Topical Lexicon
OverviewStrong’s Greek 4166 presents the shepherd both as a literal caretaker of livestock and as a spiritual caretaker of people. Across its eighteen New Testament occurrences the term gathers Israel’s pastoral heritage, prophetic hope, Christ’s redemptive work, and the church’s ongoing ministry.
Shepherds at the Nativity (Luke 2)
The first Gospel witnesses to Christ’s birth were working shepherds:
•Luke 2:8 – “And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.”
•Luke 2:15 – The shepherds hasten to Bethlehem.
•Luke 2:18, 20 – Their testimony amazes listeners and turns to worship.
These verses highlight God’s grace toward society’s humble laborers and foreshadow the universal reach of the gospel. The watchful night-shepherds also parallel the vigilant ministry later entrusted to church elders.
Compassion for the Shepherd-less (Matthew 9:36;Mark 6:34)
“When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Christ’s pity reveals the tragic vacuum created by negligent religious leaders, recallingEzekiel 34. The Lord answers the need by sending laborers (Matthew 9:37-38) and by personally feeding and teaching the multitudes (Mark 6:34). Shepherding thus becomes the pattern for gospel proclamation and discipleship.
The Good Shepherd Discourse (John 10:1-18)
Seven occurrences cluster inJohn 10:
• 10:2 – authentic access through the gate
• 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
• 10:12 – contrast with the hired hand
• 10:14 – intimate mutual knowledge
• 10:16 – “one flock and one shepherd,” embracing Gentiles
Here the pastoral title reveals Christ’s sacrificial love, covenant fidelity, and missionary breadth. The cross is interpreted as the Shepherd’s deliberate self-offering, securing abundant life for His flock (10:10). Unity under one Shepherd answers Old Testament promises (Isaiah 40:11;Micah 5:4).
Prophetic Striking and Scattering (Matthew 26:31;Mark 14:27)
On the night of His arrest Jesus citesZechariah 13:7: “I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” The quotation affirms divine purpose (“I will strike”) and anticipates the disciples’ flight. Yet the resurrection regathers and re-commissions them, displaying the Shepherd’s triumph over judgment.
The Great and Chief Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20;1 Peter 2:25)
Hebrews 13:20 names Christ “the great Shepherd of the sheep,” resurrected by “the blood of the eternal covenant.” His ongoing ministry equips believers for obedience (13:21).
1 Peter 2:25 celebrates conversion as a return “to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Here pastoral care extends to eternal guardianship, assuring perseverance amid suffering.
Pastors as Christ’s Gifts to the Church (Ephesians 4:11)
“And it was He who gave some to be … pastors and teachers.” The title “pastor” translates 4166, rooting church leadership in the Shepherd’s own ministry. Pastors are Christological gifts, charged to mature the body through truth and love (Ephesians 4:12-16). Their work is relational (knowing the flock), protective (warding off false teaching), and sacrificial (modeling Christ).
Historical Background
In first-century Judea shepherds lived with their flocks, guiding them to pasture, defending against predators, and counting them into the fold at night. Though viewed as humble, even marginal, their role was indispensable. This social reality enriches parallels between physical and spiritual care: constant presence, personal knowledge of each animal, and willingness to risk one’s life (1 Samuel 17:34-35).
Old Testament Roots
Key passages—Psalm 23;Isaiah 40:11;Jeremiah 23;Ezekiel 34;Zechariah 13:7—portray the LORD as Shepherd, denounce corrupt leaders, and promise a coming Davidic shepherd. The New Testament applies all three strands to Jesus, declaring Him both divine Shepherd and promised Son of David (John 10:11;Revelation 7:17).
Moral and Ministry Qualities Drawn from 4166
• Sacrificial love (John 10:11).
• Vigilant protection (John 10:12-13;Acts 20:28-31).
• Intimate knowledge of the flock (John 10:14).
• Guidance into unity and mission (John 10:16).
• Teaching that feeds and matures (Mark 6:34;Ephesians 4:12-15).
• Accountability before God (1 Peter 5:4).
Eschatological Shepherding
The risen Christ gathers a global flock now, yet ultimate fulfillment awaits His return when “the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd” (Revelation 7:17). Shepherd imagery thus brackets redemptive history—from Bethlehem’s fields to the new creation.
Practical Applications for Today
1. Christ-centered Leadership: Pastors model the Good Shepherd’s character, prioritizing people over position.
2. Congregational Response: Believers gladly hear His voice, follow His lead, and imitate His care toward others.
3. Mission Focus: “Other sheep” still await the gospel; one flock under one Shepherd remains the church’s aim.
4. Assurance: The Great Shepherd’s resurrection secures every promise; scattered sheep can return in repentance and find restoration.
Through Strong’s 4166 the New Testament weaves a tapestry of humble beginnings, compassionate ministry, atoning death, victorious resurrection, and ongoing pastoral care—each thread drawing Christians into deeper trust and faithful service under the eternal Shepherd of their souls.
Forms and Transliterations
ποιμενα ποιμένα ποιμενας ποιμένας ποιμενες ποιμένες ποιμένι ποιμένος ποιμενων ποιμένων ποιμέσι ποιμην ποιμήν ποιμὴν poimen poimēn poimḗn poimḕn poimena poiména poimenas poiménas poimenes poiménes poimenon poimenōn poiménon poiménōnLinks
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