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G1006 · Greek · New Testament
βόσκω
Boskō
Verb
To feed, to tend (flocks)

Definition

Boskō (βόσκω) means to feed or graze animals — to tend to their nourishment by leading them to pasture. The word is used for shepherds feeding their flocks and herdsmen tending pigs. Its most theologically significant use is in the post-resurrection dialogue between Jesus and Peter in John 21, where Jesus commands Peter to "feed" His sheep.

Theological Significance

The threefold command to "feed" (boskō) and "tend" (poimainō) in John 21:15-17 is both Peter's restoration and his commission. Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), delegates the pastoral feeding of His flock to human shepherds. Every pastor and elder fulfills this charge. Faithful ministry is fundamentally an act of feeding — nourishing God's people on the Word of life.

Key Scripture Passages

Matthew 8:33
The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men.
Luke 15:15
So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
John 21:15
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
John 21:17
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
Luke 8:32
Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these.

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