Lexical Summary boskó: To feed, to tend Original Word: βοσκῶ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance feed, keep. A prolonged form of a primary verb (compare bibrosko, bous); to pasture; by extension to, fodder; reflexively, to graze -- feed, keep. see GREEK bibrosko see GREEK bous HELPS Word-studies 1006 bóskō – properly, feed (graze); (figuratively) spiritually nourish by feeding people the Word of God (Jn 21:15,17). While 4166 (poimḗn) focuses on "shepherding" the flock of God (caring for them), 1006 (bóskō) stresses feeding them His Word. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the root bot- Definition to feed NASB Translation feed (1), feeding (3), herdsmen (3), tend (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1006: βόσκωβόσκω; as in Greek writings from Homer down, to feed: Mark 5:14; Luke 15:15; ἀρνία, πρόβατα, John 21:15, 17 (in a figurative discourse portraying the duty of a Christian teacher to promote in every way the spiritual welfare of the members of the church); ὁ βόσκων a herdsman: Matthew 8:33; Luke 8:34. In the passive and middle (present participle βοσκόμενος, cf. Winers Grammar, § 38, 2 note) of flocks or herds, to feed, graze: Matthew 8:30; Mark 5:11; Luke 8:32. (In the Sept. for רָעָה.) Topical Lexicon Scope of the VerbThe verb βόσκω (Strong’s Greek 1006) describes the ordinary act of feeding or pasturing animals, yet in the New Testament it also carries strong pastoral overtones when applied to Christ’s flock. Of its nine occurrences, two relate directly to Jesus’ commission to Peter, one colors the misery of the prodigal son, and the remaining six appear in the accounts of the Gadarene demoniacs where swine are being pastured. Together these settings link humble, daily labor with profound spiritual realities: love-driven shepherding, the uncleanness of sin, and the liberating power of Jesus over darkness. Commissioning Peter: Love Expressed Through Feeding John closes his Gospel with the risen Lord’s threefold restoration of Peter (John 21:15–17). Twice Jesus uses βόσκω: • “Feed My lambs.” (John 21:15) The verb frames Peter’s entire apostolic vocation. Love demonstrated toward Christ must show itself in continual, self-sacrificing care for Christ’s people. The act of “feeding” is not merely dispensing information but providing what is necessary for life and growth—doctrinally, morally, and affectionately. Peter later echoes this charge when he exhorts elders to “shepherd the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2), intertwining βόσκω’s practical nurture with ποιμαίνω’s oversight. The shepherd must keep giving the flock nourishing pasture (sound teaching), safe guidance (holy example), and vigilant protection (discernment against error). The Lost Son: Feeding Swine as the Picture of Degradation In Jesus’ parable, the wayward son “was sent…to feed pigs” (Luke 15:15). βόσκω here exposes the depth of his rebellion. A Jew caring for unclean animals underscores estrangement from covenant blessings. The nastiness of the task accentuates the lavish welcome he later receives; grace reaches to the filthiest trough. The contrast between feeding swine and the father’s banquet heightens the call to repentance and the assurance of full restoration. Demoniacs of the Decapolis: Swine, Uncleanness, and Liberation Matthew 8:30; Mark 5:11; Luke 8:32 depict a “large herd of pigs…feeding” (βόσκω as participle). The herders, βόσκοντες, appear in Matthew 8:33; Mark 5:14; Luke 8:34. Several themes emerge: 1. Gentile Territory Pigs signal a non-Jewish setting (likely the Decapolis). Jesus’ authority extends beyond Israel, previewing worldwide mission. 2. Clash of Kingdoms Demons seek entry into the feeding herd, highlighting the spiritual contamination of uncleanness. Yet once Jesus grants permission, the swine rush to destruction, dramatizing evil’s self-ruin and Christ’s mastery. 3. Economic Shock and Testimony The swineherds’ flight and report broadcast the miracle, creating a ripple of witness even when local reaction is fearful. The episode warns against valuing livelihood above spiritual deliverance. Old Testament Resonance βόσκω’s imagery recalls prophetic critiques and promises: • False leaders who “feed only themselves” (Ezekiel 34:2–3). John’s Gospel deliberately places Jesus in this shepherd role; His charge to Peter is the delegated outworking of Ezekiel’s promise. Early Church Reflection Church fathers quickly connected βόσκω with pastoral office. Ignatius urged Polycarp to care for the flock “as the Lord provides you the ability to feed them.” Chrysostom saw in John 21 the pattern of restoration before ministry: only the forgiven can truly feed others. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Love precedes labor. No amount of competence compensates for a heart that lacks affection for Jesus. Summary βόσκω ranges from the mundane chore of animal husbandry to the sublime calling of under-shepherds. Whether portraying Peter’s lifelong commission, the prodigal’s lowest point, or the swineherd’s hillside, the verb consistently presses two truths: God’s people must be fed, and sin’s uncleanness demands the cleansing authority of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations Βοσκε Βόσκε βοσκειν βόσκειν βόσκεσθαι βόσκετε βοσκηθήσονται βοσκηθήσονταί βοσκήσουσιν βοσκήσω βοσκομενη βοσκομένη βοσκομένων βοσκοντες βόσκοντες βόσκουσιν βόσκων έβοσκε εβόσκησαν εβόσκοντο Boske Bóske boskein bóskein boskomene boskomenē boskoméne boskoménē boskontes bóskontesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 8:30 V-PPM/P-NFSGRK: χοίρων πολλῶν βοσκομένη NAS: swine feeding at a distance KJV: of many swine feeding. INT: of pigs many feeding Matthew 8:33 V-PPA-NMP Mark 5:11 V-PPM/P-NFS Mark 5:14 V-PPA-NMP Luke 8:32 V-PPM/P-NFS Luke 8:34 V-PPA-NMP Luke 15:15 V-PNA John 21:15 V-PMA-2S John 21:17 V-PMA-2S Strong's Greek 1006 |
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