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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Shepherd</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/shepherd.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/2-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/shepherd.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Shepherd</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/shepher.htm" title="Shepher">◄</a> Shepherd <a href="/topical/s/shepherd_and_flock.htm" title="Shepherd and Flock">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "shepherd" holds significant theological and symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, representing both a literal occupation and a metaphor for leadership, care, and guidance. In ancient Near Eastern culture, shepherds were responsible for the welfare, guidance, and protection of their flocks, a role that is frequently used in Scripture to illustrate God's relationship with His people and the responsibilities of spiritual leaders. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, shepherds were common figures, often depicted as humble and dedicated caretakers. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were shepherds, highlighting the pastoral lifestyle of early Israelite society. David, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, was a shepherd before he became king. His experience as a shepherd is famously reflected in <a href="/bsb/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a>, where he writes, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (<a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>). This psalm portrays God as the ultimate Shepherd, providing, guiding, and protecting His people. The role of a shepherd is also used metaphorically to describe the leaders of Israel. In <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Ezekiel 34</a>, God condemns the leaders of Israel for failing to shepherd His people properly, saying, "Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?" (<a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2</a>). This passage underscores the expectation that leaders should care for and nurture those under their charge. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the imagery of the shepherd is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" in <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>, saying, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>). This declaration emphasizes His sacrificial love and commitment to His followers, contrasting with the hireling who abandons the sheep in times of danger. The shepherd motif is further expanded in the parable of the lost sheep, where Jesus illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost: "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" (<a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4</a>). This parable highlights God's grace and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Pastoral Leadership The concept of shepherding is also applied to church leadership in the New Testament. Elders and pastors are often referred to as shepherds, tasked with the spiritual oversight of the congregation. The Apostle Peter exhorts church leaders, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness" (<a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a>). This instruction reflects the high calling and responsibility of spiritual leaders to care for their communities with integrity and devotion. Eschatological Significance The shepherd imagery extends to eschatological themes, where Christ is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd-King who will gather His flock and lead them to eternal safety. In <a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a>, it is written, "For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (<a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a>). This vision offers hope and assurance of Christ's eternal care and provision for His people. In summary, the role of the shepherd in the Bible is a profound symbol of care, leadership, and divine love, encapsulating God's relationship with His people and the responsibilities of those called to lead in His name.<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div>ShepherdIn a nomadic state of society every man, from the sheikh down to the slave, is more or less a shepherd. The progenitors of the Jews in the patriarchal age were nomads, and their history is rich in scenes of pastoral life. The occupation of tending the flocks was undertaken,not only by the sons of wealthy chiefs, (<a href="/genesis/30-29.htm">Genesis 30:29</a>) ff.; Genesis37:12 ff., but even by their daughters. (<a href="/genesis/29-6.htm">Genesis 29:6,8</a>; <a href="/exodus/2-10.htm">Exodus 2:10</a>) The Egyptian captivity did march to implant a love of settled abode, and consequently we find the tribes which still retained a taste for shepherd life selecting their own quarters apart from their brethren in the transjordanic district. (<a href="/numbers/32-1.htm">Numbers 32:1</a>) ff. Thenceforward in Palestine proper the shepherd held a subordinate position. The office of the eastern shepherd, as described in the Bible, was attended with much hardship, and even danger. He was exposed to the extremes of heat and cold, (<a href="/genesis/31-40.htm">Genesis 31:40</a>) his food frequently consisted of the precarious supplies afforded by nature, such as the fruit of the "sycamore" or Egyptian fig, (<a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14</a>) the "husks" of the carob tree, (<a href="/luke/15-16.htm">Luke 15:16</a>) and perchance the locusts and wild honey which supported the Baptist, (<a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a>) he had to encounter the attacks of wild beasts, occasionally of the larger species, such as lions, nerves, panthers and bears, (<a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34</a>; <a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Isaiah 31:4</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a>; <a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a>) nor was he free from the risk of robbers or predators hordes. (<a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Genesis 31:39</a>) To meet these various foes the shepherd's equipment consisted of the following articles: a mantle, made probably of