Understanding βόσκω (boskō) Strong’s G1006: The Divine Shepherd’s Care that Nourishes and Sustains His Flock

Pronunciation Guide: bos-KO (βόσ-κω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1006: The Greek verb βόσκω (boskō) primarily means “to feed” or “to tend” livestock, especially sheep or cattle. It describes the action of a shepherd providing pasture and nourishment to animals under his care. In biblical usage, this term carries deeper spiritual significance, often portraying God or the Messiah as the Divine Shepherd who feeds, tends, and cares for His people.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Origin: Ancient Greek, derived from Proto-Indo-European roots related to feeding and nourishment
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, pastoral metaphors, and teaching passages
• Voice: Active and present tense form, indicating ongoing action
• Semantic Domain: Animal husbandry, pastoral care, provision

βόσκω Morphology:

• βόσκω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I feed/tend
• βόσκεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you feed/tend
• βόσκει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it feeds/tends
• βόσκομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we feed/tend
• βόσκουσι(ν) (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they feed/tend
• βόσκων (present active participle, masculine nominative singular) – feeding/tending
• βόσκειν (present active infinitive) – to feed/tend

Origin & History

The verb βόσκω has ancient origins, appearing in classical Greek literature as early as Homer’s works, where it describes the basic agricultural practice of pasturing animals. In the Iliad, Homer uses forms of βόσκω to describe the feeding of livestock, particularly in peaceful pastoral settings that contrast with the war narratives. Xenophon, in his “Oeconomicus,” employs the term when discussing proper agricultural management, including the care of grazing animals.

In the Septuagint (LXX), βόσκω appears notably in Genesis 29-30, describing Jacob’s shepherding duties for Laban, and in Ezekiel 34, where God condemns the false shepherds of Israel who fed themselves instead of the flock. This latter usage established an important theological foundation for understanding spiritual leadership as “shepherding” that would later be developed in the New Testament. The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen and Gregory of Nazianzus, expanded on this pastoral imagery, using βόσκω to describe the role of church leaders in nourishing believers with spiritual food through teaching and guidance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Literal Feeding: The physical action of providing food for livestock, allowing them to graze in pastures
• Sustained Care: The ongoing responsibility of a shepherd to manage, protect, and guide the flock
• Spiritual Nourishment: Metaphorically, the provision of spiritual teaching and sustenance
• Guardianship: Careful watching over and protection of those under one’s care

βόσκω Translation Options:

• Feed – Emphasizes the provision of nourishment; most appropriate when the focus is on sustenance (Matthew 8:30)
• Tend – Captures the broader care responsibilities beyond feeding; suitable for contexts stressing ongoing care (John 21:15-17)
• Pasture – Highlights the spatial aspect of feeding in open fields; useful when location is significant
• Shepherd – Encompasses the complete role of care, protection, and guidance; best for theological contexts
• Nourish – Conveys the aspect of strengthening through provision; effective in metaphorical contexts

Biblical Usage

The verb βόσκω appears 9 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels. Its first appearance is in Matthew 8:30, where it describes a herd of swine “feeding” on a nearby hillside before the demons were cast into them. This usage provides a stark contrast to the proper biblical shepherding imagery, as pigs were considered unclean animals in Jewish culture. The most theologically significant usage occurs in John 21:15-17, where the risen Messiah commands Peter to “feed/tend” His sheep, establishing a direct connection between pastoral care and spiritual leadership in the early church.

In the Septuagint, βόσκω appears more frequently, often in contexts that establish the foundation for New Testament pastoral metaphors. The word carries particular weight in Ezekiel 34:2-3, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel who “feed” themselves instead of the flock. This passage establishes the divine expectation that leaders should prioritize the care of those entrusted to them rather than their own interests, a theme that resonates throughout both Testaments.

• **”Now there was a herd of many swine *feeding* [βοσκομένη] some distance from them.” Matthew 8:30**
• **”And behold, the whole herd of swine rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. The herdsmen who were *feeding* [βόσκοντες] them ran away…” Matthew 8:32-33**
• **”He would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were *eating* [ἤσθιον, related context to βόσκω]…” Luke 15:16**
• “So He said to him, ‘Feed** [βόσκε] My lambs.'” John 21:15**
• “He said to him, ‘Tend** [ποίμαινε] My sheep.’ He said to him the third time… ‘Feed [βόσκε] My sheep.'” John 21:16-17**

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near East, shepherding was not merely an occupation but a foundational cultural metaphor that shaped understanding of leadership, care, and provision. The role of the shepherd was multifaceted: they needed to know each animal individually, lead them to proper pasture (βόσκω), protect them from predators, and ensure they had adequate water and rest. This explains why in Hebrew thought, the term “shepherd” became synonymous with “king” or “leader” – a concept seen clearly when King David is described as one who shepherded Israel with integrity of heart (Psalm 78:70-72).

