### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsônêʼ**, represented by `{{H6792}}`, translates to **a flock; sheep**. It is a specific term that appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, highlighting its use in particular contexts related to livestock and creation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H6792}}` is used in both practical and poetic ways. First, it is mentioned in a command regarding settlement, where the people are instructed to build cities for their families and folds for their **sheep** [[Numbers 32:24]], linking the care of flocks directly to the establishment of communities. Second, it appears in a psalm that describes humanity's dominion over the natural world, listing **sheep** and oxen as primary examples of the animals under human authority [[Psalms 8:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the role and management of livestock:
* `{{H1448}}` **gᵉdêrâh** (folds): Defined as an "enclosure (especially for flocks); (sheep-) cote (fold) hedge, wall," this word is used directly with `{{H6792}}` to describe the protective structures built for **sheep** [[Numbers 32:24]].
* `{{H504}}` **ʼeleph** (oxen): This term for "an ox or cow" appears alongside **sheep** in the list of animals over which humanity has dominion, highlighting the agricultural and domestic animals central to Israelite life [[Psalms 8:7]].
* `{{H929}}` **bᵉhêmâh** (beasts): Meaning "a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal," this word refers to a wider category of creatures, including the **beasts** of the field, placing **sheep** within the larger animal kingdom [[Psalms 8:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6792}}` is derived from its specific contexts.
* **Covenant and Provision:** In [[Numbers 32:24]], the command to build folds for **sheep** is part of fulfilling a spoken promise. This connects the practical care for flocks with faithfulness and the responsibilities of community settlement.
* **Dominion over Creation:** The inclusion of **sheep** in [[Psalms 8:7]] serves as a key illustration of the created order. It affirms a theological principle where humanity is given stewardship and authority over the animal kingdom, including domestic flocks.
* **Foundations of Community:** The pairing of building cities for little ones `{{H2945}}` with building folds for **sheep** `{{H6792}}` suggests that the welfare of the flock was considered a foundational element for a stable and prosperous community [[Numbers 32:24]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H6792}}` is a rarely used term for **sheep**, its appearances are significant. It is not merely a label for an animal but is used to frame important biblical concepts. It connects the tangible act of caring for a flock to the larger themes of establishing a community, keeping one's word, and understanding humanity's place within the divinely established order of creation.
TRV