sheep skin with the fleece on, which he turned inside out in cold weather, as implied in the comparison in (<a href="/jeremiah/43-12.htm">Jeremiah 43:12</a>) (cf. Juv. xiv. 187.); a scrip or wallet, containing a small amount of food (<a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">1 Samuel 17:40</a>) a sling, which is still the favorite weapon of the Bedouin shepherd, (<a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">1 Samuel 17:40</a>) and lastly, a which served the double purpose of a weapon against foes and a crook for the management of the flock. (<a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">1 Samuel 17:40</a>; <a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Psalms 23:4</a>; <a href="/zechariah/11-7.htm">Zechariah 11:7</a>) If the shepherd was at a distance from his home, he was provided with a light tent, (<a href="/songs/1-8.htm">Solomon 1:8</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/35-7.htm">Jeremiah 35:7</a>) the removal of which was easily effected. (<a href="/isaiah/38-12.htm">Isaiah 38:12</a>) In certain localities, moreover, towers were erected for the double purpose of spying an enemy at a distance and of protecting the flock; such towers were erected by Uzziah and Jotham, (<a href="/2_chronicles/26-10.htm">2 Chronicles 26:10</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/27-4.htm">27:4</a>) while their existence in earlier times is testified by the name Migdal-edar (<a href="/genesis/35-21.htm">Genesis 35:21</a>) Authorized Version "a tower of Edar;" (<a href="/micah/4-8.htm">Micah 4:8</a>) Authorized Version "tower of the flock." The routine of the shepherd's duties appears to have been as follows: In the morning he led forth his flock from the fold (<a href="/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4</a>) which he did by going before them and calling to them, as is still usual in the East; arrived at the pasturage he watched the flock with the assistance of dogs, (<a href="/job/30-1.htm">Job 30:1</a>) and should any sheep stray, he had to search for it until he found it, (<a href="/ezekiel/34-12.htm">Ezekiel 34:12</a>; <a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4</a>) he supplied them with water, either at a running stream or at troughs attached to wells, (<a href="/genesis/29-7.htm">Genesis 29:7</a>; <a href="/genesis/30-38.htm">30:38</a>; <a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16</a>; <a href="/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalms 23:2</a>) at evening he brought them back to the fold, and reckoned them to see that none were missing, by passing them "under the rod" as they entered the door of the enclosure (<a href="/leviticus/27-32.htm">Leviticus 27:32</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/20-37.htm">Ezekiel 20:37</a>) checking each sheep, as it passed, by a motion of the hand, (<a href="/jeremiah/33-13.htm">Jeremiah 33:13</a>) and, finally, he watched the entrance of the fold throughout the night, acting as porter. (<a href="/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3</a>) [See Sheepfold, under <a href="../s/sheep.htm">SHEEP</a>] The shepherd's office thus required great watchfulness, particularly by night. (<a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8</a>) cf. Nahu 3:18 It also required tenderness toward the young and feeble, (<a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a>) particularly in driving them to and from the pasturage. (<a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Genesis 33:13</a>) In large establishments there are various grades of shepherds, the highest being styled "rulers," (<a href="/genesis/47-6.htm">Genesis 47:6</a>) or "chief shepherds," (<a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a>) in a royal household the title of abbir "mighty," was bestowed on the person who held the post. (<a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">1 Samuel 21:7</a>) [<a href="../s/sheep.htm">SHEEP</a>]<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div>ShepherdOr <a href="../p/pastor.htm">PASTOR</a>. Abel was a keeper of sheep, <a href="/context/genesis/4-2.htm">Genesis 4:2</a>, as were the greater number of the ancient patriarchs. When men began to multiply, and to follow different employments, Jabal son of Lamech was acknowledged as father, that is, founder of shepherd and nomads, <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a>. A large part of the wealth of ancient patriarchs consisted in flocks and herds, the care of which was shared by their sons, daughters, and servants. Rachel the bride of Jacob was a shepherdess, <a href="/genesis/29-6.htm">Genesis 29:6</a>; his sons, the fathers of the tribes of Israel were shepherds, and so was David their king, <a href="/context/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a>. The employment is highly honored in the Bible, <a href="/context/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8-20</a>. In the time of the kings, the "chief herdsman" occupies a post of some importance, <a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">1 Samuel 21:7</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-4.htm">2 Kings 3:4</a> <a href="/context/1_chronicles/27-29.htm">1 Chronicles 27:29-31</a>. In Palestine and its vicinity, besides those who united the keeping of flocks and herds with the tillage of the ground, there were and still are numbers of nomads or wandering shepherds confining themselves to no settled home. These dwellers in tents often had a wide range of pasture grounds, from one to another of which they drove their flocks as occasion required, <a href="/context/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12-17</a>. In the vast deserts east and south of Palestine they found many spots which in winter and spring were clothed with verdure, <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1</a> <a href="/psalms/65-12.htm">Psalm 65:12</a>. But the heat of summer withered these "pastures of the wilderness," and drove the shepherds and their flocks to seek for highlands and streams. There are many indications in the Scripture of the conscious strength and independence of he ancient shepherd patriarchs, of the extent of their households, and the consideration in which they were held, <a href="/context/genesis/14-14.htm">Genesis 14:14-24</a> 21:22-32 26:13-16 30:43 <a href="/job/1-3.htm">Job 1:3</a>. God