The Greek compound noun archipoimen combines archē (chief, first) and poimēn (shepherd), meaning 'chief shepherd' or 'head shepherd.' This compound appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 5:4, where Peter contrasts the Chief Shepherd — Jesus Christ — with the under-shepherds (elders/pastors) who serve under His authority.
Peter's use of archipoimen in 1 Peter 5:4 is theologically decisive for understanding pastoral ministry. Every elder, pastor, or bishop exercises under-shepherd authority delegated by Christ, the Chief Shepherd. This means: (1) Pastors are accountable to a higher Shepherd; (2) Their authority is derivative, not self-generated; (3) Their model is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11); and (4) Faithful under-shepherds will receive 'the crown of glory that will never fade away' when the Chief Shepherd appears. The title simultaneously elevates and humbles pastoral ministry — great dignity, complete accountability.