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πρόβατον

próbaton

G4263 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Domesticated small livestock animal, primarily sheep; in some contexts, a generic term for herd animals such as sheep or goats. In figurative uses, refers to a group of followers guided by a leader, often used metaphorically for people under guidance or care. Principal meaning is 'sheep,' but can extend to animals led or tended, and, by extension, to people perceived as 'flock.'

Semantic Range

sheep, small domesticated herd animal, flock animal, (figuratively) a group of followers, (metaphorically) community under guidance, members of a congregation or people under care

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root προβαίνω (to go forward, to proceed), with form indicating 'that which moves forward' or 'something that walks ahead.' The exact morphological pathway is debated; possibly formed as a substantive from the verb, or a denominal formation. Some connect it with standard ancient words for flock animals, but its etymology is not fully secure.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πρόβατον referred broadly to any small quadruped, usually domesticated herd animals, and often interchangeable with 'sheep,' but could occasionally include goats and similar livestock. By the Hellenistic and Koine period—reflected in the Septuagint and New Testament—πρόβατον overwhelmingly denotes 'sheep,' the preferred sacrificial and pastoral animal in the Israelite/Judean context. Figurative uses arise in philosophical, didactic, and religious literature, where 'sheep' represent followers or those in need of guidance. In the LXX and New Testament, πρόβατα frequently symbolize the members of a community ('flock') led or cared for by a leader or deity (e.g., shepherd imagery for kings or the divine). English Bibles typically render this as 'sheep,' but the metaphorical sense is often broader—capturing ideas of community, guidance, and vulnerability. The figurative use does not carry the later pejorative sense ('gullibility') but centers on pastoral care. The Greek distinction between πρόβατον and other words (e.g., αἴξ 'goat', ταῦρος 'bull') reflects pastoral realities of the time. Notably, the specific association with sheep is stronger in biblical Greek than in some earlier periods, reflecting cultural and religious importance of sheep in Judean and Israelite life.

Translation Consistency

primary "sheep" 38 occurrences

Primary and most natural English rendering is 'sheep.' It matches the principal meaning (domesticated small herd animal) and naturally covers extended figurative senses (flock, followers, congregation). It is also the overwhelmingly dominant existing rendering (33 of 38 occurrences), supporting consistency.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably neuter of a presumed derivative of προβαίνω; something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e. (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively):--sheep(-fold).

Root Family

πρόβατον (probaton) — sheep, small domesticated herd animal, flock animal, those who move forward

Root προβ- to go forward, advance, proceed

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4263-01 πρόβατα probata N NOM N PL sheep sheep sheep 25
G4263-02 προβάτων probaton N GEN N PL sheep of sheep sheep 12
G4263-03 προβάτου probatou N GEN N SG than a sheep of a sheep of a sheep 1

Occurrences in Scripture

38 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4263-02 Matthew 7:15 προβάτων probaton N GEN N PL sheep's of sheep of sheep
G4263-01 Matthew 9:36 πρόβατα probata N NOM N PL sheep sheep sheep
G4263-01 Matthew 10:6 πρόβατα probata N ACC N PL sheep sheep sheep
G4263-01 Matthew 10:16 πρόβατα probata N NOM N PL sheep sheep sheep
G4263-02 Matthew 12:11 πρόβατον probaton N ACC N SG sheep of sheep sheep
G4263-03 Matthew 12:12 προβάτου probatou N GEN N SG than a sheep of a sheep of a sheep
G4263-01 Matthew 15:24 πρόβατα probata N ACC N PL sheep sheep sheep
G4263-01 Matthew 18:12 πρόβατα probata N NOM N PL sheep sheep sheep
G4263-01 Matthew 25:32 πρόβατα probata N ACC N PL sheep sheep sheep
G4263-01 Matthew 25:33 πρόβατα probata N ACC N PL sheep sheep sheep
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