This noun describes someone engaged in the sheep industry, whether as a breeder, trader, or tender of flocks. The term appears in connection with two notable figures: Mesha king of Moab, who is called a sheep-dealer in 2 Kings 3:4, and the prophet Amos, who identifies himself as being among the sheep-raisers of Tekoa in Amos 1:1. The word suggests a professional level of involvement with sheep, possibly on a large commercial scale, distinguishing it from ordinary shepherding. Amos's use of this term may indicate he was a sheep-breeder or livestock trader rather than a simple shepherd.