Brief Overview of ποίμνη (Strong’s G4167: poimnē)

Strong’s G4167: A noun meaning “flock,” particularly of sheep, derived from ποιμήν (shepherd). In the New Testament, it primarily refers metaphorically to the church as Christ’s flock. The term emphasizes both the unity of believers under one Shepherd and their collective identity as God’s people.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποίμνη represents more than just a physical gathering of sheep; it embodies the concept of a unified community under pastoral care. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance as a metaphor for the church under Christ’s shepherding. The early church understood this term as expressing both their unity in Christ and their distinctive identity as God’s people. Today, it continues to convey the essential nature of the church as a gathered community under Christ’s leadership and care.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποίμνη, poimnē, /poym’-nay/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + oym (diphthong) + nay (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ποιμ- (poim-) from ποιμήν (shepherd)
• Suffix: -νη (-nē) forming a collective noun
• Function: Creates a noun indicating a collective group under shepherding care

D – Defining Meanings

• Flock
• Herd (of sheep)
• Gathered community
• Congregation
• Body of believers

Translation Options:

• Flock – Best captures both literal and metaphorical meanings
• Fold – Emphasizes the protective aspect
• Congregation – Highlights the community aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποίμνιον (poimnion) /poym’-nee-on/ – diminutive form meaning “little flock” – See G4168
• ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) /ek-klay-see’-ah/ – refers to an assembly/church – See G1577
• συναγωγή (synagōgē) /soon-ag-o-gay’/ – refers to a gathering – See G4864

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: ποίμνη
• Genitive: ποίμνης
• Dative: ποίμνῃ
• Accusative: ποίμνην

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical use for the church. Thayer’s notes its connection to pastoral imagery. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance. Strong’s connects it to collective care. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its literal usage in agricultural contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 26:31: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock [ποίμνης] will be scattered.”‘”

Additional References:
Luke 2:8, John 10:16, 1 Corinthians 9:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποίμνη beautifully expresses the unity and identity of God’s people under Christ’s care. It proclaims the good news that through Christ, we belong to God’s flock, enjoying His protection, provision, and presence as part of His gathered community.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποίμνη appears 5 times in the New Testament
2. It’s often used in prophecies about God gathering His scattered people
3. The term influenced early Christian ecclesiology

Strong’s G4167: A noun meaning “flock,” particularly of sheep, derived from ποιμήν (shepherd). In the New Testament, it primarily refers metaphorically to the church as Christ’s flock. The term emphasizes both the unity of believers under one Shepherd and their collective identity as God’s people.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: flock, sheep, church, community, unity, pastoral care, Christ’s shepherding, congregation, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, ecclesiology, collective identity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​