Lexical Summary archipoimén: Chief Shepherd Original Word: ἀρχιποιμήν 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 Originfrom archó and poimén Definition chief shepherd NASB Translation Chief Shepherd (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 750: ἀρχιποίμηνἀρχιποίμην, 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 Term and Single New Testament Occurrence ἀρχιποιμήν (archipoimēn) appears once, in 1 Peter 5:4, where Peter writes, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (Berean Standard Bible). The term combines ἀρχή (“first, chief”) with ποιμήν (“shepherd”), marking an ultimate, authoritative shepherd above all others. Shepherd Imagery throughout Scripture 1. Old Testament foundations In 1 Peter 5:4, the title “Chief Shepherd” gathers all prior revelation and crowns it with eschatological authority: the risen Christ shepherds now and will appear in glory. Christological Significance The single use of ἀρχιποιμήν underscores the supremacy of Christ over every under-shepherd in the church. He alone possesses ultimate ownership of the flock (John 10:27-30) and guarantees the inheritance “that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). His past sacrifice (John 10), present oversight (1 Peter 2:25), and future appearing (1 Peter 5:4) form one seamless shepherding ministry. Implications for Church Leadership 1 Peter 5:1-3 instructs elders to shepherd “God’s flock” willingly, eagerly, and by example—not by compulsion or for dishonest gain. Their authority is derivative; they serve as under-shepherds answerable to the Chief Shepherd. This truth guards against authoritarianism and encourages humble, servant-hearted oversight (cf. Matthew 20:25-28; Acts 20:28). Eschatological Hope and Reward The promised “unfading crown of glory” links to the “unfading inheritance” of 1 Peter 1:4, contrasting with the perishable wreaths of Greco-Roman athletic games (1 Corinthians 9:25). The reward highlights grace, not merit: faithful elders shepherd because they love Christ’s flock, yet God graciously crowns that faithfulness when Christ appears (2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12). Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient Near East a shepherd’s rod, staff, and vigilant presence symbolized guidance, discipline, and sacrificial care. The prefix ἀρχι- was attached to leading figures (e.g., ἀρχιερεύς, “chief priest”). Calling Jesus ἀρχιποιμήν in a pastoral exhortation situates elders within familiar societal structures: they may hold recognized leadership, but Christ is the unrivaled Chief. Pastoral Applications Today • Shepherding mirrors Christ: feed the flock with sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), guard against wolves (Acts 20:29-31), and model holiness (1 Timothy 4:12). Relationship to Covenant and Redemption The Davidic Shepherd motif (Ezekiel 34) finds its fulfillment in Jesus, son of David. His blood established the New Covenant (Hebrews 13:20) and secures the flock’s eternal safety (John 10:28). Thus ἀρχιποιμήν is not merely a title—it encapsulates covenant faithfulness, sacrificial redemption, and eschatological triumph. Differentiating Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd Titles • Good Shepherd (John 10): focuses on sacrificial love. Together they portray one Lord exercising comprehensive pastoral care across time. Summary ἀρχιποιμήν fixes believers’ eyes on the exalted Christ who shepherds His church now and will manifest in glory. Under-shepherds serve under His watchful gaze, the flock rests in His unfailing care, and a crown that never fades awaits all who faithfully follow Him until He appears. Forms and Transliterations αρχιποιμενος αρχιποίμενος ἀρχιποίμενος archipoimenos archipoímenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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