ποίμνη (poimnē)
poimnē
flock
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun poimnē simply means a flock, specifically referring to a group of sheep. It appears in four New Testament verses, grounding its meaning in the everyday reality of shepherding. In Luke 2:8, it describes the literal flocks kept by shepherds watching their fields at night, while Matthew 26:31 and 1 Corinthians 9:7 use the term to illustrate the relationship between a shepherd and his animals.
The word carries a strong metaphorical weight when applied to people. It denotes the body of those who follow Jesus as their guide and keeper. This usage highlights dependence and guidance, portraying believers not as independent agents but as members of a community under care. The term emphasizes unity and shared direction, reflecting the close bond between the shepherd and the flock.
Its etymology links it directly to the verb poimainō, meaning to feed or tend sheep. This root connection reinforces the idea that a flock exists in relation to its keeper. Translators consistently render it as "flock," preserving the image of collective identity under protection. The term remains a vivid reminder of pastoral oversight in Christian thought.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word poimnē paints a picture of simple, daily dependence. In Luke 2:8, it describes shepherds watching over their literal flock at night. This image grounds our faith in reality. We are not isolated individuals navigating life alone. Instead, we belong to a community under the care of Jesus.
This belonging brings both comfort and responsibility. When Jesus speaks of His sheep in John 10:16, He promises to gather them into one flock with one shepherd. This unity is not forced but formed through hearing His voice. It reminds us that our strength comes from staying close to the One who guides us.
Paul uses this same imagery in 1 Corinthians 9:7 to explain ministry. Just as a feeder shares in the milk of the flock, those who serve share in its life. This word invites us to rest in God’s provision and to trust His direction for our lives together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- flock2×
- flock.’1×
- flock,1×
- a flock1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ποίμνην2×
- ποίμνης.1×
- ποίμνης1×
- ποίμνη,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:8
There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
This verse establishes the literal context of shepherds guarding their sheep at night, grounding the metaphor in real pastoral care.
-
John 10:16
I have other sheep which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.
Here Jesus expands the concept of the flock to include believers from all nations, promising unity under His single leadership.
-
Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
Jesus predicts the scattering of the flock when the shepherd is struck, highlighting the vulnerability of sheep without their leader.