Sheep-folds are enclosures used for the protection and management of sheep, a common practice in ancient pastoral societies. These structures are frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing safety, community, and divine care. The concept of the sheep-fold is deeply embedded in the pastoral imagery of the Scriptures, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and serving as a metaphor for spiritual truths.

Biblical References and Symbolism

In the Old Testament, sheep-folds are often depicted as places of safety and rest for the flock. For instance, in Numbers 32:16, the tribes of Reuben and Gad request permission from Moses to build sheep-folds for their livestock as they settle in the land of Gilead: "Then they came up to him and said, 'We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.'" This passage highlights the importance of sheep-folds in providing security and order for the community's resources.

The imagery of the sheep-fold is further enriched in the Psalms, where it is used to describe God's protective care over His people. Psalm 78:70-72 speaks of David, chosen by God from the sheep-folds to shepherd His people: "He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them." Here, the sheep-fold serves as a metaphor for humble beginnings and divine election.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ uses the imagery of the sheep-fold to convey His role as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:1-16, Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds, emphasizing His legitimate entry into the sheep-fold and His sacrificial care for the sheep: "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." This passage underscores the themes of rightful leadership, protection, and the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep.

Cultural and Historical Context

Sheep-folds in biblical times were typically constructed from stone or wood, forming a circular or rectangular enclosure. They were often located near pastures and water sources, providing a secure environment for the sheep during the night. The entrance to the sheep-fold was guarded by a gate or door, which the shepherd would use to control access and ensure the safety of the flock.

The role of the shepherd was crucial, as he was responsible for leading the sheep to pasture, protecting them from predators, and ensuring their overall well-being. The shepherd's presence at the entrance of the sheep-fold symbolizes vigilance and care, reflecting the divine attributes of guidance and protection.

Theological Implications

The concept of the sheep-fold carries profound theological implications, particularly in understanding the relationship between God and His people. The sheep-fold represents the Church, a place of spiritual safety and community under the care of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Believers are depicted as sheep, dependent on the Shepherd for guidance, sustenance, and protection.

The imagery of the sheep-fold also emphasizes the exclusivity of Christ as the only legitimate entry point to salvation. As stated in John 10:9, "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." This highlights the necessity of faith in Christ for eternal security and the abundant life He offers.

In summary, sheep-folds in the Bible serve as a rich symbol of divine care, community, and the protective leadership of God over His people. Through the imagery of the sheep-fold, Scripture communicates the themes of safety, provision, and the intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His flock.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

8240a. shephattayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps
... 8240, 8240a. shephattayim. 8240b . perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps.
Transliteration: shephattayim Short Definition: sheepfolds. Word ...
/hebrew/8240a.htm - 5k

4942. mishpethayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps
... 4941, 4942. mishpethayim. 4943 . perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps. Transliteration:
mishpethayim Phonetic Spelling: (mish-pawth') Short Definition: sheepfolds ...
/hebrew/4942.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

723a. urvah -- a manger, crib
... Word Origin from arah, see uryah Definition a manger, crib NASB Word Usage pens
(1), sheepfolds (1), stalls (2). 723, 723a. urvah. 723b . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/723a.htm - 5k

6629. tson -- small cattle, sheep and goats, flock
... small cattle, sheep and goats, flock NASB Word Usage flock (102), flocks (58), lambs
(1), lambs* (2), Sheep (3), sheep (99), sheepfolds* (3), sheepshearers* (1 ...
/hebrew/6629.htm - 6k

The Good Shepherd.
... The sheepfolds of the East are large enclosures, open to the sky, but walled around
with reeds, or stone, or brick in order to afford a protection against ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the good shepherd.htm

Recreant Reuben
... THE BOOK OF JUDGES RECREANT REUBEN. 'Why satest then among the sheepfolds,
to hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/recreant reuben.htm

David's Weakness
... SERMON I. DAVID'S WEAKNESS. Psalm lxxviii.71, 72, 73. He chose David his
servant, and took him away from the sheep-folds. As he was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon i davids weakness.htm

Demonstration x. --Of Pastors.
... He destroyed kings and subdued the land, and gave them the land as a place of pasturage,
and divided the resting-places and the sheepfolds to his sheep. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration x of pastors.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... his own life that he might deliver his charge "out of the paw of the lion and out
of the paw of the bear," was now called "from among the sheep-folds" to the ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm

The Call of David.
... about Goliath, one of them said to him in contempt, "With whom hast thou left those
few sheep in the wilderness?" Yet God took him from the sheepfolds to make ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iv the call of.htm

The Image of Self.
... He had been a poor sheep-boy attending the flocks of his father, a farmer at Bethlehem,
and he was taken from the sheepfolds and exalted to be king. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lx the image of self.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... the youngest son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, the great grandchild of the loving
Moabitess, Ruth, the same whom God had marked beside his sheepfolds as the man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The Gospel.
... betrothed husband to the home of their fathers, Rachel's burial place, Bethlehem,
the little city, whence David had once been called away from the sheepfolds. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xx the gospel.htm

Andromeda
... That which is done, that abides; and the wrath of the sea is against us; Hers, and
the wrath of her brother, the Sun-god, lord of the sheepfolds. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

Sheepfolds (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sheepfolds (9 Occurrences). Genesis 49:14 Issachar is
a strong ass, Couching down between the sheepfolds: (ASV NAS RSV). ...
/s/sheepfolds.htm - 8k

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

Folds (18 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Folds (18 Occurrences). Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong
ass, Couching down between the sheepfolds: (ASV JPS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/f/folds.htm - 11k

Fold (23 Occurrences)
...Sheep-folds are mentioned Numbers 32:16, 24, 36; 2 Samuel 7:8; Zephaniah 2:6 ... Version
(Psalm 68:13), is rightly in the Revised Version, "among the sheepfolds.". ...
/f/fold.htm - 17k

Pens (8 Occurrences)
... Pens (8 Occurrences). Numbers 32:16 They came near to him, and said, "We will build
sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones: (See NIV) ...
/p/pens.htm - 8k

Pot (46 Occurrences)
... by the general term "vessel"; for the King James Version "pots" (Psalm 68:13) the
Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "sheepfolds." The root is ...
/p/pot.htm - 25k

Sheep (413 Occurrences)
... forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know
his voice" (John 10:4). 4. Old Testament References: The sheepfolds of Reuben ...
/s/sheep.htm - 52k

Large-boned (1 Occurrence)
... Large-boned (1 Occurrence). Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong ass, Couching down
between the sheepfolds: (See JPS). Large, Large-boned. Largeness . ...
/l/large-boned.htm - 6k

Watercourses (14 Occurrences)
... of heart. (WEB ASV). Judges 5:16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds,
To hear the whistling for the flocks? At the watercourses ...
/w/watercourses.htm - 11k

Whistling (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Whistling (4 Occurrences). Judges 5:16 Why did you
sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the whistling for the flocks? ...
/w/whistling.htm - 8k

What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16? | GotQuestions.org

What is sheep stealing? | GotQuestions.org

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