sometimes takes the name of Shepherd of Israel, <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-10.htm">Jeremiah 31:10</a>; and kings, both in Scripture and ancient writers, are distinguished by the title of "Shepherds of the people." The prophets often inveigh against the "shepherds of Israel," that is, the kings, who feed themselves and neglect their flocks; who distress, illtreat, seduce, and lead them astray, <a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Ezekiel 34:10</a>. In like manner Christ, as the Messiah, is often called a shepherd, <a href="/context/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7</a>, and also takes on himself the title of "the Good Shepherd," who gives his life for his sheep, <a href="/context/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>,14,15. Paul calls him the great Shepherd of the sheep, <a href="/context/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a>, and Peter gives him the appellation of Prince of shepherds, <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a>. His ministers are in like manner the pastors or under-shepherds of the flock, <a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a> 23:3 Eph 4:11. In <a href="/context/john/10-1.htm">John 10:1-16</a>, our Savior says the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep; that he knows them, and they know him; that they hear his voice, and follow him; that he goes before them; that no one shall force them out of his hands, and that he calls them by their names. These, however, being all incidents taken from the customs of the country, are by no means so striking to us as they must have been to those who heard our Lord, and who every day witnessed such methods of conducting this domesticated animal. Modern travelers in the East meet with many pleasing confirmation of the truth of Scripture in respect to these particulars; they see the shepherd walking before his flock, any one of which will instantly run to him when called by its own name. The hireling, or bad shepherd, forsakes the sheep, and the thief enters not by the door of the sheepfold, but climbs in another way. See <a href="../s/sheep.htm">SHEEP</a>. The Bible applies many of the excellences of the faithful shepherd in illustration of the Savior's care of his flock. The shepherd was responsible for each member of the flock intrusted to him, <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Genesis 31:39</a> <a href="/exodus/22-12.htm">Exodus 22:12</a> <a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28</a>; he had need of great courage and endurance, <a href="/genesis/31-40.htm">Genesis 31:40</a> <a href="/context/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34</a>,35 <a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a>; he exercised a tender care towards the feeble, and carried the lambs in his arms, <a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Genesis 33:13</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> <a href="/context/mark/10-14.htm">Mark 10:14</a>,16; and searched for the lost sheep, bringing it back from the "land of drought and the shadow of death" into green pastures and still waters, <a href="/context/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-6</a> <a href="/context/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a>. <a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>A word naturally of frequent occurence in Scripture. Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead (<a href="/jeremiah/2-8.htm">Jeremiah 2:8</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">3:15</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/10-21.htm">10:21</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/12-10.htm">12:10</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/17-16.htm">17:16</a>). This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people (<a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">80:1</a>; <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a>; <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">44:28</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/25-34.htm">Jeremiah 25:34</a>, 35; <a href="/nahum/3-18.htm">Nahum 3:18</a>; <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>, 14; <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">5:4</a>).The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured. Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back. In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs. At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing. Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34</a>).", Deane's David. <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (n.) A man employed in tending, feeding, and guarding sheep, esp. a flock grazing at large.2. (n.) The pastor of a church; one with the religious guidance of others.3. (v. t.) To tend as a shepherd; to guard, herd, lead, or drive, as a shepherd.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div>SHEPHERDshep'-erd (ro`eh, ro`i; poimen, "a feeder"): The sheep owner frequently tends the flocks himself (<a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4</a>; <a href="/genesis/30-40.htm">Genesis 30:40</a>; compare <a href="/ezekiel/34-12.htm">Ezekiel 34:12</a>), but more often he delegates the work to his children (<a href="/genesis/29-9.htm">Genesis 29:9</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-19.htm">1 Samuel 16:19</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm">1 Samuel 17:15</a>) or relatives (<a href="/genesis/31-6.htm">Genesis 31:6</a>). In such cases the sheep have good care because the keepers have a personal interest in the well-being of the animals, but when they are attended by a hireling (<a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">1 Samuel 17:20</a>) the flocks may be neglected or abused (<a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10, 11</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8, 10</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">Zechariah 11:15, 17</a> <a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12</a>). The chief care of the shepherd is to see that the sheep find plenty to eat and drink. The flocks are not fed in pens or folds, but, summer and winter, must depend upon foraging for their sustenance (<a href="/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2</a>). In the