Shear
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Shear in the Bible?
Shear refers to the annual removal of wool from sheep, a labor-intensive process that served as a major economic milestone and social gathering in ancient Israelite society.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the shear clarifies the economic structure of ancient Israel and explains the social dynamics and hospitality customs depicted in narratives such as that of Nabal and David.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Shear. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shear in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shear clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Shear." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shear/