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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding key Greek terms is essential for gaining deeper insights into the cultural and theological significance of the scriptures. One such word is νομή (nomē), found in John 10:9, where it is used to describe the provision for sheep in the context of Jesus’ teaching about being the good shepherd. This word carries significant weight as it pertains to the care, nourishment, and guidance that Jesus offers to His followers, much like a shepherd to his flock. Understanding νομή is crucial for interpreting not only New Testament passages but also how ancient Greek culture viewed the care of animals and, by extension, pastoral leadership.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νομή (nomē), pronounced no-MAY.

Etymology: The root word for νομή is νέμω (nemō), which means “to distribute” or “to pasture.” This gives νομή its association with the act of feeding or providing pasture for animals, especially sheep. It emphasizes the care and provision necessary for the wellbeing of the flock.

Part of Speech: Νομή is a feminine noun. It refers to the act of feeding or the pasture itself, where animals are led to graze. In the context of John 10:9, it metaphorically represents spiritual nourishment and the provision found in Christ as the good shepherd. The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Pasture/Feeding Place: The primary meaning of νομή is a place where animals, particularly sheep, are fed or graze. It denotes a fertile, safe area where the flock can find sustenance, echoing the pastoral imagery prevalent throughout scripture.

2. Provision/Care: In a broader sense, νομή can also imply provision or care, extending beyond the physical act of feeding to encompass the overall well-being and oversight provided by a shepherd.

3. Metaphorical Meaning in the New Testament: In the spiritual sense, νομή is used to describe the sustenance that Jesus provides for His followers. In John 10:9, where Jesus says, “They will go in and out and find pasture [νομή],” it refers to the spiritual nourishment and freedom found in Him.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Βοσκή (boskē) [pronunciation: BOS-kay]: This word also means “pasture” or “grazing,” but it is more commonly used for the act of feeding or tending animals. It focuses more on the activity of feeding rather than the place of feeding itself, as is the case with νομή.

2. Ποιμαίνω (poimainō) [pronunciation: poy-MY-no]: Meaning “to shepherd” or “to tend,” this verb emphasizes the role of the shepherd in guiding and caring for the flock, which includes leading them to νομή for nourishment. It is more concerned with the actions of the shepherd than the place where the flock grazes.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative Singular: νομή

• Nominative Plural: νομαι

• Genitive Singular: νομῆς

• Genitive Plural: νομῶν

Νομή follows the standard first-declension pattern for feminine nouns in ancient Greek. The noun changes its form depending on the case (nominative, genitive, etc.) and number (singular, plural) to reflect its role in the sentence.

For more details on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Νομή carries a dual significance in Greek lexicons. In the literal sense, it refers to the act of feeding or providing pasture for livestock, particularly sheep. This meaning is deeply rooted in agricultural imagery, which was familiar to the audience of both the Old and New Testaments. However, in the New Testament, particularly in John 10:9, the word is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual provision that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, offers to His followers. The word conveys a sense of both physical and spiritual sustenance, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God as the ultimate provider and caretaker.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 10:9: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture [νομή].”

2. Acts 20:28: “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd [ποιμαίνω] the church of God.”

3. Ezekiel 34:14 (LXX): “I will feed them in a good pasture [νομή], and their grazing ground will be on the high mountains of Israel.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “The sheep grazed peacefully in their pasture [νομή].”

Xenophon Anabasis “The general provided a suitable pasture [νομή] for the army’s livestock.”

Septuagint Ezekiel 34:14 “I will feed them in a good pasture [νομή].”

Noteworthy Summary

Νομή is a word that carries rich agricultural and pastoral connotations. In ancient Greek culture and in the New Testament, it refers to a place of feeding and nourishment, whether for animals or, metaphorically, for people. In John 10:9, Jesus uses the word to emphasize His role as the Good Shepherd, providing spiritual sustenance for His followers. The word’s importance extends beyond its literal meaning, pointing to the provision, care, and safety found in a relationship with Christ.

Did You Know?

1. Νομή is used not only in biblical texts but also in classical Greek literature to describe literal grazing grounds for livestock.

2. The use of νομή in John 10:9 emphasizes the freedom and abundance of life found in Jesus, who is the ultimate shepherd.

3. The concept of νομή ties into the broader biblical imagery of God as a provider, particularly in Psalm 23, where the Lord is depicted as a shepherd leading His people to green pastures.