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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Sheepshearers</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/sheepshearers.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/38-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/sheepshearers.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Sheepshearers</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/sheep's_clothing.htm" title="Sheep's Clothing">◄</a> Sheepshearers <a href="/topical/s/sheep-shearers.htm" title="Sheep-shearers">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical times, sheepshearing was a significant agricultural activity, marking a time of harvest and celebration. The role of sheepshearers and the event of sheepshearing are mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting both the economic and social aspects of this practice.<br><br><b>Economic Importance</b><br><br>Sheepshearing was an essential part of the agrarian economy in ancient Israel. Sheep were a valuable resource, providing wool, meat, and milk. The shearing of sheep was a time when the wool, a primary product, was harvested. This wool was used for making garments and other textiles, which were crucial for daily life and trade. The process of shearing was labor-intensive and required skilled workers, known as sheepshearers, who were often hired for this task.<br><br><b>Social and Cultural Significance</b><br><br>Sheepshearing was not only an economic activity but also a social event. It was a time of festivity and celebration, often accompanied by feasting and merrymaking. This is evident in the account of Nabal, a wealthy man from Maon, who was "shearing his sheep in Carmel" (<a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">1 Samuel 25:2</a>). The event was marked by a feast "like that of a king" (<a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">1 Samuel 25:36</a>), indicating the grandeur and social importance of the occasion.<br><br><b>Biblical References</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Genesis 38:12-13</a></b>: The account of Judah and Tamar mentions sheepshearing as a significant event. After the death of Judah's wife, he went up to Timnah to his sheepshearers, which was a customary practice. Tamar, aware of this event, used it as an opportunity to execute her plan to secure her rights within Judah's family.<br><br>2. <b>1 Samuel 25</b>: The account of Nabal and Abigail provides insight into the customs surrounding sheepshearing. David, who was in the wilderness, sent his men to Nabal during the sheepshearing festival, expecting hospitality. Nabal's refusal to provide for David's men led to a confrontation, which was averted by the wise intervention of Abigail, Nabal's wife.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/2_samuel/13-23.htm">2 Samuel 13:23-29</a></b>: The narrative of Absalom's revenge against Amnon also takes place during a sheepshearing event. Absalom invited all the king's sons to his sheepshearing in Baal Hazor, using the occasion to execute his plan against Amnon for the violation of his sister Tamar.<br><br><b>Symbolism and Lessons</b><br><br>Sheepshearing in the Bible often serves as a backdrop for significant moral and ethical lessons. The accounts associated with sheepshearing events frequently involve themes of justice, hospitality, and the consequences of one's actions. The refusal of Nabal to show hospitality during a time of abundance contrasts with the generosity expected during such celebrations. Similarly, the account of Absalom highlights the themes of vengeance and familial discord.<br><br>In summary, sheepshearers and the act of sheepshearing in the Bible are emblematic of both the economic vitality and the social customs of ancient Israel. These events provide a rich context for understanding the cultural and moral narratives within the biblical text.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/1494.htm"><span class="l">1494. gazaz -- to shear</span></a><br><b>...</b> root Definition to shear NASB Word Usage cut off (3), cut off your hair (1), shaved<br> (1), shear (3), shearers (3), shearing (2), <b>sheepshearers</b> (2), <b>sheepshearers</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1494.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm"><span class="l">6629. tson -- small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span></a><br><b>...</b> small cattle, sheep and goats, flock NASB Word Usage flock (102), flocks (58), lambs<br> (1), lambs* (2), Sheep (3), sheep (99), sheepfolds* (3), <b>sheepshearers</b>* (1 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6629.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/leupold/exposition_of_genesis_volume_1/chapter_xxxviii.htm"><span class="l">Chapter xxxviii</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then when Judah had recovered from his grief, he went up to his <b>sheepshearers</b>,<br> he and Hirah his friend, the Adullamite, to Timnah. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/sheepshearers.htm"><span class="l"><b>Sheepshearers</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Sheepshearers</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Judah was comforted, and went up to his <b>sheepshearers</b><br> to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite. (WEB KJV NAS RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sheepshearers.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/ab'salom.htm"><span class="l">Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Samuel 13:23 It happened after two full years, that Absalom had <b>sheepshearers</b><br> in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/ab'salom.htm - 29k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shearers.htm"><span class="l">Shearers (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Samuel 13:23 It happened after two full years, that Absalom had <b>sheepshearers</b><br> in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shearers.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm"><span class="l">Absalom (93 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Samuel 13:23 It happened after two full years, that Absalom had <b>sheepshearers</b><br> in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/absalom.htm - 50k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/judah's.htm"><span class="l">Judah's (18 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 38:12 And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and<br> Judah was comforted, and went up unto his <b>sheepshearers</b> to Timnath, he and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/judah's.