ποιμαίνω (poimainō)
poimainō
to shepherd
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb poimainō literally means to tend a flock or provide pasture for sheep. In the Old Testament Greek translation, it regularly translates the Hebrew root meaning to feed or graze animals. This concrete image of caring for livestock forms the basis for its broader metaphorical use in the New Testament, where it describes spiritual guidance and provision.
While the physical act involves supplying food, poimainō extends to governing and nurturing souls. Jesus uses this term when commissioning Peter to care for his followers in John 21:16, linking authority with service. Similarly, Revelation depicts Christ ruling nations with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15) and the Lamb leading people to living waters (Revelation 7:17), showing how divine leadership combines protection with sustenance.
Translators often render poimainō as "shepherd" or "feed," depending on context. The word emphasizes active care rather than passive ownership. Whether applied to earthly rulers in Acts 20:28 or to Christ’s ultimate victory, the term consistently points to a leader who provides for and protects those under their charge.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word poimainō paints a picture of active, daily care. It is not merely about owning sheep but about providing for their needs—food, water, and protection from danger. When Jesus uses this term in John 21:16, He invites Peter to join Him in the humble work of tending His flock. This shifts our understanding of leadership from authority over people to service for them.
In your own life, this concept reminds us that God’s care is practical and personal. He does not just watch from a distance; He leads us to living waters and wipes away our tears, as seen in Revelation 7:17. Similarly, those called to lead in the church are tasked with feeding the assembly, ensuring that spiritual needs are met with genuine love rather than obligation.
This word invites us to trust in a Shepherd who never fails. Whether you are leading others or being led by Christ, the promise is one of sustenance and safety. We can rest in the knowledge that our Provider knows exactly what we need and supplies it with grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will shepherd3×
- do shepherd2×
- to shepherd1×
- to rule1×
- shepherds1×
- shepherding;1×
- shepherding,1×
- he will shepherd1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ποιμανεῖ4×
- ποιμαίνειν2×
- ποίμαινε1×
- ποιμάνατε1×
- ποιμαίνοντες·1×
- ποιμαίνοντα,1×
- ποιμαίνει1×
Key Verses
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John 21:16
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
Jesus explicitly commands Peter to 'Tend my sheep,' linking the verb poimainō directly to the responsibility of loving care for believers.
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Revelation of John 7:17
for the Lamb who is in the middle of the throne shepherds them and leads them to springs of life-giving waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
This verse shows the Lamb actively shepherding the faithful, leading them to life-giving waters and removing their sorrow.
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Acts 20:28
Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
Paul instructs elders to shepherd the church, highlighting that this role is a divine appointment by the Holy Spirit.
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Matthew 2:6
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’”
This prophecy identifies the Messiah as the one who will shepherd Israel, connecting royal authority with pastoral care.