Meaning
from probaino, "to go forward," i.e., of the movement of quadrupeds, was used among the Greeks of small cattle, sheep and goats; in the NT, of "sheep" only (a) naturally, e.g., Mat 1:12-12; (b) metaphorically, of those who belong to the Lord, the lost ones of the house of Israel, Mat 10:6; of those who are under the care of the Good Shepherd, e.g., Mat 26:31, Joh 10:1, lit., "the fold of the sheep," and John 1:10-27, Joh 1:21-17 in some texts; Heb 13:20; of those who in a future day, at the introduction of the millennial kingdom, have shown kindness to His persecuted earthly people in their great tribulation, Mat 25:33; of the clothing of false shepherds, Mat 7:15; (c) figuratively, by way of simile, of Christ, Act 8:32; of the disciples, e.g., Mat 10:16; of true followers of Christ in general, Rom 8:36; of the former wayward condition of those who had come under His Shepherd care, 1Pe 2:25; of the multitudes who sought the help of Christ in the days of His flesh, Mat 9:36, Mar 6:34.
<2,,4263, probation>
a diminutive of No. 1, "a little sheep," is found in the best texts in Joh 1:21-17 (some have No. 1); distinct from arnia, "lambs" (Joh 21:15), but used as a term of endearment.
Note: For "keeping sheep," Luk 17:7, RV, see CATTLE.
