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G4262 (προβατικός)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4262
Original Word: προβατικός
Transliteration: probatikós
Pronunciation: prob-at-ik-os'
Part of Speech: adjective
Root / Etymology: from G4263 (πρόβατον);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 853

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 relating to sheep, i.e. (a gate) through which they were led into Jerusalem

sheep (market)

from G4263 (πρόβατον);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4262: An adjective meaning "pertaining to sheep" or "of sheep," deriving from πρόβατον (sheep). In New Testament usage, it appears once in John 5:2 describing the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a location significant both practically for temple sacrifices and symbolically in biblical narrative.

U- Unveiling the Word

προβατικός connects directly to sheep-related activities in Jerusalem's temple worship. Its only New Testament appearance in John 5:2 refers to the Sheep Gate, through which sacrificial animals entered the city. The early church saw rich symbolism in this location where Jesus performed healing, connecting it to Christ as both sacrificial lamb and healing shepherd. Today, this word helps us understand both historical temple practices and their fulfillment in Christ.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: προβατικός, probatikos, pro-ba-tee-KOS
Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in 'protein') + ba (as in 'father') + tee + KOS (stressed)
Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

Root: πρόβατον (probaton) meaning "sheep"
Suffix: -ικος (-ikos) forms adjectives
The combination creates "relating to sheep"

D - Defining Meanings

Of sheep
Pertaining to sheep
For sheep use
Sheep-related

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but uses adjectival suffix to indicate relationship to sheep.

Translation Options:

Sheep (as adjective) - Most common in English
Pertaining to sheep - More precise but formal
Of the sheep - Captures possessive aspect

E - Exploring Similar Words

ποιμενικός (poimenikos) [poy-men-ee-KOS] - pertaining to shepherds
ἀρνίον (arnion) [ar-NEE-on] - lamb, more specific
See G4262

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As an adjective:

Case: All cases
Nominative: προβατικός
Genitive: προβατικοῦ
Dative: προβατικῷ
Accusative: προβατικόν
Number: Singular and Plural
Gender: All three genders
Declension: First/Second declension

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its architectural context in Jerusalem. Thayer's connects it to temple worship. LSJ documents its use in agricultural contexts. Vine's notes its singular New Testament appearance. Moulton and Milligan cite its use in commercial documents.

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T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
"Now there is in Jerusalem by the [προβατικός] Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades." John 5:2

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of προβατικός in the New Testament.

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Aristotle: History of Animals	"The [προβατικός] sheep-related matters require special attention."
Strabo: Geography	"They maintained [προβατικός] sheep markets in the region."
Xenophon: Economics	"The [προβατικός] sheep pastures yielded great profit."

N - Noteworthy Summary

προβατικός points to both temple worship and Christ's healing ministry. It proclaims the good news by showing how King Jesus transforms places of sacrifice into sites of healing and restoration. This word reminds us that Christ fulfills both sacrificial system and shepherd's care, bringing wholeness where there was brokenness.

D - Did You Know?

Archaeological evidence confirms the location of the Sheep Gate in ancient Jerusalem.
The gate was rebuilt during Nehemiah's restoration of Jerusalem.
Early Christian pilgrims marked this site as a place of special devotion.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: sheep, Jerusalem, temple worship, sacrifice, healing, gates, architecture, biblical locations, John's Gospel, temple service, biblical keywords

Resources