Sheep-Master
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Sheep-Master in the Bible?
A sheep-master, or noqedh, was a shepherd responsible for tending and managing flocks, an occupation explicitly referenced in 2 Kings 3:4.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the role of the sheep-master illuminates the economic realities and social hierarchies of ancient Near Eastern pastoralism, offering deeper insight into biblical narratives that depict rural life and livestock management.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Sheep-Master. 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 Sheep-Master in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sheep-Master clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Kings 3:4
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-Master." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sheepmaster/