### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4165 (ποιμαίνω, *poimaínō*) is derived from the noun G4166 (ποιμήν, *poimēn*), meaning "shepherd." Its core meaning is to act as a shepherd, encompassing the full range of activities involved in tending a flock. This includes feeding, pasturing, guiding, protecting, and caring for sheep or cattle.
Figuratively, poimaínō extends its semantic range to describe the act of leading, ruling, governing, supervising, or caring for people. In this sense, it implies a form of leadership characterized by provision, protection, and guidance, much like a shepherd cares for their flock. The base definition provided, "to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser):--feed (cattle), rule," accurately captures both the literal and metaphorical applications of the word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word poimaínō appears several times in the New Testament, illustrating both its literal and figurative senses:
* **Literal Usage:** In [[Luke 17:7]], the word is used in its literal sense regarding a servant "tending sheep." Similarly, [[1 Corinthians 9:7]] employs it proverbially: "Who tends a flock and does not eat of the milk of the flock?" These instances ground the word in its agricultural reality.
* **Figurative Usage - Christ as Shepherd/Ruler:** A profound application of poimaínō is found in relation to Jesus Christ. In [[Matthew 2:6]], quoting [[Micah 5:2]], it is prophesied that from Bethlehem will come "a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel." Here, poimaínō clearly denotes ruling and governing, but with the compassionate oversight of a shepherd. The imagery is further developed in the book of Revelation, where Christ is depicted as one who "will rule them with an iron rod" ([[Revelation 2:27]], [[Revelation 12:5]], [[Revelation 19:15]]). While "rule" emphasizes authority and judgment, the underlying metaphor of the shepherd still implies a protective and guiding role, even in discipline.
* **Figurative Usage - Pastoral Ministry:** Perhaps the most significant New Testament usage of poimaínō is in defining the role of spiritual leaders. In [[Acts 20:28]], Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders to "shepherd the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." This verse is foundational for understanding the pastoral office, emphasizing the active care, guidance, and protection required for the Christian community. Similarly, [[1 Peter 5:2]] commands elders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you." These passages highlight that spiritual leadership is not merely administrative but deeply relational and nurturing, mirroring a shepherd's care for their sheep. Even in [[John 21:16]], Jesus' command to Peter, "Tend my sheep," uses poimaínō to signify the spiritual care and nurture of His followers.
* **Negative Application:** In [[Jude 1:12]], the term is used negatively to describe false teachers as "shepherds feeding themselves without fear," highlighting a perversion of the true shepherding role, where self-interest replaces sacrificial care for the flock.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of poimaínō is rich with related terms and concepts that deepen its meaning:
* G4166 (ποιμήν, *poimēn*): The noun "shepherd," from which poimaínō is derived. This direct relationship underscores the core identity of the one who performs the action.
* G4263 (προβατον, *probaton*): "Sheep," the primary object of the shepherd's care, representing the people of God.
* G1985 (ἐπισκοπος, *episkopos*): "Overseer" or "bishop." This term is often used alongside or interchangeably with the shepherding role in the New Testament, particularly in passages like [[Acts 20:28]] and [[1 Peter 5:2]], indicating the administrative and protective aspects of spiritual leadership.
* G4245 (πρεσβυτερος, *presbyteros*): "Elder." Another key term for church leadership, frequently linked with the functions of overseeing and shepherding.
* H7462 (רָעָה, *ra'ah*): The primary Hebrew verb for "to pasture, tend, feed, or rule." This Old Testament counterpart strongly connects the concepts of shepherding and ruling, providing the rich biblical background for the New Testament use of poimaínō. The imagery of God as shepherd ([[Psalm 23:1]], [[Isaiah 40:11]], [[Ezekiel 34:11-16]]) is foundational to understanding Christ and Christian leaders as shepherds.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of poimaínō is profound, rooted deeply in the biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people.
* **God as the Ultimate Shepherd:** The Old Testament consistently portrays Yahweh as the Shepherd of Israel, providing, guiding, and protecting His flock. This divine imagery forms the backdrop for understanding the New Testament application of poimaínō.
* **Christ as the Good Shepherd:** Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" ([[John 10:11-16]]). His shepherding is characterized by self-sacrifice (laying down His life for the sheep), intimate knowledge of His flock, and the gathering of all His sheep into one fold. The authoritative aspect of His shepherding, as seen in the Revelation passages where He "rules with an iron rod," highlights His sovereign power and righteous judgment, yet still within the context of caring for His people.
* **The Nature of Pastoral Ministry:** Poimaínō defines the very essence of spiritual leadership within the church. It is not merely about teaching or preaching, but about comprehensive, sacrificial care for the flock. This includes providing spiritual nourishment (feeding), guarding against error and danger (protecting), guiding in truth and righteousness, and exercising loving discipline. The call to "shepherd the flock of God" ([[Acts 20:28]], [[1 Peter 5:2]]) underscores the immense responsibility of elders and pastors, who are accountable to God for the care of His purchased people. It emphasizes a humble, willing, and eager service rather than a domineering one.
### Summary
The Greek verb G4165 (ποιμαίνω, *poimaínō*) literally means "to tend as a shepherd," encompassing the acts of feeding, guiding, and protecting a flock. Figuratively, it extends to the leadership and care of people, signifying ruling, supervising, and nurturing. In the New Testament, poimaínō is powerfully applied to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Shepherd who both tenderly cares for and authoritatively rules His people. Furthermore, it defines the sacred responsibility of spiritual leaders (elders/pastors) within the church, calling them to selflessly feed, guide, protect, and oversee God's flock. The word carries immense theological weight, connecting the Old Testament imagery of God as Shepherd to Christ's redemptive work and the ongoing, vital ministry of the church.
TRV