Dictionary of Biblical Words:
The name given to believers as composing the flock of God, Christ being the Shepherd. Younger believers are called lambs; the place of the latter is said to be in Christ’s bosom, that of the former on His shoulder, the seat of love and strength. The sheep in Matt. 25 are those nations on earth (from among the heathens) who will have accepted the everlasting gospel preached to them (Rev. 14:7), by the Jewish messengers (Matt. 25), acceptance of whom constitutes them sheep, inasmuch as in receiving Christ’s Jewish brethren they received Christ.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The same as “sheepfold,” in which the sheep were sheltered at night (1 Sam. 24:3; 2 Sam. 7:8; 1 Chron. 17:7).
Sheepfold
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Transliteration:
probaton
Meaning:
probably neuter of a presumed derivative of 4260; something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e. (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)