Brief Overview of βόσκω (G1006: boskō)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word “βόσκω” (transliterated as boskō) is a verb that primarily means “to feed” or “to pasture.” This term is rooted in the practice of tending and feeding livestock, particularly sheep, which was a common occupation in ancient agricultural societies. The word is closely related to the noun “βοσκή” (boskē), meaning “pasture” or “grazing,” indicating a direct connection to the activity of feeding animals.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In various lexicons, including BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s exhaustive concordance, “βόσκω” is defined consistently as “to feed” or “to tend.” BDAG, a leading lexicon for New Testament Greek, emphasizes that “βόσκω” is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the act of spiritual shepherding or providing for others, beyond just the physical act of feeding animals. Thayer’s lexicon also points out this dual usage, where the word can refer both to literal feeding and to the care or guidance provided by leaders, particularly in a pastoral context.

The word “βόσκω” appears in several key New Testament passages. For example, in John 21:15-17, Jesus repeatedly tells Peter to “feed my lambs” or “feed my sheep,” using the verb “βόσκω” to emphasize Peter’s role as a spiritual shepherd. This metaphorical use highlights the importance of providing not just physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment and care. Similarly, in Luke 15:15, the term is used in a literal sense when the Prodigal Son is sent to feed pigs, illustrating the menial and humbling nature of the task.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, “βόσκω” is primarily used in the context of agriculture, where it refers to the act of feeding or pasturing animals. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey provide examples of this usage, where shepherds are described as tending their flocks on the hills and plains. The word “βόσκω” is employed to convey the daily responsibilities of those who care for livestock, which was a vital part of ancient Greek life.

Another example can be found in the works of Xenophon, a historian and soldier, who uses the term in his writings on farming and animal husbandry. Xenophon’s detailed descriptions of the proper care for animals reflect the importance of the verb “βόσκω” in the everyday life of the Greeks.

Additionally, in the works of Theocritus, a poet known for his pastoral poetry, “βόσκω” is often used to evoke idyllic scenes of shepherds and their flocks, emphasizing the peaceful and harmonious relationship between man and nature.

Summary:
The Greek word “βόσκω” (boskō) is a verb that means “to feed” or “to pasture,” with roots in the agricultural practices of ancient Greece. It is consistently defined across major lexicons as relating to the act of feeding animals, particularly livestock, and by extension, caring for others in a metaphorical sense.

In the New Testament, “βόσκω” is used both literally, as in the story of the Prodigal Son, and metaphorically, as in Jesus’ charge to Peter to “feed my sheep,” highlighting its dual significance in both physical and spiritual contexts. Classical Greek literature, from Homer to Xenophon and Theocritus, also employs the term to describe the essential work of shepherds and the care of livestock, underscoring its importance in ancient Greek society.

Overall, “βόσκω” serves as a powerful word that conveys the responsibilities of care, provision, and guidance, whether in the fields of ancient Greece or in the spiritual teachings of the New Testament.