750. archipoimén

Lexicon

archipoimén: Chief Shepherd

Original Word: ἀρχιποιμήν
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: archipoimén
Pronunciation: ar-khee-poy-MANE
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khee-poy'-mane)
Definition: Chief Shepherd
Meaning: the chief shepherd.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

chief shepherd.

From arche and poimen; a head shepherd -- chief shepherd.

see GREEK arche

see GREEK poimen

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from archó and poimén
Definition
chief shepherd
NASB Translation
Chief Shepherd (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 750: ἀρχιποίμην

ἀρχιποίμην, ἀρχιποίμενος (so L T Tr WH KC (after manuscripts), but Griesbach, others ἀρχιποίμην, ἀρχιποίμενος; cf. Lob. Paralip. p 195f; Stephanus Thesaurus, under the word; Chandler § 580), ὁ, a Biblical word (Test. xii Patr. test. Jud. § 8), chief shepherd: of Christ the head of the church, 1 Peter 5:4; see ποιμήν, b.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from two Greek words: ἀρχή (archē), meaning "beginning" or "chief," and ποιμήν (poimēn), meaning "shepherd."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H7462 רָעָה (ra'ah): A Hebrew verb meaning "to pasture, tend, graze, or shepherd."
• H7463 רֹעֶה (ro'eh): A Hebrew noun meaning "shepherd" or "pastor."

These Hebrew terms are often used in the Old Testament to describe both literal shepherds and metaphorically to describe leaders or God Himself as the shepherd of His people. The concept of shepherding in both the Old and New Testaments conveys themes of leadership, care, and responsibility, culminating in the New Testament with Christ as the "Chief Shepherd."

Usage: The term ἀρχιποιμήν is used in the New Testament to refer to Jesus Christ as the supreme shepherd of His flock, the Church. It emphasizes His role as the ultimate leader and caretaker of His people.

Context: The term ἀρχιποιμήν appears in the New Testament in 1 Peter 5:4, where it is used to describe Jesus Christ as the "Chief Shepherd." This title underscores His preeminent authority and responsibility over the Church, which is often metaphorically depicted as a flock of sheep. In the context of 1 Peter 5, the apostle Peter exhorts the elders of the church to shepherd the flock of God willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain but as examples to the flock. The promise is that when the "Chief Shepherd" appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory. This passage highlights the accountability of church leaders to Christ and the reward that awaits faithful service.

The imagery of shepherding is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, with God often depicted as the shepherd of Israel (e.g., Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). Jesus Himself identifies as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10, who lays down His life for the sheep. The title "Chief Shepherd" thus encapsulates both His sacrificial love and His sovereign oversight.

In the broader biblical narrative, the role of a shepherd involves guidance, protection, provision, and care. As the "Chief Shepherd," Jesus fulfills these roles perfectly, ensuring the spiritual well-being of His followers and leading them to eternal life. This title also serves as a reminder to earthly shepherds—pastors and church leaders—of their duty to emulate Christ's example in their leadership.

Forms and Transliterations

αρχιποιμενος αρχιποίμενος ἀρχιποίμενος archipoimenos archipoímenos

Englishman's Concordance

1 Peter 5:4 N-GMS
GRK: φανερωθέντος τοῦ ἀρχιποίμενος κομιεῖσθε τὸν
NAS: And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
KJV: And when the chief Shepherd shall appear,
INT: having been revealed the chief shepherd you will receive the

Strong's Greek 750
1 Occurrence

ἀρχιποίμενος — 1 Occ.