Sheep-Fold
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Sheep-Fold in the Bible?
A sheep-fold is a secure enclosure designed to protect livestock from predators and theft. These structures were typically constructed from stone, brush, or timber depending on the local terrain.
SIGNIFICANCE
The fold serves as a primary cultural metaphor for security and leadership in ancient Near Eastern pastoral societies, providing essential context for understanding the agrarian imagery used in biblical narratives and parables.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Sheep-Fold were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sheep-Fold in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sheep-Fold 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
"Sheep-Fold." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sheepfold/