Lexical Summary probaton: Sheep Original Word: πρόβατον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a sheepProbably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e. (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively) -- sheep(-fold). see GREEK probaino HELPS Word-studies 4263 próbaton – sheep; (figuratively) someone easily led, one way or the other (like a sheep). [4263 (próbaton) properly refers to any animal that grazes (goes out to pasture), but especially to sheep.] Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4263: πρόβατονπρόβατον, προβάτου, τό (from προβαίνω, properly, 'that which walks forward'), from Homer down, the Sept. chiefly for צֹאן, then for שֶׂה, sometimes for כֶּבֶשׂ and כֶּשֶׂב (a lamb), properly, any four-footed, tame animal accustomed to graze, small cattle (opposed to large cattle, horses, etc.), most common a sheep or a goat; but especially a sheep, and so always in the N. T.: Matthew 7:15; Matthew 10:16; Matthew 12:11; Mark 6:34; Luke 15:4, 6; John 2:14; John 10:1-4, 11f.; Acts 8:32 (from Isaiah 53:7); 1 Peter 2:25; Revelation 18:13; πρόβατα σφαγῆς, sheep destined for the slaughter, Romans 8:36. metaphorically, πρόβατα, sheep, is used of the followers of any master: Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27 (from Zechariah 13:7); of mankind, who as needing salvation obey the injunctions of him who provides it and leads them to it; so of the followers of Christ: John 10:7f, 15f, 26; John 21:16 (R G L Tr text WH marginal reading), Topical Lexicon Agrarian Context and Daily Life In first-century Judea and the wider Mediterranean, sheep were essential for meat, milk, wool, and temple sacrifices. Flocks moved freely on communal grazing land and required continual oversight. The audience of Jesus and the apostles immediately grasped the vulnerability of sheep, their dependence on a shepherd, and the high value placed on each animal (Luke 15:4–6; Matthew 12:11–12). Covenantal Marker for Israel From the Exodus onward, “sheep” became shorthand for the covenant community. Moses pleaded, “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation… that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep without a shepherd” (Numbers 27:16–17). Jesus echoes this language in Matthew 9:36, linking Israel’s distress with the absence of godly leadership: “He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. Metaphor of Vulnerability and Need Sheep wander, are unable to defend themselves, and can be scattered easily (Matthew 26:31; Zechariah 13:7). The image communicates human helplessness apart from divine guidance. Romans 8:36 cites Psalm 44:22 to describe persecuted believers: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” Messianic Compassion and Leadership Jesus’ earthly ministry is framed by shepherd language. He commissions the Twelve “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6). His miracles and teaching reveal a Shepherd who gathers, heals, and feeds the flock. Mark 6:34 places the feeding of the five thousand in this context: “He began to teach them many things” precisely because they were sheep without oversight. The Lost Sheep Motif Luke 15:4–7 presents a shepherd leaving ninety-nine to recover one lost sheep, illustrating heaven’s joy over one repentant sinner. The parable underscores individual worth as well as the Shepherd’s persistence, refuting any notion that God neglects the straying soul. Sacrificial Typology Prefiguring Christ Sheep were the most common sacrificial animal, culminating in the Passover lamb (Exodus 12). Acts 8:32 quotes Isaiah 53:7, “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,” identifying Jesus as the silent sacrificial Lamb. The substitutionary death of Christ fulfills and surpasses all earlier offerings (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18–19). The Good Shepherd and the Flock John 10 contains the richest theological exposition: These claims affirm both His deity and His saving mission. Apostolic Instruction and Church Life After the resurrection, Jesus thrice charges Peter, “Shepherd My sheep” and “Feed My lambs” (John 21:15–17), establishing pastoral ministry as a continuation of Jesus’ own care. Hebrews 13:20 designates Christ “the great Shepherd of the sheep,” grounding church leadership and perseverance in His resurrected authority. 1 Peter 2:25 reminds converts, “You were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Eschatological Separation and Judgment Matthew 25:31–46 portrays the Son of Man separating “the sheep from the goats.” The criterion is practical love toward Christ’s brethren, revealing authentic faith. This separation finalizes earthly discipleship and vindicates the righteous. Temple Commerce and Prophetic Purging John 2:14–15 notes vendors selling sheep in the temple precincts. Jesus drives them out, symbolically asserting that His body will replace the temple as the meeting place with God. The physical presence of sheep foregrounds the coming once-for-all sacrifice. Pastoral Ministry Implications 1. Shepherd-flock imagery sets the pattern for church leadership: oversight, feeding with sound doctrine, protection from wolves (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28–30). Worship, Liturgy, and Hymnody The title “Shepherd” informs prayers, creeds, and songs (“Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us”). Communion recalls the Passover lamb and the Good Shepherd who offered Himself for the sheep. Summary Strong’s 4263 (πρόβατον) threads Scripture from pastoral fields to the heavenly throne, portraying God’s people as dependent yet precious, redeemed and led by the ultimate Shepherd who willingly became the Lamb. Forms and Transliterations προβατα πρόβατα πρόβατά προβατια προβάτιά προβάτοις προβατον πρόβατον πρόβατόν προβατου προβάτου προβάτω προβατων προβάτων probata próbata próbatá probaton probatōn probáton probátōn próbaton próbatón probatou probátouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:15 N-GNPGRK: ἐν ἐνδύμασιν προβάτων ἔσωθεν δέ NAS: come to you in sheep's clothing, KJV: you in sheep's clothing, but INT: in clothing of sheep inwardly moreover Matthew 9:36 N-ANP Matthew 10:6 N-ANP Matthew 10:16 N-NNP Matthew 12:11 N-ANS Matthew 12:12 N-GNS Matthew 15:24 N-ANP Matthew 18:12 N-NNP Matthew 25:32 N-ANP Matthew 25:33 N-ANP Matthew 26:31 N-NNP Mark 6:34 N-NNP Mark 14:27 N-NNP Luke 15:4 N-ANP Luke 15:6 N-ANS John 2:14 N-ANP John 2:15 N-ANP John 10:1 N-GNP John 10:2 N-GNP John 10:3 N-NNP John 10:3 N-ANP John 10:4 N-ANP John 10:7 N-GNP John 10:8 N-NNP John 10:11 N-GNP Strong's Greek 4263 |
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