Poimaino describes tending a flock and, in rulership contexts, governing people or nations.

The verb most often occurs for tending or directing a flock, including charges concerning sheep, a flock, and self-directed care; it also describes a ruler’s action toward people, nations, or Gentiles, including rule with an iron rod.

1. Tending or directing a flock · dominant

   In 1 Corinthians 9:7, the present indicative occurs in the question about someone caring for a flock and receiving its milk. In Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2, the infinitive and plural aorist form stand with oversight of God’s flock; John 21:16 gives the singular present command concerning sheep. Luke 17:7 places the participle alongside a slave’s field work, while Jude 1:12 applies the participle to persons “shepherding themselves.”

   1 Corinthians 9:7Acts 20:281 Peter 5:2John 21:16Luke 17:7Jude 1:12
2. Ruling peoples or nations · common

   In Matthew 2:6, the future form is said of a ruler who will act toward Israel. In Revelation 2:27, Revelation 12:5, and Revelation 19:15, the clause concerns peoples, Gentiles, or nations with an iron rod; Revelation 7:17 places the future form alongside guiding people to springs of life-giving water.

   Matthew 2:6Revelation 2:27Revelation 12:5Revelation 19:15Revelation 7:17

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the supplied verses, the APB regularly presents the verb with “shepherd,” whether the object is a flock, sheep, Israel, nations, or Gentiles. In Revelation 7:17, “guide” follows in the verse.