Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "breeder" is not explicitly used; however, the concept of breeding, particularly in relation to livestock and agriculture, is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The practice of breeding animals and cultivating plants is deeply rooted in the agrarian society of the ancient Near East, where the biblical narrative unfolds.
Biblical ContextThe Bible frequently references the breeding of livestock as a sign of wealth and blessing. In Genesis, the patriarchs are often depicted as shepherds and herdsmen, with their prosperity closely tied to the size and health of their flocks and herds. For instance, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are all described as having large numbers of livestock, which were considered a measure of their wealth and God's favor.
In
Genesis 30:37-43, we find a detailed account of Jacob's breeding practices. Jacob, seeking to increase his own wealth, employs selective breeding techniques to ensure that his flocks grow strong and numerous. This passage illustrates the importance of breeding in the economic and social life of the biblical patriarchs:
"Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. And he set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And the flocks bred in front of the branches, and they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted." (
Genesis 30:37-39)
Theological SignificanceBreeding in the Bible is often associated with themes of divine blessing and providence. The multiplication of flocks and herds is frequently seen as a sign of God's favor. In
Deuteronomy 28:4, as part of the blessings for obedience, it is stated: "The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks."
Conversely, a decrease in livestock or infertility among animals is sometimes depicted as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure. This is evident in the curses outlined in
Deuteronomy 28:18: "The fruit of your womb will be cursed, as well as the produce of your land, the calves of your herds, and the lambs of your flocks."
Cultural and Historical InsightsIn ancient Israel, breeding was not only a practical necessity but also a skill that required knowledge and wisdom. The ability to manage and increase one's livestock was crucial for survival and prosperity. The biblical text reflects an understanding of animal husbandry practices that were advanced for their time, as seen in Jacob's strategic breeding methods.
The role of a breeder, though not explicitly named, was vital in maintaining the livelihood of families and communities. Livestock provided not only food but also clothing, labor, and trade goods. The success of breeding efforts could significantly impact the social and economic standing of individuals and families.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsThe Bible also addresses the ethical treatment of animals, which would have been a concern for breeders.
Proverbs 12:10 states, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This verse underscores the moral responsibility of those who care for animals, including breeders, to treat them with kindness and respect.
In summary, while the term "breeder" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the practice of breeding is integral to the biblical narrative, reflecting themes of divine blessing, human responsibility, and ethical stewardship of God's creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who, or that which, breeds, produces, brings up, etc.
2. (n.) A cause.
Strong's Hebrew
5349. noqed -- sheep raiser, sheep dealer, sheep tender... 5348, 5349. noqed. 5350 . sheep raiser, sheep dealer, sheep tender.
Transliteration: noqed Phonetic Spelling: (no-kade') Short Definition:
breeder.
...Library
The Hindrances to Mourning
... himself? Surely of the sinner's laughter it may be said, It is mad' (Ecclesiastes
2:2), whereas holy mourning is thebreeder of joy. It...
How Moses Made War with the Ethiopians.
... As soon, therefore, as Moses was come to the land which was thebreeder of these
serpents, he let loose the ibes, and by their means repelled the serpentine...
Faith
... Is not this horrid ingratitude? This enhances a sin, and makes it of a crimson
colour. (3) Unbelief is a leading sin. It is thebreeder of sin....
Little Sins
... what is it that burns down the habitation of man, or robs the reaper of his harvest?
It is this solitary spark,"the one spark"thebreeder of the flames....
Life at Herrnhut.
... and yet at the same time do his very best to found an independent denomination,
he would soon be denounced as a traitor to the Church and abreeder of schism...
Guests at an Imperial Banquet
... platonist, Hypatia. He is also a most enthusiastic sportsman,breeder of
horses, and patriot. He is, moreover, a married man. He...
A Description of Heart-Purity
... And if infidelity be thebreeder and fomenter of so much sin, then the unbelieving
heart must needs be an impure heart. 5 A covetous heart is an impure heart....
The High Woods
... or more aloft. The forester pats the sides of his favourite tree, as a
breeder might that of his favourite racehorse. He goes on...
Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits
... Christ raised to the crown by his cross is the greatbreeder of faith. Christ rising
from the dead is a marvel; yet it is the keystone of the arch of faith....
A Sermon for the Time Present
... "Let not thine hands be slack" in any one part of holy service. Fear is a dreadful
breeder of idleness; but courage teaches us indomitable perseverance....
Thesaurus
Breeder (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, breeds, produces, brings
up, etc. 2. (n.) A cause. Multi-Version Concordance
Breeder (1 Occurrence).
...Breeding (3 Occurrences)
Breed (6 Occurrences)
100000 (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheepbreeder; and he rendered to the king
of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred...
Rendered (30 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheepbreeder; and he rendered to the king
of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred...
Mesha (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheepbreeder; and he rendered to the king
of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred...
Supply (40 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheepbreeder; and he rendered to the king
of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred...
Wool (34 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheepbreeder; and he rendered to
the king of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred...
Polygamy
... The highest office assigned her has beenbreeder of children, and for one-half of
them-the daughters-she could have no possible hope or ambition. See WOMAN....
Rams (81 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheepbreeder; and he rendered to the king
of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred...
Resources
Breeder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
