"a flock of sheep, Lk. 2:8; 1 Cor. 9:7; meton. a flock of disciples, Mt. 26:31; Jn. 10:16*"
Definition and meaning
a flock of sheep, Lk. 2:8; 1 Cor. 9:7; meton. a flock of disciples, Mt. 26:31; Jn. 10:16*
In the original Greek the word is written: ποίμνη
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of poimne (G4167) across the King James Bible.
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
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Common questions
Strong's G4167 (poimne) is a Greek word that means: a flock of sheep, Lk. 2:8; 1 Cor. 9:7; meton. a flock of disciples, Mt. 26:31; Jn. 10:16* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word poimne (G4167) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4167 is poimne, a Greek word defined as: a flock of sheep, Lk. 2:8; 1 Cor. 9:7; meton. a flock of disciples, Mt. 26:31; Jn. 10:16*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
poimne is a Greek word found in the New Testament.