Archipoimenos
/ˌɑːr.kɪ.pɔɪˈmiː.nɒs/noun
A Greek theological title meaning “chief shepherd,” especially an epithet for Christ.
Did you know?The title appears in 1 Peter 5:4, where the Archipoimenos is associated with a lasting “crown of glory” given to faithful spiritual leaders.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peh₂-
“To protect, guard, or provide nourishment—the ancient root associated with shepherding and tending.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ποιμήν (poimēn)
“Shepherd or herdsman; literally, one who tends and protects a flock.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀρχή (archē)
“Beginning, authority, or rule; the source of the prefix archi-, “chief” or “highest.””
Koine Greek
Greek
ἀρχιποίμην (archipoimēn)
“Chief shepherd; a supreme shepherd or spiritual leader.”
1st Century CE
Greek
ὁ ἀρχιποίμην
““The Chief Shepherd,” the theological title used in 1 Peter 5:4 for Christ.”
Modern English
English
Archipoimenos
“A transliterated theological form referring to the Chief Shepherd, especially Christ.”