Sheepcote; Sheepfold
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Sheepcote; Sheepfold in the Bible?
A sheepfold is a simple walled enclosure where sheep are driven at night for safety, often with thorny brushwood on top and sometimes a covered hut for the shepherd. In areas without danger, sheep may huddle together in the open until daylight.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical construction and daily use of sheepfolds clarifies the historical context of pastoral metaphors, illustrating the tangible reality of protection and communal care described in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Sheepcote; Sheepfold were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sheepcote; Sheepfold in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sheepcote; Sheepfold 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
"Sheepcote; Sheepfold." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sheepcote-sheepfold/