Topical Encyclopedia
The term "ewe" refers to a female sheep, a domesticated animal that holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible. Sheep, including ewes, are frequently mentioned in Scripture, often symbolizing purity, innocence, and the people of God. The imagery of sheep and shepherds is deeply woven into the biblical narrative, illustrating the relationship between God and His people.
Biblical References and Symbolism1.
Sacrificial System: In the Old Testament, sheep, including ewes, were integral to the sacrificial system established by God. Ewes, as part of the flock, were often used in offerings. For instance, in
Leviticus 3:6, the peace offering could be from the flock, either male or female, without blemish. This requirement underscores the importance of purity and perfection in offerings to God.
2.
Symbol of Innocence and Purity: Ewes, like lambs, are often associated with innocence and purity. This symbolism is evident in passages such as
Isaiah 53:7, where the suffering servant is likened to a lamb led to the slaughter, emphasizing submission and innocence.
3.
God as Shepherd: The imagery of God as a shepherd and His people as sheep is prevalent throughout Scripture.
Psalm 23:1 states, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." This metaphor highlights God's guidance, provision, and care for His people, akin to a shepherd's care for his flock, which includes ewes.
4.
Parables and Teachings of Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses sheep in His parables and teachings. In
John 10:14-15 , Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep." Here, the relationship between Jesus and His followers is likened to that of a shepherd and his sheep, emphasizing care, sacrifice, and intimate knowledge.
5.
The Lost Sheep: The parable of the lost sheep in
Luke 15:3-7 illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost. Although the parable does not specify the gender of the sheep, the inclusion of ewes in the flock is implicit. This account underscores God's love and mercy, as He seeks to bring every lost soul back into the fold.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Israel, sheep were a vital part of the agrarian economy, providing wool, milk, and meat. Ewes, as the female members of the flock, were essential for reproduction and the growth of the flock. The care and management of sheep were common occupations, with shepherds playing a crucial role in society. This cultural backdrop enriches the biblical metaphors of sheep and shepherds, making them relatable and powerful for the original audience.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of ewes and sheep in biblical symbolism extends beyond mere agricultural references. It reflects profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The imagery of sheep highlights themes of dependence, guidance, and redemption. Believers are called to recognize their need for the Good Shepherd, who provides, protects, and ultimately sacrifices Himself for the well-being of His flock.
In summary, the ewe, as part of the broader category of sheep, serves as a rich symbol in the biblical narrative, illustrating key aspects of faith, sacrifice, and divine care.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The female of the sheep, and of sheeplike animals.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
EWEu (rachel, `ul, seh, "a female sheep"):
Rachel (compare pr. note Rachel, and Arabic rachala, "to migrate") is the ordinary Hebrew word for ewe, but is translated "sheep," though with clear indication of sex in context, inIsaiah 53:7 andSongs 6:6 (the Revised Version (British and American) "ewes"). `Aloth, participle of `ul, "to suckle" (compare Arabic ghal) is found inPsalm 78:71 andIsaiah 40:11 (the King James Version "are with young," the English Revised Version "that give suck," the American Standard Revised Version "have their young"). In1 Samuel 6:7, 10 occurs paroth `aloth, "milch kine." Seh, inLeviticus 22:28, while translated "ewe," might from the context be "ewe" or "shegoat" and indeed seems to be used here as a term applying equally to either, being used elsewhere for one of a flock of sheep or goats.
SeeSHEEP.
Alfred Ely Day
Strong's Hebrew
3535. kibsah --ewe lambkibsah or kabsah. 3534, 3535. kibsah or kabsah. 3536 .
ewe lamb. Transliteration:
kibsah or kabsah Phonetic Spelling: (kib-saw') Short Definition: lamb.
...7353. rachel --ewe
... 7352, 7353. rachel. 7354 .ewe. Transliteration: rachel Phonetic Spelling:
(raw-kale') Short Definition: ewes. Word...ewe, sheep. From...
