Strong’s G4168: A diminutive noun derived from ποίμνη (flock), meaning “little flock.” Used affectionately in the New Testament to describe Christ’s followers, emphasizing both their vulnerability and preciousness to God. The term conveys divine protection and care for the church community.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποίμνιον, as a diminutive of ποίμνη, carries special tenderness in its meaning of “little flock.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts emphasizing both the vulnerability and the precious nature of God’s people. Jesus uses it to comfort His disciples, and it appears in pastoral charges to church leaders. The early church understood this term as expressing both their dependent status and their special relationship with God. Today, it continues to remind believers of their secure position under divine care despite their smallness in worldly terms.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποίμνιον, poimnion, /poym’-nee-on/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + oym (diphthong) + nee (syllable) + on (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ποίμν- (poimn-) from ποίμνη (flock)
• Suffix: -ιον (-ion) diminutive suffix
• Function: Creates a diminutive noun indicating a small or dear flock

D – Defining Meanings

• Little flock
• Small group of sheep
• Beloved flock
• Small congregation
• Protected group

Translation Options:

• Little flock – Best captures the diminutive aspect
• Dear flock – Emphasizes the affectionate aspect
• Small congregation – Highlights the community aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποίμνη (poimnē) /poym’-nay/ – the basic word for flock – See G4167
• ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) /ek-klay-see’-ah/ – refers to church assembly – See G1577
• ἀγέλη (agelē) /ag-el’-ay/ – refers to a herd – See G34

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 2nd declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: ποίμνιον
• Genitive: ποιμνίου
• Dative: ποιμνίῳ
• Accusative: ποίμνιον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its affectionate diminutive nature. Thayer’s notes its special use for Christ’s followers. LSJ traces its usage in pastoral contexts. Vine’s highlights its emotional warmth. Strong’s connects it to tender care. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its use in familiar contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 12:32: “Fear not, little flock [ποίμνιον], for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Additional References:
Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Peter 5:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποίμνιον beautifully expresses God’s tender care for His people. It proclaims the good news that though we may be small and vulnerable in the world’s eyes, we are precious to God and secure in His kingdom promises through Christ Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποίμνιον appears 5 times in the New Testament
2. It’s used in Jesus’ only direct reference to the church as a flock
3. The diminutive form is always used in contexts of comfort or protection

Strong’s G4168: A diminutive noun derived from ποίμνη (flock), meaning “little flock.” Used affectionately in the New Testament to describe Christ’s followers, emphasizing both their vulnerability and preciousness to God. The term conveys divine protection and care for the church community.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: little flock, church, divine care, protection, vulnerability, pastoral care, Christ’s shepherding, beloved community, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, ecclesiology, pastoral ministry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​