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Herdsman

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What is the meaning of Herdsman in the Bible?

A herdsman is an individual employed to tend livestock, such as cattle or sheep, often utilizing methods like dyeing wool to distinguish between different flocks.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the daily responsibilities and social standing of a herdsman illuminates the economic realities of ancient pastoral communities, thereby enriching the interpretation of biblical passages that reference shepherding, such as the life of David and the parables of Jesus.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Herdsman reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Herdsman in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Herdsman clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Herdsman." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/herdsman/
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