Sheep
In Scripture, sheep are both literal animals and a common image for God’s people, who need His care, guidance, and protection. The image also highlights human vulnerability and dependence.
At a Glance
In Scripture, sheep are both literal animals and a common image for God’s people, who need His care, guidance, and protection. The image also highlights human vulnerability and dependence.
Description
In the Bible, sheep are actual flock animals important to everyday life, sacrifice, and pastoral imagery, but they also serve as a major theological picture of God’s people. Scripture uses the image to stress dependence, vulnerability, and the tendency to stray, as well as the Lord’s compassionate care for those who belong to Him. The Old Testament frequently presents the Lord as the Shepherd of His people, and the New Testament applies shepherd language especially to Jesus Christ, who knows, leads, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep. The figure should not be pressed in every detail beyond the point intended by a given passage, but taken broadly it communicates the believer’s need for divine guidance and the faithful care God provides.