Lexical Summary poimnion: flock Original Word: ποίμνιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flock. Neuter of a presumed derivative of poimne; a flock, i.e. (figuratively) group (of believers) -- flock. see GREEK poimne NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom poimné Definition a flock NASB Translation flock (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4168: ποίμνιονποίμνιον, ποιμνίου, τό (contracted from ποιμενιον, equivalent to ποίμνη, see ποιμήν; (on the accent cf. Winers Grammar, 52; Chandler § 313 b.)), a flock (especially) of sheep: so of a group of Christ's disciples, Luke 12:32; of bodies of Christians (churches) presided over by elders (cf. references under the word ποιμήν, b.), Acts 20:28, 29; 1 Peter 5:3; with a possessive genitive added, τοῦ Θεοῦ, 1 Peter 5:2, as in Jeremiah 13:17; τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 16, 1 [ET]; 44, 3 [ET]; 54, 2 [ET]; 57, 2 [ET]. (Herodotus, Sophicles, Euripides, Plato, Lucian, others; the Sept. chiefly for עֵדֶר and צֹאן.) Topical Lexicon Imagery of the Flock in Scriptural Revelation The word translated “flock” gathers up rich pastoral imagery common to both Testaments. A flock is defenseless without guidance, dependent upon the care, provision, and protection of a shepherd. Scripture consistently employs this picture to portray the covenant people of God—first Israel, then the church—highlighting both their vulnerability and their preciousness to the Lord. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 12:32 pictures the disciples as a “little flock,” emphasizing tender care: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom”. Old Testament Foundations Psalm 23 and Psalm 95:7 present the LORD as shepherd of His people. Prophets such as Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34) condemn false shepherds and promise a future Davidic Shepherd who will gather the scattered flock. The New Testament draws directly from this reservoir, revealing Jesus Christ as the promised Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10). Christ the Chief Shepherd Jesus fulfills and surpasses every ancient promise. He both owns and tends the flock, purchasing it “with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). As Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), He alone guarantees its ultimate security, while appointing under-shepherds—pastors and elders—to exercise delegated care. Pastoral Oversight and Accountability Acts 20 and 1 Peter 5 establish a pattern of pastoral ministry marked by vigilance, sacrificial love, theological integrity, and humble example. The flock belongs to God; leaders serve by divine appointment and will answer to the Chief Shepherd. Authority is therefore functional and protective, never exploitative. Protection from False Teachers Paul’s warning of “savage wolves” (Acts 20:29) underscores an ever-present threat. The flock is endangered when doctrine is diluted or character is corrupted. Faithful shepherds guard the gates through sound teaching, church discipline, and personal righteousness, thereby preserving both purity and unity. Assurance and Eschatological Hope The “little flock” may appear insignificant, yet it is heir to the kingdom (Luke 12:32). Final salvation is certain because it rests on the Shepherd’s promise, not the flock’s strength. When He appears, “you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4). Practical Implications for the Local Church • Identity: Believers find their primary identity as members of God’s flock, cherished and secure. Summary Strong’s Greek 4168 frames the church as a flock—small yet destined for glory, fragile yet under perfect care. The term calls every believer to rest in the Shepherd’s provision and every leader to emulate His self-giving oversight until the day He gathers the entire flock home. Forms and Transliterations ποιμνια ποίμνια ποιμνίοις ποιμνιον ποιμνίον ποίμνιον ποιμνιου ποιμνίου ποιμνιω ποιμνίω ποιμνίῳ ποιμνίων poimnio poimniō poimníoi poimníōi poimnion poímnion poimniou poimníouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 12:32 N-NNSGRK: τὸ μικρὸν ποίμνιον ὅτι εὐδόκησεν NAS: little flock, for your Father KJV: not, little flock; for it is INT: little flock for took delight Acts 20:28 N-DNS Acts 20:29 N-GNS 1 Peter 5:2 N-ANS 1 Peter 5:3 N-GNS Strong's Greek 4168 |
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