עֵדֶר

The Hebrew word עֵדֶר (ʿēḏer) denotes a collected group of animals, most frequently livestock like sheep and goats. It conveys the idea of an organized aggregation, a "muster" or "arrangement" of animals under the care of a shepherd. This term emphasizes the communal nature of these animals as they move and graze together, often implying their dependence on a shepherd or owner for guidance and protection. Its semantic range is largely confined to this concrete meaning, consistently referring to herds or flocks.

In biblical usage, עֵדֶר often appears in narratives concerning pastoral life, such as Jacob’s dealings with Laban’s animals or David’s tending of his father’s sheep. It highlights the importance of animal husbandry in ancient Israelite society and the role of the shepherd. The well-being and management of these flocks were vital for sustenance and economic stability. The term points to God’s care and provision for his people, sometimes likening them to a flock under his benevolent watch. It also appears in poetic contexts, further illustrating the familiar imagery of flocks in the ancient world.