προβατικός
probatikós
G4262 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Relating to sheep; specifically, pertaining to sheep as animals, or to places, objects, or activities associated with sheep (such as a sheep market, sheepfold, or area designated for sheep). Used especially in Jerusalem to denote a gate or area connected with the movement or sale of sheep.
Semantic Range
pertaining to sheep, sheep-related (used of things such as gates or markets associated with sheep), specifically an area or structure (e.g., a gate) for leading or bringing in sheep, by extension sometimes used for a sheep market or place where sheep are gathered
Root / Etymology
From πρόβατον ('sheep') + adjectival suffix -ικός, forming an adjective meaning 'sheep-related' or 'pertaining to sheep.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
προβατικός appears only in later Greek and is a rare formation, mostly attested in Jewish Hellenistic contexts. In the New Testament, it is used with reference to the 'sheep gate' (προβατικὴ πύλη) in Jerusalem (John 5:2), an entryway associated with sheep—likely where sheep were brought into the city, possibly near the temple area for sacrifice. The standard English translation 'sheep market' (KJV) is interpretive; strictly, the Greek adjective describes the connection to sheep, not specifically to a market. The term does not appear in classical Greek literature but is attested in some later Hellenistic and rabbinic sources. Its usage is technical and local, with meaning shaped by the specific urban and cultic context of Jerusalem. The Vulgate and other ancient translations render it variably: as 'sheep pool,' 'sheep gate,' or 'sheep market,' reflecting some ambiguity about the precise referent in Jerusalem. Derivation from πρόβατον is clear and indicates the word's adjectival function. Compare related terms such as πύλη (gate) and πρόβατον (sheep).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρόβατον; relating to sheep, i.e. (a gate) through which they were led into Jerusalem:--sheep (market).
Root Family
προβατικός (probatikos) — pertaining to sheep, sheep-related
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4262-01 |
Προβατικῇ | probatike | ADJ.S DAT F SG |
sheep | to the sheep-related place | sheep-related place | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4262-01 |
John 5:2 | Προβατικῇ | probatike | ADJ.S DAT F SG |
sheep | to the sheep-related place | sheep-related place |