βόσκω

I feed

Definition

The verb βόσκω primarily means 'to feed' or 'to pasture,' specifically referring to the act of providing food for animals, most often livestock like pigs or sheep. In the New Testament, it consistently describes the literal feeding of animals, as seen in the story of the Gerasene demoniac where the demons enter a herd of pigs that are feeding (Matthew 8:30-33, Mark 5:11-14, Luke 8:32-34). In John 21:15, Jesus uses this word in a metaphorical sense when he tells Peter, 'Feed my lambs,' extending the pastoral imagery to the spiritual care of believers.

Biblical Usage

βόσκω is used nine times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Its usage is almost exclusively literal, describing herds of swine being fed or pastured (e.g., Luke 8:32, 34). The sole figurative use is in John 21:15, where Jesus commissions Peter with the charge 'Feed my lambs,' applying the concrete action of animal husbandry to the spiritual responsibility of shepherding God's people.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb βόσκω (boskō), meaning 'to feed' or 'to graze.' It is related to the noun βοτάνη (botanē, G1008), meaning 'fodder' or 'herbage,' and shares a root with words concerning nourishment and growth. The term inherently carries the sense of providing sustenance, typically in a pastoral or agricultural context.

Semantic Range

While primarily a mundane term for feeding animals, βόσκω gains theological significance in John 21:15. Here, Jesus transforms its literal meaning into a profound metaphor for spiritual leadership and pastoral care within the church. Understanding this Greek word enriches the reading of this passage by highlighting the continuity between Jesus' identity as the Good Shepherd (John 10) and his delegation of shepherding duties to Peter and, by extension, to church leaders.

In the ancient agrarian society, feeding livestock was a common, daily task. The word implies active tending and provision, not merely leaving animals to graze. The association with pigs in most occurrences (Matthew 8, Mark 5, Luke 8) would have been striking to a Jewish audience, for whom pigs were unclean animals (Leviticus 11:7), adding to the narrative's sense of desolation and uncleanness in those passages.

ποιμαίνω (poimainō, G4165) — to shepherd, tend a flock; involves broader care and leadership, not just feeding. τρέφω (trephō, G5142) — to nourish or rear; a more general term for feeding people or animals.

Word Details

Scripture References