4166. poimén
Lexical Summary
poimén: Shepherd

Original Word: ποιμήν
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: poimén
Pronunciation: poy-MANE
Phonetic Spelling: (poy-mane')
KJV: shepherd, pastor
NASB: shepherd, shepherds, pastors
Word Origin: [of uncertain affinity]

1. a shepherd
{literally or figuratively}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
shepherd, pastor.

Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively) -- shepherd, pastor.

HELPS Word-studies

4166 poimḗn – properly, a shepherd ("pastor" in Latin); (figuratively) someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord).

[4166 (poimḗn) is closely associated with 1066 /Gedeṓn ("to feed the flock"), see Jn 21:15-17.]

.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a shepherd
NASB Translation
pastors (1), shepherd (13), shepherds (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4166: ποιμήν

ποιμήν, ποιμένος, (akin to the noun ποίᾳ, which see: (or from the root meaning 'to protect'; cf. Curtius, § 372; Fick 1:132)), from Homer down; the Sept. for רֹעֶה, a herdsman, especially a shepherd;

a. properly: Matthew 9:36; Matthew 25:32; Matthew 26:31; Mark 6:34; Mark 14:27; Luke 2:8, 15, 18, 20; John 10:2, 12; in the parable, he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow, John 10:11, 14.

b. metaphorically, the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly: so of Christ the Head of the church, John 10:16; 1 Peter 2:25; Hebrews 13:20 (of the Jewish Messiah, Ezekiel 34:23); of the overseers of the Christian assemblies (A. V. pastors), Ephesians 4:11; cf. Ritschl, Entstehung der altkathol. Kirche, edition 2, p. 350f; (Hatch, Barnpron Lects. for 1880, p. 123f). (Of kings and princes we find ποιμένες λαῶν in Homer and Hesiod.)

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’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, recalling Ezekiel 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 in John 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 cites Zechariah 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 poiménōn
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 9:36 N-AMS
GRK: μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα
NAS: sheep without a shepherd.
KJV: having no shepherd.
INT: not having a shepherd

Matthew 25:32 N-NMS
GRK: ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ
NAS: them from one another, as the shepherd separates
KJV: as a shepherd divideth
INT: as the shepherd separates the

Matthew 26:31 N-AMS
GRK: Πατάξω τὸν ποιμένα καὶ διασκορπισθήσονται
NAS: I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP
KJV: I will smite the shepherd, and
INT: I will strike the shepherd and will be scattered

Mark 6:34 N-AMS
GRK: μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα καὶ ἤρξατο
NAS: without a shepherd; and He began
KJV: not having a shepherd: and he began
INT: not having a shepherd And he began

Mark 14:27 N-AMS
GRK: Πατάξω τὸν ποιμένα καὶ τὰ
NAS: I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP
KJV: I will smite the shepherd, and
INT: I will strike the shepherd and the

Luke 2:8 N-NMP
GRK: Καὶ ποιμένες ἦσαν ἐν
NAS: region there were [some] shepherds staying out in the fields
KJV: country shepherds abiding in the field,
INT: And shepherds were in

Luke 2:15 N-NMP
GRK: ἄγγελοι οἱ ποιμένες ἐλάλουν πρὸς
NAS: from them into heaven, the shepherds [began] saying
INT: angels the shepherds said to

Luke 2:18 N-GMP
GRK: ὑπὸ τῶν ποιμένων πρὸς αὐτούς
NAS: at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
KJV: them by the shepherds.
INT: by the shepherds to them

Luke 2:20 N-NMP
GRK: ὑπέστρεψαν οἱ ποιμένες δοξάζοντες καὶ
NAS: The shepherds went back, glorifying
KJV: And the shepherds returned, glorifying
INT: returned the shepherds glorifying and

John 10:2 N-NMS
GRK: τῆς θύρας ποιμήν ἐστιν τῶν
NAS: by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.
KJV: the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
INT: the door shepherd is of the

John 10:11 N-NMS
GRK: εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός
NAS: the good shepherd; the good
KJV: the good shepherd: the good
INT: am the shepherd good

John 10:11 N-NMS
GRK: καλός ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλὸς
NAS: the good shepherd lays down
KJV: shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his
INT: good The shepherd good

John 10:12 N-NMS
GRK: οὐκ ὢν ποιμήν οὗ οὐκ
NAS: He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who
KJV: and not the shepherd, whose own
INT: not who is [the] shepherd whose not

John 10:14 N-NMS
GRK: εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός
NAS: the good shepherd, and I know
KJV: am the good shepherd, and know
INT: am the shepherd good

John 10:16 N-NMS
GRK: ποίμνη εἷς ποιμήν
NAS: flock [with] one shepherd.
KJV: fold, [and] one shepherd.
INT: flock one shepherd

Ephesians 4:11 N-AMP
GRK: τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους
NAS: and some [as] pastors and teachers,
KJV: and some, pastors and
INT: some moreover shepherds and teachers

Hebrews 13:20 N-AMS
GRK: νεκρῶν τὸν ποιμένα τῶν προβάτων
NAS: the great Shepherd of the sheep
KJV: that great shepherd of the sheep,
INT: [the] dead the Shepherd of the sheep

1 Peter 2:25 N-AMS
GRK: ἐπὶ τὸν ποιμένα καὶ ἐπίσκοπον
NAS: you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian
KJV: returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop
INT: to the shepherd and overseer

Strong's Greek 4166
18 Occurrences


ποιμὴν — 7 Occ.
ποιμένα — 6 Occ.
ποιμένας — 1 Occ.
ποιμένες — 3 Occ.
ποιμένων — 1 Occ.

4165
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