winter of 1910-11 an unprecedented storm ravaged Northern Syria. It was accompanied by a snowfall of more than 3 ft., which covered the ground for weeks. During that time, hundreds of thousands of sheep and goats perished, not so much from the cold as from the fact that they could get no food. Goats hunt out the best feeding-grounds, but sheep are more helpless and have to be led to their food (compare <a href="/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16, 17</a>); nor do they possess the instinct of many other animals for finding their way home (compare <a href="/ezekiel/34-6.htm">Ezekiel 34:6-8</a>). Flocks should be watered at least once a day. Where there are springs or streams this is an easy matter. Frequently the nearest water is hours away. One needs to travel in the dry places in Syria or Palestine, and then enter the watered valleys like those in Edom where the flocks are constantly being led for water, to appreciate the Psalmist's words, "He leadcth me beside still waters." Sometimes water can be obtained by digging shallow wells (<a href="/genesis/26-18.htm">Genesis 26:18-22, 25, 32</a>). The shepherd frequently carries with him a pail from which the sheep can drink when the water is not accessible to them. On the mountain tops the melting snows supply the needed water. In other districts it is drawn from deep wells (<a href="/genesis/29-2.htm">Genesis 29:2</a> <a href="/john/4-6.htm">John 4:6</a>). The usual time for watering is at noon, at which time the flocks are led to the watering-places (<a href="/genesis/29-2.htm">Genesis 29:2, 3</a>). After drinking, the animals lie down or huddle together in the shade of a rock while the shepherd sleeps. At the first sound of his call, which is usually a peculiar guttural sound, hard to imitate, the flock follow off to new feeding-grounds. Even should two shepherds call their flocks at the same time and the sheep be intermingled, they never mistake their own master's voice (<a href="/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3-5</a>). The shepherd's equipment is a simple one. His chief garment is a cloak woven from wool or made from sheepskins. This is sleeveless, and so made that it hangs like a cloak on his shoulders. When he sleeps he curls up under it, head and all. During the summer a lighter, short-sleeved `aba or coat is worn. He carries a staff or club (see STAFF), and a characteristic attitude is to make a rest for his arms by placing his staff on his shoulders against the back of his neck. When an especially productive spot is found, the shepherd may pass the time, while the animals are grazing, by playing on his pipe (<a href="/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16</a>). He sometimes carries a sling (qela`) of goat's hair (<a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">1 Samuel 17:40</a>). His chief belongings are kept in a skin pouch or bag (keli) (<a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">1 Samuel 17:40</a>). This bag is usually a whole tawed skin turned wrong side out, with the legs tied up and the neck forming the opening. He is usually aided in the keeping and the defending of the sheep by a dog (<a href="/job/30-1.htm">Job 30:1</a>). In Syria the Kurdish dogs make the best protectors of the sheep, as, unlike the cowardly city dogs, they are fearless and will drive away the wild beasts. The shepherd is often called upon to aid the dogs in defending the sheep (<a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Genesis 31:39</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34, 35</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Isaiah 31:4</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a> <a href="/amos/3-12.htm">Amos 3:12</a>). Figurative: The frequent use of the word "shepherd" to indicate a spiritual overseer is familiar to Bible readers (<a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:11</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4</a>; <a href="/isaiah/63-14.htm">Isaiah 63:14</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-10.htm">Jeremiah 31:10</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/37-24.htm">Ezekiel 37:24</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">1 Peter 5:1-4</a>). We still use the term "pastor," literally, "a shepherd." Leaders in temporal affairs were also called shepherds (<a href="/genesis/47-17.htm">Genesis 47:17</a> margin; <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a>; <a href="/isaiah/63-11.htm">Isaiah 63:11</a>). "Sheep without a shepherd" typified individuals or nations who had forgotten Yahweh (<a href="/numbers/27-17.htm">Numbers 27:17</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-17.htm">1 Kings 22:17</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-16.htm">2 Chronicles 18:16</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Ezekiel 34:5, 8</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-2.htm">Zechariah 10:2</a> <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> <a href="/mark/6-34.htm">Mark 6:34</a>). Jesus is spoken of as the good shepherd (<a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a>); chief shepherd (<a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a>); great shepherd (<a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a>); the one shepherd (<a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a>). "He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young" (<a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a>) is a picture drawn from pastoral life of Yahweh's care over His children. A strong sympathy for helpless animals, though sometimes misdirected, is a marked characteristic of the people of Bible lands. The birth of offspring in a flock often occurs far off on the mountain side. The shepherd solicitously guards the mother during her helpless moments and picks up the lamb and carries it to the fold. For the few days, until it is able to walk, he may carry it in his arms or in the loose folds of his coat above his girdle. See also <a href="../s/sheep.htm">SHEEP</a>. James A. Patch<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4165.htm">4165. poimaino -- to act as a shepherd</a> ... to act as a shepherd. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: poimaino Phonetic Spelling: (poy-mah'-ee-no) Short Definition: I shepherd, tend Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4165.htm - 8k<a href="/greek/4166.htm">4166. poimen -- a shepherd</a> ... a shepherd. