shepherdποιμήν
poimēn · Greek Noun
A common Old Testament metaphor for leaders, and specifically for God as the protector, provider, and guide of His people. Jesus employs this title to claim divine authority and tender care over His followers.
goodκαλός
kalos · Greek Adjective
An adjective indicating not only moral goodness or excellence, but also genuineness, nobility, and worthiness. In this context, it distinguishes Jesus as the true, ideal, and sacrificial leader compared to false or indifferent ones.
lifeψυχή
psychē · Greek Noun
In the context of the atonement, this refers to the voluntary surrender of one's physical life unto death. It signifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ for the salvation and preservation of His people.
sheepπρόβατον
probaton · Greek Noun
Used to refer to those who follow Jesus, highlighting their vulnerability, dependence, and need for divine protection. It emphasizes the communal identity of believers belonging to God's flock.
hired handμισθωτός
misthōtos · Greek Noun
A person employed for wages, often used in contrast to an owner. Biblically, it represents a leader whose commitment is transactional rather than relational, lacking true loyalty or sacrificial love.
wolfλύκος
lykos · Greek Noun
Symbolic of a dangerous external enemy, predator, or false teacher that threatens the security and spiritual well-being of the flock.
knowγινώσκω
ginōskō · Greek Verb
Beyond mere intellectual awareness, this biblical term signifies an intimate, experiential, and relational connection. It implies a deep bond of love, mutual recognition, and covenantal commitment between persons.
sheepπρόβατα
probaton · Greek Noun
In biblical usage, sheep represent the people of God who recognize and follow His voice, often contrasting with the world. Here, it refers to both Jewish believers and the Gentiles whom Jesus will gather into His kingdom.
foldαὐλή
aulē · Greek Noun
A metaphor for a communal group or religious assembly. It signifies the covenant community under the guidance and protection of the Lord.
voiceφωνή
phōnē · Greek Noun
The primary method by which God communicates His will and His presence to His people; hearing the voice implies active obedience and recognition of the Shepherd's authority.
flockποίμνη
poimnē · Greek Noun
A collective group of believers. It signifies the unity of God's people under the singular leadership of Christ, transcending previous cultural or religious divisions.
shepherdποιμήν
poimēn · Greek Noun
One who leads, feeds, and protects the flock. In a theological context, this is a title for God and specifically for Christ, emphasizing His care, sacrifice, and sovereign rule over His people.
Fatherπατήρ
patēr · Greek Noun
The first person of the Trinity, emphasizing the relational aspect of the Godhead. He is the originator of the plan of salvation and the sender of the Son.
lifeψυχή
psychē · Greek Noun
A reference to the physical death of Christ. Theologically, it signifies the voluntary self-offering of the Son of God as the substitutionary atonement for the sins of the world.
authorityἐξουσία
exousia · Greek Noun
The right, power, or prerogative to act. It indicates that Jesus possesses the divine power to control His own destiny, death, and resurrection.