The Messiah’s use of βόσκω when commissioning Peter in John 21 draws on this rich cultural background. Especially significant is the alternation between βόσκω (feed) and ποιμαίνω (tend/shepherd) in Jesus’ commands. In the ancient world, βόσκω specifically emphasized the nourishment aspect of shepherding, while ποιμαίνω encompassed broader leadership responsibilities. By using both terms, Jesus was commissioning Peter (and by extension, all spiritual leaders) to provide both spiritual nourishment through teaching and broader pastoral care through leadership, protection, and guidance – a holistic approach to spiritual oversight that reflected the comprehensive care of ancient Near Eastern shepherds.

Theological Significance

The theological richness of βόσκω emerges most powerfully in the post-resurrection dialogue between Yeshua and Peter in John 21:15-17. By commanding Peter to “feed My lambs” and “feed My sheep” using βόσκω, the Messiah establishes a fundamental principle of spiritual leadership: genuine love for God manifests in caring nourishment of His people. This passage creates a theological bridge between love and service, between devotion to God and care for His people.

The alternation between βόσκω (feed) and ποιμαίνω (shepherd) in this passage reveals the comprehensive nature of spiritual care that God expects from those who lead His people. Just as Yahweh declared in Ezekiel 34:15, “I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest,” the Messiah calls His followers to participate in this divine shepherding ministry by providing nourishment, protection, and guidance. This reflects the heart of God Himself, who is portrayed throughout Scripture as the ultimate Shepherd (Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:11, John 10:11-14).

Moreover, the use of βόσκω in these contexts reveals God’s desire not merely to sustain His people at a minimal level, but to provide abundant nourishment that leads to flourishing. Just as a good shepherd leads sheep to lush pastures where they can eat their fill, our God provides spiritual nourishment that satisfies the deepest needs of the human heart. This truth reminds us that in יהוה’s economy, provision is never scarce but always abundant.

Personal Application

Understanding βόσκω invites us to examine both how we receive spiritual nourishment and how we provide it to others. First, we must ask ourselves: Are we regularly feeding on the rich pasture of God’s Word, allowing the Good Shepherd to nourish our souls? Just as sheep cannot survive without daily feeding, our spiritual lives require consistent nourishment through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship.

Second, those in any position of spiritual influence—whether as parents, mentors, small group leaders, or pastors—should consider the βόσκω mandate. The Messiah’s command to Peter applies to all who guide others: “If you love Me, feed My sheep.” This requires providing substantial spiritual nourishment rather than merely entertaining or managing those in our care. True spiritual leadership involves knowing the particular needs of those we serve and ensuring they receive appropriate nourishment that helps them grow toward maturity in faith. Remember that feeding others spiritually flows from our love for the Messiah, not from obligation or self-importance.

Related Words

• ποιμαίνω (poimainō) [poy-MAI-no] – To shepherd, tend, or rule over a flock; encompasses broader shepherding responsibilities beyond feeding, including protection and guidance. While βόσκω focuses specifically on the feeding aspect, ποιμαίνω addresses the comprehensive care. See G4165
• ποιμήν (poimēn) [poy-MAIN] – Shepherd, pastor; the noun form referring to the person who performs the actions of βόσκω and ποιμαίνω. This term emphasizes the identity and role of the caregiver rather than the specific action of feeding. See G4166
• τρέφω (trephō) [TREF-o] – To nourish, nurture, or bring up; often used for raising children or providing sustenance. While βόσκω is specific to feeding livestock, τρέφω has broader applications to various forms of nourishment. See G5142
• ψωμίζω (psōmizō) [pso-MID-zo] – To feed by putting small bits of food (morsels) into the mouth, as one might feed a child or someone who cannot feed themselves. This represents a more intimate and hands-on feeding than βόσκω. See G5595
• χορτάζω (chortazō) [khor-TAD-zo] – To fill or satisfy with food, to satiate hunger completely. While βόσκω refers to the ongoing provision of food, χορτάζω emphasizes the result of satisfaction and fullness. See G5526

Did You Know?

• The Greek verb βόσκω shares linguistic roots with the Latin word “pascere,” which eventually gave us the English words “pasture” and “pastor.” This etymological connection reinforces the link between the physical act of feeding sheep and the spiritual role of nourishing God’s people, a connection that has profoundly shaped Christian understanding of ministry.
• In ancient Greek agricultural practice, a βοσκός (herdsman) was considered a lower status position than a ποιμήν (shepherd). While both tended animals, the βοσκός primarily concerned himself with feeding animals, whereas the ποιμήν had broader responsibilities and higher social standing. This distinction adds depth to our understanding of Yeshua alternating between commanding Peter to “feed” (βόσκε) and “shepherd” (ποίμαινε) His sheep in John 21, suggesting both aspects were necessary for complete spiritual care.
• The root meaning of βόσκω eventually influenced several modern Greek words, including “βοσκότοπος” (grazing land) and “βοσκή” (fodder or pasture). In contemporary Greece, traditional shepherding practices that would have been familiar to the New Testament audience still continue in rural areas, with shepherds leading their flocks to seasonal pastures in a practice called “transhumance” – providing a living connection to the biblical world.

Remember This

When the Good Shepherd commands us to “feed My sheep,” He invites us to participate in His divine pattern of nourishing provision—a sacred trust that flows from love, manifests in service, and results in the flourishing of God’s beloved flock.