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: poimen Phonetic Spelling: (poy-mane') Short Definition: a shepherd Definition: a shepherd; hence met ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4166.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/750.htm">750. archipoimen -- chief shepherd</a> ... chief shepherd. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: archipoimen Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khee-poy'-mane) Short Definition: the chief shepherd ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/750.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/4244.htm">4244. presbuterion -- a body of elders</a> ... Cognate: 4244 -- properly, a council (group) of elders; a serving a local church who lead (feed, shepherd) the people of the Lord (cf. 1 Tim 4:14). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4244.htm - 7k<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7473.htm">7473. roi -- shepherd</a> ... 7472, 7473. roi. 7474 . shepherd. Transliteration: roi Phonetic Spelling: (ro-ee') Short Definition: shepherd. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/7473.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/5116a.htm">5116a. naveh -- abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation</a> ... 5116, 5116a. naveh. 5116b . abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation. Transliteration: naveh Short Definition: habitation. Word Origin ... /hebrew/5116a.htm - 5k <a href="/hebrew/5116.htm">5116. naveh -- abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation</a> ... 5115b, 5116. naveh. 5116a . abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation. Transliteration: naveh Phonetic Spelling: (naw-veh') Short Definition: comely. ... /hebrew/5116.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/7462a.htm">7462a. raah -- to pasture, tend, graze</a> ... 7), grazed (2), grazing (1), herdsmen (6), keeper (1), pasture (12), pastured (2), pastures (2), pasturing (5), rulers (1), shaved (1), Shepherd (5), shepherd ... /hebrew/7462a.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/4908.htm">4908. mishkan -- dwelling place, tabernacle</a> ... From shakan; a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple); specifically, the Tabernacle (properly ... /hebrew/4908.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm">7462. ra'ah -- to pasture, tend, graze</a> ... with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep)(-er), pastor, + shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. ... /hebrew/7462.htm - 5k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/anonymous/the_good_shepherd/">The Good Shepherd</a> The Good Shepherd. <. The Good Shepherd Anonymous. Produced by Al Haines Table of Contents. Title Page. TABLE OF CONTENTS. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. ... //christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/<a href="/library/nutter/hymn_writers_of_the_church/shepherd.htm">Shepherd</a> ... Shepherd. Shepherd, Thomas, an English Congregational clergyman, son of Rev. William Shepherd (who was first a minister in the Established ... //christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/shepherd.htm<a href="/library/callan/the_shepherd_of_my_soul/">The Shepherd Of My Soul</a> The Shepherd Of My Soul. <. The Shepherd Of My Soul Rev. Charles J. Callan. Table of Contents. Title Page. PSALM OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. INTRODUCTION. ... //christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/<a href="/library/anonymous/mother_stories_from_the_new_testament/the_good_shepherd.htm">The Good Shepherd.</a> ... THE GOOD SHEPHERD. In one of His beautiful parables, Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd. "I am the good shepherd," says He, "the ... /.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the good shepherd.htm<a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_i/the_good_shepherd.htm">The Good Shepherd</a> ... THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 'I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.15. ... 'Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me, Bless Thy little lamb to-night,'. ... /.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the good shepherd.htm<a href="/library/johnson/the_new_testament_commentary_vol_iii_john/the_good_shepherd.htm">The Good Shepherd.</a> ... Chapter X. The Good Shepherd. This ... Abbott. The figure of the shepherd and his sheep is always a favorite one in the Scriptures. ... /.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the good shepherd.htm<a href="/library/borthwick/hymns_from_the_land_of_luther/the_good_shepherd.htm">The Good Shepherd.</a> ... THE GOOD SHEPHERD. THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 9,6,6,6,4. ... transl., Jane Borthwick, 1854. Yes! our Shepherd leads with gentle hand,. Through the dark pilgrim-land,. ... /.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the good shepherd.htm<a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_f/the_shepherd-king.htm">The Shepherd-King</a> ... THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL THE SHEPHERD-KING. 'And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt them mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected ... /.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm<a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_k/the_shepherd_and_the_fold.htm">The Shepherd and the Fold</a> ... THE BOOK OF EXODUS THE SHEPHERD AND THE FOLD. '... Thou hast guided them in Thy strength unto Thy holy habitation.' EXODUS XV.13. What a grand triumphal ode! ... /.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd and the fold.htm<a href="/library/pink/the_antichrist/24_the_idol_shepherd.htm">The Idol Shepherd</a> ... Names And Titles of the Antichrist 24. The Idol Shepherd. "For, lo, I ... claws in pieces. Woe to the Idol Shepherd that leaveth the flock! ... //christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/24 the idol shepherd.htm<a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/shepherd.htm">Shepherd (76 Occurrences)</a> ... 