Brief Overview of προβατικός (Strong’s G4262: probatikos)

Strong’s G4262: An adjective meaning “pertaining to sheep” or “of sheep,” deriving from πρόβατον (sheep). In New Testament usage, it appears once in John 5:2 describing the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a location significant both practically for temple sacrifices and symbolically in biblical narrative.

U- Unveiling the Word

προβατικός connects directly to sheep-related activities in Jerusalem’s temple worship. Its only New Testament appearance in John 5:2 refers to the Sheep Gate, through which sacrificial animals entered the city. The early church saw rich symbolism in this location where Jesus performed healing, connecting it to Christ as both sacrificial lamb and healing shepherd. Today, this word helps us understand both historical temple practices and their fulfillment in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προβατικός, probatikos, pro-ba-tee-KOS
• Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + ba (as in ‘father’) + tee + KOS (stressed)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πρόβατον (probaton) meaning “sheep”
• Suffix: -ικος (-ikos) forms adjectives
• The combination creates “relating to sheep”

D – Defining Meanings

• Of sheep
• Pertaining to sheep
• For sheep use
• Sheep-related

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but uses adjectival suffix to indicate relationship to sheep.

Translation Options:

1. Sheep (as adjective) – Most common in English
2. Pertaining to sheep – More precise but formal
3. Of the sheep – Captures possessive aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποιμενικός (poimenikos) [poy-men-ee-KOS] – pertaining to shepherds
• ἀρνίον (arnion) [ar-NEE-on] – lamb, more specific
• See G4262

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective:

• Case: All cases
• Nominative: προβατικός
• Genitive: προβατικοῦ
• Dative: προβατικῷ
• Accusative: προβατικόν
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: All three genders
• Declension: First/Second declension

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its architectural context in Jerusalem. Thayer’s connects it to temple worship. LSJ documents its use in agricultural contexts. Vine’s notes its singular New Testament appearance. Moulton and Milligan cite its use in commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now there is in Jerusalem by the [προβατικός] Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.” John 5:2

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of προβατικός in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

προβατικός points to both temple worship and Christ’s healing ministry. It proclaims the good news by showing how King Jesus transforms places of sacrifice into sites of healing and restoration. This word reminds us that Christ fulfills both sacrificial system and shepherd’s care, bringing wholeness where there was brokenness.

D – Did You Know?

1. Archaeological evidence confirms the location of the Sheep Gate in ancient Jerusalem.
2. The gate was rebuilt during Nehemiah’s restoration of Jerusalem.
3. Early Christian pilgrims marked this site as a place of special devotion.

Strong’s G4262: An adjective meaning “pertaining to sheep” or “of sheep,” deriving from πρόβατον (sheep). In New Testament usage, it appears once in John 5:2 describing the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a location significant both practically for temple sacrifices and symbolically in biblical narrative.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: sheep, Jerusalem, temple worship, sacrifice, healing, gates, architecture, biblical locations, John’s Gospel, temple service, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​