Sheep - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Sheep
[ 1,,G4263, probaton ]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., Matthew 12:11-Matthew 12:12;
(b) metaphorically, of those who belong to the Lord, the lost ones of the house of Israel, Matthew 10:6; of those who are under the care of the Good Shepherd, e.g., Matthew 26:31; John 10:1, lit., "the fold of the sheep," and John 10:2-27; John 21:16-John 21:17 in some texts; Hebrews 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, Matthew 25:33; of the clothing of false shepherds, Matthew 7:15;
(c) figuratively, by way of simile, of Christ, Acts 8:32; of the disciples, e.g., Matthew 10:16; of true followers of Christ in general, Romans 8:36; of the former wayward condition of those who had come under His Shepherd care, 1 Peter 2:25; of the multitudes who sought the help of Christ in the days of His flesh, Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34.
[ 2,,G4263, probation ]
a diminutive of No. 1, "a little sheep," is found in the best texts in John 21:16-John 21:17 (some have No. 1); distinct from arnia, "lambs" (John 21:15), but used as a term of endearment.
Note: For "keeping sheep," Luke 17:7, RV, See CATTLE.