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4). The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early morning he led ... /s/shepherd.htm - 42k<a href="/topical/s/shepherd's.htm">Shepherd's (3 Occurrences)</a> ... Multi-Version Concordance Shepherd's (3 Occurrences). ... Isaiah 38:12 My dwelling is removed, and is carried away from me like a shepherd's tent. ... /s/shepherd's.htm - 7k<a href="/topical/f/flock.htm">Flock (242 Occurrences)</a> ... Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep ... /f/flock.htm - 39k<a href="/topical/t/tending.htm">Tending (11 Occurrences)</a> ... Among the first verses that a child learns is "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not wants" (Psalm 23:1 the King James Version, the English Revised Version). ... /t/tending.htm - 11k<a href="/topical/s/sheepfold.htm">Sheepfold (3 Occurrences)</a> ... Sometimes there is a covered hut in the corner for the shepherd. ... and who conveneth Me? And who 'is' this shepherd who standeth before Me? (See RSV). ... /s/sheepfold.htm - 10k<a href="/topical/t/tend.htm">Tend (24 Occurrences)</a> ... (See NAS NIV). Psalms 28:9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: Be their shepherd also, and bear them up for ever. (See JPS). ... /t/tend.htm - 14k<a href="/topical/t/teaching.htm">Teaching (372 Occurrences)</a> ... 9. Nourishment: ra`ah, "to feed a flock": The name "shepherd," so precious in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, comes from a verb meaning "to feed ... /t/teaching.htm - 62k<a href="/topical/t/teacher.htm">Teacher (103 Occurrences)</a> ... 9. Nourishment: ra`ah, "to feed a flock": The name "shepherd," so precious in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, comes from a verb meaning "to feed ... /t/teacher.htm - 61k<a href="/topical/a/abel.htm">Abel (22 Occurrences)</a> ... his labours. Cain, as a husbandman, offered the fruits of the field; Abel, as a shepherd, of the firstlings of his flock. "The Lord ... /a/abel.htm - 22k<a href="/topical/a/abroad.htm">Abroad (120 Occurrences)</a> ... Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd... /a/abroad.htm - 39k<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Lord-is-my-Shepherd.html">What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Good-Shepherd.html">What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the good Shepherd?” | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/True-Shepherd.html">How is Jesus the “True Shepherd” in John 10:1-5? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://clyx.com/term/shepherd.htm">Shepherd: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div>Shepherd (76 Occurrences)<a href="/matthew/2-6.htm">Matthew 2:6</a> 'You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come forth a governor, who shall shepherd my people, Israel.'" (WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS NIV)<a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/matthew/25-32.htm">Matthew 25:32</a> Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/matthew/26-31.htm">Matthew 26:31</a> Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/mark/6-34.htm">Mark 6:34</a> Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/mark/14-27.htm">Mark 14:27</a> Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2</a> But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12</a> He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn't own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a> I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own; (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a> I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/john/21-16.htm">John 21:16</a> Again a second time He asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master," he said, "you know that you are dear to me." "Then be a shepherd to my sheep," He said. (WEY DBY NAS)<a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a> Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood. (WEB WEY DBY NAS NIV)<a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a> Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25</a> For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a> Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; (WEB WEY DBY NAS NIV)<a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a> When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Revelation 2:27</a> And he shall be their shepherd, ruling them with a rod of iron, just as earthenware jars are broken to pieces; and his power over them shall be like that which I Myself have received from My Father; (WEY DBY)<a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a> for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Root in WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/revelation/12-5.htm">Revelation 12:5</a> And she brought forth a male son, who shall shepherd all the nations with an iron rod; and her child was caught up to God and to his throne. (DBY)<a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15</a> From His mouth there comes a sharp sword with which He will smite the nations; and He will Himself be their Shepherd, ruling them with a scepter of iron; and it is His work to tread the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Ruler of all. (WEY DBY)<a href="/genesis/4-2.htm">Genesis 4:2</a> And she further bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a shepherd, but Cain was a husbandman. (DBY)<a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34</a> that you shall say,'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:' that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Genesis 48:15</a> And he blessed Joseph, and said, The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God who hath fed me all my life long unto this day, (See JPS DBY NAS NIV)<a href="/genesis/49-24.htm">Genesis 49:24</a> But his bow remained strong. The arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel), (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/numbers/27-17.htm">Numbers 27:17</a> who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of Yahweh not be as sheep which have no shepherd." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">1 Samuel 17:20</a> And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the barricade, as the host which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle. (See NIV)<a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34</a> And David saith unto Saul, 'A shepherd hath thy servant been to his father among the sheep, and the lion hath come -- and the bear -- and hath taken away a sheep out of the drove, (YLT)<a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">1 Samuel 21:7</a> (Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before Jehovah; and his name was Doeg, the Edomite, chief of the shepherds that belonged to Saul.) (Root in DBY YLT NAS NIV)<a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a> In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. Yahweh said to you,'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.'" (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/2_samuel/7-7.htm">2 Samuel 7:7</a> In all places in which I have walked with all the children of Israel, did I say a word to any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people Israel, saying,'Why have you not built me a house of cedar?'"' (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/1_kings/22-17.htm">1 Kings 22:17</a> He said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. Yahweh said,'These have no master. Let them each return to his house in peace.'" (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/1_chronicles/11-2.htm">1 Chronicles 11:2</a> In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. Yahweh your God said to you,'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.'" (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/1_chronicles/17-6.htm">1 Chronicles 17:6</a> In all places in which I have walked with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people, saying,'Why have you not built me a house of cedar?'"' (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/2_chronicles/18-16.htm">2 Chronicles 18:16</a> He said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Yahweh said, These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalms 23:1</a> A Psalm by David. Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/psalms/28-9.htm">Psalms 28:9</a> Save your people, and bless your inheritance. Be their shepherd also, and bear them up forever. (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Psalms 49:14</a> They are appointed as a flock for Sheol. Death shall be their shepherd. The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning. Their beauty shall decay in Sheol, far from their mansion. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV)<a href="/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalms 78:71</a> from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people, and Israel, his inheritance. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalms 78:72</a> So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. (WEB JPS ASV NAS NIV)<a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalms 80:1</a> For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lilies of the Covenant." A Psalm by Asaph. Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock, you who sit above the cherubim, shine forth. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:11</a> The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/isaiah/13-14.htm">Isaiah 13:14</a> And it shall come to pass, that as the chased gazelle, and as sheep that no man gathereth, they shall turn every man to his own people, and shall flee every man to his own land. (See NIV)<a href="/isaiah/13-20.htm">Isaiah 13:20</a> It will never be inhabited, neither will it be lived in from generation to generation. The Arabian will not pitch a tent there, neither will shepherds make their flocks lie down there. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a> Who says of Cyrus,'He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure,' even saying of Jerusalem,'She will be built;' and of the temple,'Your foundation will be laid.'" (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/isaiah/61-5.htm">Isaiah 61:5</a> And men from strange countries will be your herdsmen, and those who are not Israelites will be your ploughmen and vine-keepers. (See NIV)<a href="/isaiah/63-11.htm">Isaiah 63:11</a> Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? where is he who put his holy Spirit in the midst of them? (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/jeremiah/17-16.htm">Jeremiah 17:16</a> As for me, I have not hurried from being a shepherd after you; neither have I desired the woeful day; you know: that which came out of my lips was before your face. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS NIV)<a href="/jeremiah/22-22.htm">Jeremiah 22:22</a> The wind shall feed all your shepherds, and your lovers shall go into captivity: surely then you will be ashamed and confounded for all your wickedness. (Root in WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/jeremiah/31-10.htm">Jeremiah 31:10</a> Hear the word of Yahweh, you nations, and declare it in the islands afar off; and say, He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as shepherd does his flock. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/jeremiah/43-12.htm">Jeremiah 43:12</a> I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captive: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd puts on his garment; and he shall go forth from there in peace. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/jeremiah/49-19.htm">Jeremiah 49:19</a> Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who will stand before me? (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/jeremiah/50-44.htm">Jeremiah 50:44</a> Behold, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who can stand before me? (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/jeremiah/51-23.htm">Jeremiah 51:23</a> and with you will I break in pieces the shepherd and his flock; and with you will I break in pieces the farmer and his yoke of oxen; and with you will I break in pieces governors and deputies. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Ezekiel 34:5</a> They were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the animals of the field, and were scattered. