Lexical Summary poimné: flock Original Word: ποίμνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flock, fold. Contraction from poimaino; a flock (literally or figuratively) -- flock, fold. see GREEK poimaino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from poimén Definition a flock NASB Translation flock (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4167: ποίμνηποίμνη, ποίμνης, ἡ (contracted from ποιμενη; see ποιμήν) (from Homer (Odyssey 9, 122) on), a flock (especially) of sheep: Matthew 26:31; Luke 2:8; 1 Corinthians 9:7; tropically (of Christ's flock i. e.) the body of those who follow Jesus as their guide and keeper, John 10:16. Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery The term ποίμνη (poimnē) evokes the pastoral picture of a flock of sheep under the watchful care of a shepherd. In Palestinian culture, sheep were utterly dependent on their shepherd for guidance, protection, water, and pasture. Scripture appropriates this scene to convey God’s covenant relationship with His people, underscoring dependence, intimacy, and accountability. Occurrences in the New Testament • Luke 2:8 pictures ordinary shepherds “keeping watch over their flock by night,” setting the stage for the angelic proclamation of Messiah’s birth. Christological Significance The image converges upon Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). The scattering in Matthew and the gathering in John frame the redemptive arc: the Shepherd is smitten for the flock’s salvation, then rises to assemble a unified people under His care. Every use of ποίμνη in the New Testament either anticipates or reflects this shepherding work of Christ. Pastoral Ministry Implications Paul’s analogy in 1 Corinthians 9:7 sanctions the principle that shepherding entails both responsibility and provision. Elders are charged to “shepherd the church of God” (Acts 20:28) with sacrificial vigilance, yet the flock is equally responsible to honor and sustain faithful leaders (1 Timothy 5:17-18). The reciprocity mirrors the agricultural reality embedded in ποίμνη. Ecclesiological Applications John 10:16 supplies the theological basis for the church’s unity across ethnic and cultural lines. The one flock under one Shepherd transcends human barriers, calling believers to embrace gospel-driven reconciliation and mutual submission. Congregational life therefore displays the Shepherd’s character when it safeguards doctrinal purity, practices loving discipline, and nurtures vulnerable members. Historical Jewish Context Shepherd-flock language permeates the Old Testament (e.g., Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34). Prophets rebuked Israel’s false shepherds and promised a Davidic Shepherd-King. Jesus’ self-identification as that Shepherd in John 10 fulfills these hopes, confirming the continuity of redemptive history. Missionary Mandate John 10:16 also propels global evangelism: Christ “must bring” the other sheep, and they “will” listen. The necessity and certainty fuel missionary confidence, while the Shepherd’s voice—His word preached—remains the ordained means by which the elect are gathered. Ethical and Spiritual Lessons 1. Dependence: Sheep thrive only by heeding the Shepherd’s voice; believers flourish through obedient listening to Scripture. Worship and Hymnody Christian hymnody frequently reflects the ποίμνη motif (“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”). Such songs reinforce doctrinal truths of guidance, protection, and belonging, fostering congregational assurance in the Shepherd’s unfailing care. Summary Strong’s Greek 4167 encapsulates a theology of covenant nurture, atonement, and mission. Whether illuminating the humble fields of Bethlehem, the anguish of Gethsemane, or the apostolic defense of ministry, ποίμνη calls the church to rest under the chief Shepherd’s rod while laboring to gather every last sheep appointed to eternal life. Forms and Transliterations ποιμνη ποίμνη ποιμνην ποίμνην ποιμνης ποίμνης poimne poimnē poímne poímnē poimnen poimnēn poímnen poímnēn poimnes poimnēs poímnes poímnēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:31 N-GFSGRK: πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης NAS: AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.' KJV: the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. INT: sheep of the flock Luke 2:8 N-AFS John 10:16 N-NFS 1 Corinthians 9:7 N-AFS 1 Corinthians 9:7 N-GFS Strong's Greek 4167 |