Sheep are a common symbol in the Bible, often used to represent followers of God. They are known for their innocence, docility, and reliance on a shepherd for guidance and protection. Throughout the scriptures, there are numerous references to sheep and their importance in the lives of believers.
Here are 12 Bible verses that highlight the significance of sheep:
Bible Verse About Lost Sheep
1. Luke 15:4-7
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
2. Matthew 18:12
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?”
3. Matthew 10:6
“But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
4. Ezekiel 34:16
“I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.”
5. James 5:19-20
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
6. Isaiah 53:6
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
7. Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
8. Psalm 119:176
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.”
9. 1 Peter 2:25
“For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
10. Luke 15:10
“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Bible Verse About Sheep And Shepherd
Introduction
The imagery of sheep and shepherd is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing the relationship between God and His people. In various passages, the Bible uses this analogy to describe the care, protection, and guidance that God provides for His followers. Here are 10 to 12 Bible verses that illustrate this profound relationship:
Bible Verses
- Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
- John 10:14-15 – “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.”
- Isaiah 40:11 – “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
- Ezekiel 34:12 – “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.”
- John 10:27-28 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
- Matthew 18:12-14 – “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.”
Continued Bible Verses
- Hebrews 13:20-21 – “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
- 1 Peter 2:25 – “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
- Luke 15:4-6 – “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.”
- Psalm 95:7 – “For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice,”
- John 10:11-12 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.”
- Psalm 100:3 – “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
The relationship between sheep and shepherd in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the love, protection, and guidance that God offers to His people. Just as a shepherd cares for his flock, God watches over His followers with unwavering devotion and compassion.
Bible Verse About Sheep in Danger
Sheep are often used as a metaphor in the Bible to represent God’s people and their vulnerability. Throughout the scriptures, there are many verses that discuss the importance of protecting and caring for sheep, as well as the dangers they face. Here are 10 Bible verses that highlight the concept of sheep in danger:
1. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
2. Ezekiel 34:12 (NIV)
As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
3. Matthew 18:12 (NIV)
What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?
4. Luke 15:4-6 (NIV)
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
5. John 10:12-13 (NIV)
The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
6. Psalm 119:176 (NIV)
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
7. Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
8. Jeremiah 50:6 (NIV)
“My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place.”
9. Matthew 10:16 (NIV)
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
10. 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV)
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
These verses emphasize the importance of God’s protection and guidance for His people, who are often compared to sheep in need of care and direction. As believers, we are called to rely on the Good Shepherd to lead us to safety and protect us from the dangers of the world.
