What is a…
fold

also known as: sheepfold, sheep-fold or sheep pen

This is an enclosure for fences, walls or other means for flocks (sheep or goats) to rest together and be safe. Shepherds who had folds would release the flock into the pastures in the morning and bring them into the fold at dusk, counting them carefully to be sure none were missing.

Sheepfolds are mentioned in Numbers 32:16, 32:24, 32:36; 2 Samuel 7:8; Zeph. 2:6; etc.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. —John 10:1

It was prophesied of the cities of Ammon (Ezek. 25:5), Aroer (Isaiah 17:2), and Judea, that they would be folds or a resting place for flocks.

Psalm 68:13 King James Version

“Among the pots” in Psalm 68:13 KJV, is translated in the New King James Version as “among the sheepfolds” (Psa. 68:13 NKJV; Psa. 68:13 NASB; Psa. 68:13 ESV) —“sheep pen” (Psa. 68:13 NIV).

More information

• What and who is a shepherd?
• Answers about sheep in the Bible
• Predators of sheep: wolf, lion, bear, eagle, robbers, thieves, invading tribes and armies
• Sheep Gate
• Sheep market
• What does the Bible say about goats?