3787. Water ye the flock, and go and feed them. That this signifies instruction therefrom to a few, is evident from the signification of “watering the flock,” as being to instruct from the Word (n. 3772); and from the signification of the words, “go and feed them,” as being the derivative life and doctrine. (That “to go” signifies life, see above, n. 3335, 3690; and that “to feed” signifies doctrine, see also above, n. 343, and in what follows.) The arcanum which here lies hidden is that there are few who ever arrive at a full state (concerning which sta (2636) te see above, n. 2636); thus who can be regenerated.

3335. And went away. That this signifies life, is evident from the signification of “going,” as being to advance into the things of good, that is, into those of the life, for all good is of life; nearly as is signified by “departing,” “sojourning,” and “advancing” (n. 1293, 1457).