3776. kisbah -- aewe lamb
... kisbah. 3777 . aewe lamb. Transliteration: kisbah Phonetic Spelling: (kis-baw')
Short Definition: lamb.... of keseb Definition aewe lamb NASB Word Usage lamb (1...
7716. seh -- one of a flock, a sheep (or goat)
... 2), sheep and one (1), sheep* (1). lesser, small cattle,ewe, goat, lamb,
sheep. Or sey {say}; probably from sha'ah through the idea...
5763. ul -- to nurse, give suck
... to suckle. A primitive root; to suckle, ie Give milk -- milch, (ewe great)
with young. 5762, 5763. ul. 5764 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Of the Parables of the LostEwe and the Lost Drachma.
... Chapter VII."Of the Parables of the LostEwe and the Lost Drachma. You
shall have leave to begin with the parables, where you...
David not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery.
... he was accused of his crime by a prophet, who, when he had come to show him his
sin, set before him the parable of the poor man who had but oneewe-lamb, and...
And with what Moderation and Self-Restraint those Men Used their...
... he was accused of his crime by a prophet, who, when he had come to show him his
sin set before him the parable of the poor man who had but oneewe-lamb, and...
Certain Other Divine Precepts the Apostolic Description of Charity...
... The shepherd's patience seeks and finds the strayingewe: [9143] for Impatience
would easily despise oneewe; but Patience undertakes the labour of the quest...
The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of...
... The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing,
save one littleewe-lamb, which he possessed, and nourished up; and it had been...
Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies.
... Expected; not known; sent into the orb. 60 Seeking the "ewe" he had not lost
before,. The... 85 Perishing. Ever perishes the "ewe:". And...
Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation These...
... Now, of course the (parable of) the two sons will point to the same end as (those
of) the drachma and theewe: for it has the self-same cause (to call it forth...
Of St. Paul, and the Person whom He Urges the Corinthians to...
... are, to bring about the (desired) end of the man, grace your harangue with all the
allurements of mercy in your power, and under the parable of the "ewe" go in...
The Day was Near Its End. ...
... They came upon aewe lying in the roadway. She looked up with a mute appeal, but
moved not.... Then laying hold of her fleece, he moved theewe tenderly aside....
Chapter xxi
... And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made
a covenant, Abraham (namely) set sevenewe lambs apart by themselves, And...
Thesaurus
Ewe (8 Occurrences)... (n.) The female of the sheep, and of sheeplike animals. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.
EWE. u (rachel, `ul, seh, "a female sheep"): Rachel (compare pr.
...Ewe-lamb (4 Occurrences)
Ewe-lamb.Ewe,Ewe-lamb.Ewe-lambs . Multi-Version ConcordanceEwe-lamb
(4 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:10 And on the eighth day he...
Ewe-lambs (3 Occurrences)
Ewe-lambs.Ewe-lamb,Ewe-lambs. Ewes . Multi-Version Concordance
Ewe-lambs (3 Occurrences). Genesis 21:28 And Abraham...
Lambs (107 Occurrences)
... And the Lord was pleased with Abel's offering; (BBE). Genesis 21:28 Abraham
set sevenewe lambs of the flock by themselves. (WEB...
Rachel (42 Occurrences)
...Ewe, "the daughter", "the somewhat petulant, peevish, and self-willed though beautiful
younger daughter" of Laban, and one of Jacob's wives (Genesis 29:6, 28)....
Defect (62 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish,
and oneewe lamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of...
Ewes (7 Occurrences)
Sheep (413 Occurrences)
... is probaton. For other names, see notes under CATTLE;EWE; LAMB; RAM. 2.
Zoology: The origin of domestic sheep is unknown. There...
Blemish (71 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:10 "On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish,
and oneewe lamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of...
Seven (404 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Genesis 21:28 Abraham set sevenewe lambs
of the flock by themselves. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
Who was Uriah the Hittite? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pets? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Nathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgEwe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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