### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βόσκω (bóskō, `{{G1006}}`) fundamentally signifies the act of "to pasture," "to feed," or "to graze." It is a prolonged form of a primary verb, closely related to βοῦς (bous), meaning "ox" or "cattle," and βιβρώσκω (bibroskō), "to eat." This etymological connection underscores its primary application to the feeding and tending of livestock. The word encompasses both the direct provision of food (fodder) and the act of guiding animals to pasture where they can graze. Reflexively, it can describe animals themselves grazing. In its semantic range, βόσκω moves from the literal act of animal husbandry to a broader sense of providing sustenance and care, laying groundwork for its significant metaphorical usage in the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
βόσκω appears in several key New Testament passages, revealing both its literal and profound metaphorical applications.
Literally, the term is used in the Synoptic Gospels to describe the feeding of swine:
* In the account of the Gerasene demoniac, the demons are cast into a herd of pigs [[Matthew 8:30]], [[Matthew 8:33]], [[Mark 5:11]], [[Mark 5:14]], [[Luke 8:32]], [[Luke 8:34]]. Here, βόσκω denotes the literal pasturing or feeding of these animals.
* Similarly, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son's lowest point is depicted as him desiring to eat the pods that the pigs he was hired to βόσκω (feed) were eating [[Luke 15:15]]. These instances consistently portray the physical act of caring for and providing for animals, often in a context of uncleanliness or destitution.
The most theologically significant use of βόσκω occurs in the Gospel of John, in Jesus' post-resurrection dialogue with Peter:
* Following Peter's threefold denial, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, and each time commands Peter to "feed" His sheep or lambs [[John 21:15]], [[John 21:17]]. In [[John 21:15]], Jesus uses βόσκω when commanding Peter to "feed my lambs" (τὰ ἀρνία μου βόσκε). In [[John 21:17]], the command is again to "feed my sheep" (τὰ πρόβατά μου βόσκε). Notably, in [[John 21:16]], Jesus uses ποιμαίνω (poimainō, `{{G4165}}`), "to shepherd," "to tend," which encompasses a broader sense of care and leadership beyond just feeding. The alternating use of βόσκω and ποιμαίνω suggests that while feeding is a crucial aspect of pastoral care, it is part of a larger responsibility of shepherding.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of βόσκω is enriched by its relationship with several other Greek terms:
* ποιμαίνω (poimainō, `{{G4165}}`): "to shepherd," "to tend a flock." As seen in John 21, ποιμαίνω denotes the comprehensive care of a shepherd, including leading, protecting, and guiding, of which βόσκω (feeding) is a vital component.
* ποιμήν (poimēn, `{{G4166}}`): "shepherd." This noun refers to the one who performs the actions of both βόσκω and ποιμαίνω.
* πρόβατον (probaton, `{{G4263}}`) and ἀρνίον (arnion, `{{G721}}`): "sheep" and "lamb" respectively. These are the primary objects of the feeding and shepherding actions, metaphorically representing believers in Christ.
* τροφή (trophē, `{{G5160}}`): "food," "nourishment." This noun represents the substance provided through the act of βόσκω.
* The contrast between feeding literal, unclean swine and feeding Christ's "lambs" and "sheep" highlights the spiritual purity and sacredness of the latter task.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of βόσκω is most profoundly felt in Jesus' command to Peter in John 21. Here, the literal act of feeding animals transforms into a potent metaphor for spiritual nourishment and pastoral care within the Christian community.
1. **Restoration and Commission:** Jesus' repeated command to "feed my lambs" and "feed my sheep" serves as Peter's restoration and recommissioning after his denial. It underscores that true love for Christ (ἀγαπάω, φιλέω) is demonstrated through sacrificial service to His people.
2. **Pastoral Responsibility:** The command establishes a fundamental responsibility for spiritual leaders—to provide spiritual sustenance, guidance, and teaching to the flock of God. This "feeding" involves the proclamation of God's Word, the administration of the sacraments, and the nurturing of believers in their faith.
3. **Care for the Vulnerable:** The specific mention of "lambs" (ἀρνία) alongside "sheep" (πρόβατα) suggests a particular emphasis on caring for the newest, weakest, or most vulnerable members of the flock, requiring gentle and consistent nourishment.
4. **Divine Ownership:** The possessive "my lambs" and "my sheep" emphasizes that the flock belongs to Christ. Those who "feed" them are merely stewards, acting on behalf of the True Shepherd.
### Summary
The Greek verb βόσκω (bóskō, `{{G1006}}`) denotes the act of pasturing or feeding, initially applied to the literal care of livestock, particularly swine in the Synoptic Gospels. Its profound theological significance emerges in John 21, where Jesus employs it metaphorically to commission Peter to "feed" His lambs and sheep. This command transcends mere physical sustenance, symbolizing the vital spiritual nourishment and pastoral care required for God's people. In conjunction with ποιμαίνω (to shepherd), βόσκω encapsulates a core aspect of Christian leadership: a loving, sacrificial commitment to provide spiritual sustenance, guidance, and protection to the flock of Christ, recognizing their divine ownership and inherent value.
TRV