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/timnath.htm"><span class="l">Timnath (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 38:12 And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and<br> Judah was comforted, and went up unto his <b>sheepshearers</b> to Timnath, he and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/timnath.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/timnah.htm"><span class="l">Timnah (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Judah was comforted, and went up to his <b>sheepshearers</b> to Timnah, he and his friend<br> Hirah, the Adullamite. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/timnah.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/recovered.htm"><span class="l">Recovered (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his <b>sheepshearers</b> to Timnah,<br> he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite. (See NIV). 1 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/recovered.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mourning.htm"><span class="l">Mourning (85 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his <b>sheepshearers</b> to Timnah, he<br> and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite. (See NAS). Genesis <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mourning.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/process.htm"><span class="l">Process (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 38:12 And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and<br> Judah was comforted, and went up unto his <b>sheepshearers</b> to Timnath, he and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/process.htm - 8k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Sheepshearers (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Genesis 38:12</a></span><br />After many days, Shua's daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his <span class="boldtext">sheepshearers</span> to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-23.htm">2 Samuel 13:23</a></span><br />It happened after two full years, that Absalom had <span class="boldtext">sheepshearers</span> in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV DBY NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/13-24.htm">2 Samuel 13:24</a></span><br />Absalom came to the king, and said, "See now, your servant has <span class="boldtext">sheepshearers</span>. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant."<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV DBY NAS RSV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/sheepshearers.htm">Sheepshearers</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheep-shearers.htm">Sheep-shearers (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baalhazor.htm">Baalhazor (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baal-hazor.htm">Baal-hazor (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ab'salom.htm">Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shearers.htm">Shearers (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom (93 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judah's.htm">Judah's (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/timnath.htm">Timnath (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/timnah.htm">Timnah (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/recovered.htm">Recovered (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mourning.htm">Mourning (85 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/multiplied.htm">Multiplied (109 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/process.htm">Process (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/ba'al-ha'zor.htm">Ba'al-ha'zor (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/considerable.htm">Considerable (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adullamite.htm">Adullamite (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/absalom's.htm">Absalom's (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shua's.htm">Shua's (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shuah.htm">Shuah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheepshearing.htm">Sheepshearing</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shua.htm">Shua (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheep's.htm">Sheep's (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shearing.htm">Shearing (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hirah.htm">Hirah (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dieth.htm">Dieth (192 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/comforted.htm">Comforted (56 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ended.htm">Ended (146 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adullam.htm">Adullam (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hazor.htm">Hazor (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/invited.htm">Invited (49 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/join.htm">Join (70 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beseech.htm">Beseech (85 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/e'phraim.htm">E'phraim (146 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/course.htm">Course (87 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/friend.htm">Friend (139 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/officials.htm">Officials (229 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/grief.htm">Grief (252 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/king's.htm">King's (375 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baal.htm">Baal (94 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/daughter.htm">Daughter (320 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheep.htm">Sheep (413 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim (168 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/palestine.htm">Palestine (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah (802 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