; -- also called shearing stress, and tangential stress. 9. (n.) A strain, or change of shape, of an elastic body, consisting of an extension in one direction, an equal compression in a perpendicular direction, with an unchanged magnitude in the third direction. 10. (v. i.) To deviate. See Sheer. 11. (v. i.) To become more or less completely divided, as a body under the action of forces, by the sliding of two contiguous parts relatively to each other in a direction parallel to their plane of contact. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEARsher. Greek 2751. keiro -- to shear ... to shear. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: keiro Phonetic Spelling: (ki'-ro) Short Definition: I shear, cut the hair of Definition: I shear, cut the hair of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2751.htm - 6k 3587. xurao -- to shave Strong's Hebrew 7610. Shear Yashub -- "a remnant shall return," son of IsaiahShear Yashub. 7609, 7610. Shear Yashub. 7611 . "a remnant shall return," son of Isaiah. Transliteration: Shear Yashub Phonetic ... /hebrew/7610.htm - 6k 1494. gazaz -- to shear 7606. shear -- rest, remainder 7605. shear -- rest, residue, remnant 3697. kasam -- to shear, clip 7094. qatsab -- to cut off, shear 2685. chatsaph -- to show insolence or harshness 1468. guz -- to pass over or away Library And Disputes Christ's Sheep That by virtue of this Word Sin is not Only Destroyed, but Also ... That God Giveth this Grace Freely Without any Means, and that it ... That in this Work a Soul is Cleansed Both of his Special Sins and ... Acts xviii. 18 How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ... Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness Acts XXI Imperial Caesar Thesaurus Shear (5 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To cut, clip, or sever anything from with shears or a like instrument; as, to shear sheep; to shear cloth. ... /s/shear.htm - 9k Shear-jashub (1 Occurrence) Poll (5 Occurrences) Sheer (2 Occurrences) She'ar-jash'ub (1 Occurrence) Shearjashub (1 Occurrence) Shean (5 Occurrences) Shearing (6 Occurrences) Flock (242 Occurrences) Nabal (18 Occurrences) Resources Shear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shear (5 Occurrences)Genesis 31:19 Genesis 38:13 Deuteronomy 15:19 1 Samuel 25:4 Isaiah 7:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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