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Bible Dictionaries
Sheep
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words
or from probaino, "to go forward," i.e., of the movement of quadrupeds, was used among the Greeks of small cattle, sheep and goats; in the NT, of "sheep" only (a) naturally, e.g., Matthew 12:11,12; (b) metaphorically, of those who belong to the Lord, the lost ones of the house of Israel, Matthew 10:6; of those who are under the care of the Good Shepherd, e.g., Matthew 26:31; John 10:1 , lit., "the fold of the sheep," and John 10:2-27; 21:16,17 in some texts; Hebrews 13:20; of those who in a future day, at the introduction of the millennial kingdom, have shown kindness to His persecuted earthly people in their great tribulation, Matthew 25:33; of the clothing of false shepherds, Matthew 7:15; (c) figuratively, by way of simile, of Christ, Acts 8:32; of the disciples, e.g., Matthew 10:16; of true followers of Christ in general, Romans 8:36; of the former wayward condition of those who had come under His Shepherd care, 1 Peter 2:25; of the multitudes who sought the help of Christ in the days of His flesh, Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34 .
a diminutive of No. 1, "a little sheep," is found in the best texts in John 21:16,17 (some have No. 1); distinct from arnia, "lambs" (ver. 15), but used as a term of endearment.
Note: For "keeping sheep," Luke 17:7 , RV, see CATTLE.These files are public domain.
Vines, W. E., M. A. Entry for 'Sheep'. Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ved/s/sheep.html. 1940.
