Lexical Summary
miklaah or miklah: Enclosure, fold, pen
Original Word:מִכְלָאָה
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:mikla'ah
Pronunciation:mik-LAH
Phonetic Spelling:(mik-law-aw')
KJV: ((sheep-))fold
NASB:fold, folds
Word Origin:[fromH3607 (כָּלָא - shut)]
1. a pen (for flocks)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
sheepfold
Or miklah {mik-law'}; fromkala'; a pen (for flocks) -- ((sheep-))fold. Comparemiklah.
see HEBREWkala'
see HEBREWmiklah
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
kalaDefinitionan enclosure, fold
NASB Translationfold (1), folds (1), sheepfolds* (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. (incorrect for ) ; —
Habakkuk 3:17; plural construct
Psalm 78:70 (object David); plural suffix
Psalm 50:9 (object he-goats). — II. see below .
Topical Lexicon
Overviewמִכְלָאָה denotes an enclosed space for domestic animals—typically a stall, sheepfold, or pen. Its literal sense of a protected enclosure becomes a vivid metaphor for the Lord’s provision, His sovereign choice of leaders, and the believer’s security amid adversity.
Occurrences in Scripture
1.Psalm 50:9 – “I have no need for a bull from your stall or goats from your pens.”
2.Psalm 78:70 – “He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds.”
3.Habakkuk 3:17 – “Though the flock is cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls…”
Historical and Cultural Background
In ancient Israel, livestock represented wealth, vocation, and daily sustenance. Stalls and folds were labor-intensive investments that safeguarded animals from predators and theft. Shepherd-kings, such as David, were trained in these enclosures to care for what was precious. Thus, מִכְלָאָה embodies both economic value and covenant stewardship.
Theological Significance
Psalm 50 confronts superficial ritualism: the God who owns every beast does not depend on sacrifices “from your stall.” The image exposes the futility of giving God what is already His and calls worshipers to heartfelt obedience.
Psalm 78 links the sheepfold to divine election. David’s promotion “from the sheepfolds” underscores that God often prepares leaders in humble, hidden places before entrusting them with public responsibility over His “flock” Israel.
Habakkuk 3:17 employs the emptied stall to portray catastrophic loss, yet the prophet still declares, “yet I will rejoice in the LORD” (3:18). Material barrenness cannot quench covenant joy; faith rests not in full folds but in the faithful Shepherd.
Christological Connections
The Good Shepherd imagery (John 10:1–18) echoes the Old Testament fold. Jesus gathers His own into a secure enclosure and lays down His life for them. He fulfills the pattern of David, brought from literal sheepfolds to shepherd God’s people (John 10:16;Ezekiel 34:23).
Implications for Worship and Ministry
• Authentic worship arises from surrendered hearts, not merely from offerings taken “out of the stall.”
• Shepherding leadership is cultivated in quiet faithfulness; ministries grow when hidden disciplines precede public platforms.
• Pastoral care mirrors the fold—providing protection, nourishment, and guidance for God’s flock.
Practical and Devotional Application
• Evaluate sacrifices: are they tokens from your “stall,” or expressions of gratitude and obedience?
• Embrace obscurity as preparation; God may be shaping you, like David, for future service.
• In seasons when the “stalls” are empty, choose Habakkuk’s resolve: rejoice in the Lord whose faithfulness transcends material lack.
Summary
מִכְלָאָה points to tangible shelters for livestock, yet Scripture elevates the term to reveal God’s ownership of all creation, His sovereign election of servants forged in humble settings, and His assurance of security even when visible resources fail.
Forms and Transliterations
מִ֝מִּכְלְאֹתֶ֗יךָ מִֽמִּכְלְאֹ֥ת מִמִּכְלָה֙ ממכלאת ממכלאתיך ממכלה mim·miḵ·lāh mim·miḵ·lə·’ō·ṯe·ḵā mim·miḵ·lə·’ōṯ mimichLah mimichleOt mimichleoTeicha mimmiḵlāh mimmiḵlə’ōṯ mimmiḵlə’ōṯeḵā
Links
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