Bible Dictionary
Sheep
Sheep were important for food, wool, wealth, tribute, and sacrifice in biblical life. Scripture also uses sheep to portray God’s people and presents the Lord and Christ as their Shepherd.
Biblical Usage
Sheep and lambs were important sacrificial animals and were used as images of God’s people. Scripture portrays God and Christ as shepherds, believers as sheep of the pasture, and Christ as the Lamb. Sheep also symbolize meekness, submission, wandering, and dependence on a shepherd.
Scripture References
Psalms 23:1
Psalms 23:2
Psalms 74:1
Psalms 77:20
Isaiah 40:11
Isaiah 53:6
John 10:1-5
John 10:7-16
Exodus 29:22
Leviticus 3:9
Leviticus 7:3
Leviticus 9:19
Genesis 31:19
Genesis 38:12
Genesis 38:13
1 Samuel 25:4-8
1 Samuel 25:36
2 Samuel 13:23-28
Genesis 4:2
Exodus 20:24
Exodus 29:28
Leviticus 9:3
Leviticus 12:6
1 Samuel 25:18
Leviticus 13:47
Exodus 25:5
2 Kings 3:4
Job 30:1
John 10:4
Psalms 80:1
Genesis 33:13
John 10:1-16
John 10:3
Isaiah 53:7
Acts 8:32