### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **poímnē**, represented by `{{G4167}}`, refers to a **flock** or **fold**. It is a contraction from `poimaínō`, the verb for tending as a shepherd. Although it appears only **5 times** across **4 unique verses**, it is used to describe both a literal group of sheep and, more significantly, the figurative community of God's people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G4167}}` has both literal and figurative applications. Its most literal use is in the nativity story, where shepherds were "keeping watch over their **flock** by night" [[Luke 2:8]]. Paul also uses it in a practical analogy, asking who "feedeth a **flock**, and eateth not of the milk of the **flock**?" [[1 Corinthians 9:7]]. The term takes on a deeper, prophetic meaning when Jesus speaks of the shepherd being smitten and "the sheep of the **flock**" being scattered [[Matthew 26:31]]. It is also central to Jesus's declaration that there will ultimately be "one **fold**" under one shepherd, uniting all His sheep [[John 10:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of the flock:
* `{{G4165}}` **poimaínō** (to tend as a shepherd): As the root verb, it signifies the act of feeding or ruling. It is used in the context of feeding a flock [[1 Corinthians 9:7]] and in prophecies of a Governor who will **rule** God's people [[Matthew 2:6]].
* `{{G4166}}` **poimḗn** (a shepherd): This noun identifies the leader and caretaker of the flock. It is the **shepherd** who is smitten, leading to the scattering of the flock [[Matthew 26:31]], and the "one **shepherd**" who will lead the unified flock [[John 10:16]].
* `{{G4263}}` **próbaton** (a sheep): This refers to the individual members that constitute the flock. The safety and unity of the **sheep** are directly tied to the presence of the shepherd [[Matthew 26:31]].
* `{{G833}}` **aulḗ** (a yard, (sheep-)fold): This term denotes a physical enclosure. Its use in [[John 10:16]] creates a distinction between the Jewish "fold" (aulē) and the universal, spiritual **flock** (poímnē) that Jesus will gather.
* `{{G5442}}` **phylássō** (to watch, keep): This verb describes the protective duty of the shepherds who were **keeping** watch over their flock in the fields [[Luke 2:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4167}}` is focused on the identity and nature of the community of believers.
* **Unity of Believers:** The promise of "one **flock**" is a powerful statement of unity in Christ, signifying that believers from all backgrounds will be gathered together into a single body [[John 10:16]].
* **Dependence on Leadership:** The image of the **flock** scattering when the shepherd is struck underscores the church's absolute dependence on Christ for guidance and protection [[Matthew 26:31]].
* **Sustenance and Care:** Paul’s analogy of feeding a **flock** illustrates the principle of spiritual provision and the relationship between a spiritual leader and the community they serve [[1 Corinthians 9:7]].
### Summary
In conclusion, `{{G4167}}` moves beyond its simple agricultural meaning to become a potent symbol for the church. It encapsulates the idea of God's people as a unified, yet vulnerable, collective that is entirely dependent on the care of its divine Shepherd. Through its specific uses in scripture, the word **flock** illustrates core theological truths about spiritual unity, divine protection, and the structure of the faith community.
TRV