Brief Overview of ποιμαίνω (Strong’s G4165: poimainō)

Strong’s G4165: A verb meaning “to shepherd, tend, feed,” derived from ποιμήν (shepherd). In the New Testament, it describes both literal shepherding and spiritual oversight, particularly used of Christ’s care for His church and the pastoral responsibility of church leaders.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποιμαίνω encompasses the full range of shepherding activities, from feeding and protecting to guiding and nurturing. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance, describing Christ as the Good Shepherd and defining pastoral leadership in the church. The term moves from literal shepherding to metaphorical spiritual care, emphasizing comprehensive oversight and nurture. The early church understood this term as central to both Christ’s ministry and pastoral responsibility. Today, it continues to shape our understanding of spiritual leadership and care.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποιμαίνω, poimainō, /poy-mah’-ee-no/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + oy (diphthong) + mah (syllable) + ee (vowel) + no (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: ποιμήν (poimēn) – “shepherd”
• Suffix: -αίνω (-ainō) verbalizing suffix
• Function: Creates a verb describing shepherding activity

D – Defining Meanings

• To shepherd
• To tend flocks
• To nurture
• To rule
• To guide
• To protect

Translation Options:

• Shepherd – Best captures both literal and metaphorical meanings
• Tend – Emphasizes the caring aspect
• Pastor – Highlights the spiritual leadership dimension

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βόσκω (boskō) /bos’-ko/ – refers specifically to feeding – See G1006
• ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai) /hayg-eh’-om-ahee/ – refers to leading/guiding – See G2233
• ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō) /ep-ee-skop-eh’-o/ – refers to overseeing – See G1983

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous, Punctiliar

Examples:
Present: ποιμαίνω (I shepherd)
Future: ποιμανῶ (I will shepherd)
Aorist: ἐποίμανα (I shepherded)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical shepherding. Thayer’s notes its comprehensive care aspects. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its pastoral implications. Strong’s connects it to comprehensive oversight. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its metaphorical extension.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 2:6: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd [ποιμανεῖ] my people Israel.'”

Additional References:
John 21:16, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2, Revelation 7:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποιμαίνω beautifully captures Christ’s loving care for His church and the pastoral calling to reflect His shepherding heart. It proclaims the good news that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who leads, protects, and nurtures His people with perfect love and wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποιμαίνω appears 11 times in the New Testament
2. It’s used in both Christ’s commission to Peter and Paul’s charge to the Ephesian elders
3. The word influenced the development of pastoral theology

Strong’s G4165: A verb meaning “to shepherd, tend, feed,” derived from ποιμήν (shepherd). In the New Testament, it describes both literal shepherding and spiritual oversight, particularly used of Christ’s care for His church and the pastoral responsibility of church leaders.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: shepherd, pastor, tend, spiritual leadership, pastoral care, church leadership, Christ’s care, spiritual oversight, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, pastoral ministry, church governance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​