Fence

Fence, Fenced [Heb. gadar/gader, sug; Grk. phragmos "hedge"]. Structure barriers built to mark specific boundaries usually with the purpose of protecting.

The word "fence" is used in the NKJV just two times as a translation of the verb gadar (Job 19:8) and the noun gader (Ps 62:3). However, the same term appears in a number of other instances referring to the wall built from stones which, similarly to fence, has the function of surrounding something/someone with barriers (e.g. Lam 3:7, 9; Ezek 13:5; 22:30; Hos 2:6).

The Hebrew terms conveying the meaning of fence are used in the OT with both negative and positive connotations. The term gadar/gader is used in a negative sense in the context of Job's complaining that God "fenced up his way" in order to prevent him from reaching justice (Job 19:8; cf. Lam 3:7, 9). The same term is used in a positive sense to describe a wall built around vineyards to protect them against wild animals and intruders (Num 22:24, Prov 24:30-31). In Isaiah 5:4-5, God threatens to remove the thorny hedge or fence built around His vineyard that protected them from being devoured. The term also figuratively describes a wall around God's people to prevent them from going out to practice idolatry (Hos 2:6).

Besides gadar/gader other Hebrew terms are used to convey the idea of building a fence even though the NKJV does not translate them with "fence." A good example is the word sug which metaphorically describes "the belly as a heap of wheat encircled or fenced with lilies" setting a fence around the heap of wheat by surrounding it with lilies (Song 7:2 [NAS]). It may also convey the idea of surrounding the agricultural land with a fence in order to make it fruitful (Isa 17:11 [NAS]). Cities, especially fortified cities, had strong wall fences (Josh 2:5; 2 Chr 11:10; 21:3; Amos 1:7, 10). Satan accused God of putting a hedge around Job and his family so as to secure Job's loyalty (Job 1:10). God promised to make Jeremiah like a fortified city with bronze walls against Judah (Jer 1:18).

Even though the term "fence" is not used in the NKJV translation of the NT, the idea is present. For example, a fence is implicitly mentioned in the parable of the wicked vinedressers in which the landowner "set a hedge around it" (Matt 21:33; Mark 12:1). Ultimately, the NT develops the OT idea of a vineyard as a symbol of God's people and portrays Jesus as our spiritual fence. Jesus is also depicted as serving as a door, protecting His sheep from thieves and robbers and enabling them to go in and out safely (John 10:9-10).