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8</a> As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely because my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the animals of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and didn't feed my sheep; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/ezekiel/34-12.htm">Ezekiel 34:12</a> As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/ezekiel/34-15.htm">Ezekiel 34:15</a> I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, says the Lord Yahweh. (WEB ASV RSV)<a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Ezekiel 34:16</a> I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice. (See NIV)<a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a> I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/ezekiel/37-24.htm">Ezekiel 37:24</a> My servant David shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/amos/3-12.htm">Amos 3:12</a> Thus says Yahweh: "As the shepherd rescues out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the children of Israel be rescued who sit in Samaria on the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14</a> Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs; (See NIV)<a href="/micah/5-4.htm">Micah 5:4</a> He shall stand, and shall shepherd in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his God: and they will live, for then he will be great to the ends of the earth. (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/micah/5-6.htm">Micah 5:6</a> They will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in its gates. He will deliver us from the Assyrian, when he invades our land, and when he marches within our border. (See NAS)<a href="/micah/7-14.htm">Micah 7:14</a> Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage, who dwell by themselves in a forest, in the midst of fertile pasture land, let them feed; in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. (WEB NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/zechariah/10-2.htm">Zechariah 10:2</a> For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams. They comfort in vain. Therefore they go their way like sheep. They are oppressed, because there is no shepherd. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/zechariah/11-4.htm">Zechariah 11:4</a> Thus says Yahweh my God: "Feed the flock of slaughter. (See RSV)<a href="/zechariah/11-6.htm">Zechariah 11:6</a> For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land," says Yahweh; "but, behold, I will deliver the men everyone into his neighbor's hand, and into the hand of his king. They will strike the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them." (See RSV)<a href="/zechariah/11-7.htm">Zechariah 11:7</a> So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called "Favor," and the other I called "Union," and I fed the flock. (See RSV)<a href="/zechariah/11-9.htm">Zechariah 11:9</a> Then I said, "I will not feed you. That which dies, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let those who are left eat each other's flesh." (See RSV NIV)<a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">Zechariah 11:15</a> Yahweh said to me, "Take for yourself yet again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/zechariah/11-16.htm">Zechariah 11:16</a> For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!" (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7</a> "Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me," says Yahweh of Armies. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/s/shepherd.htm">Shepherd</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd_of_christ.htm">Shepherd of Christ</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd_of_god's_care.htm">Shepherd of God's Care</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd_of_prophets,_priests,_levites,_and_civil_authorities.htm">Shepherd of Prophets, Priests, Levites, and Civil Authorities</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd_was_an_abomination_to_the_egyptians.htm">Shepherd was an Abomination to the Egyptians</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--a_name_given_to_cyrus.htm">Shepherd: A Name Given to Cyrus</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--a_name_given_to_jesus.htm">Shepherd: A Name Given to Jesus</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--abel.htm">Shepherd: Abel</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--angels_appeared_to.htm">Shepherd: Angels Appeared To</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--causes_the_flock_to_rest.htm">Shepherd: Causes the Flock to Rest</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--counts_the_flock.htm">Shepherd: Counts the Flock</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--david.htm">Shepherd: David</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--david_the,_defends_his_flock_against_a_lion_and_a_bear.htm">Shepherd: David The, Defends his Flock Against a Lion and a Bear</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--dogs_of.htm">Shepherd: Dogs of</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--figurative.htm">Shepherd: Figurative</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--keeps_the_flocks_in_folds.htm">Shepherd: Keeps the Flocks in Folds</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--keeps_the_sheep_and_goats_apart.htm">Shepherd: Keeps the Sheep and Goats Apart</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--knows_each_one_of_his_flock_by_name.htm">Shepherd: Knows Each One of his Flock by Name</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--moses.htm">Shepherd: Moses</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--one_who_cares_for_flocks_of_sheep.htm">Shepherd: One Who Cares for Flocks of Sheep</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--rachel.htm">Shepherd: Rachel</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--the_daughters_of_jethro.htm">Shepherd: The Daughters of Jethro</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--watch_towers_of.htm">Shepherd: Watch Towers of</a><a href="/topical/naves/s/shepherd--waters_the_flocks.htm">Shepherd: Waters the Flocks</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/s/shepherd's.htm">Shepherd's (3 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/flock.htm">Flock (242 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/tending.htm">Tending (11 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sheepfold.htm">Sheepfold (3 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/tend.htm">Tend (24 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/teaching.htm">Teaching (372 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/teacher.htm">Teacher (103 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/abel.htm">Abel (22 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/abroad.htm">Abroad (120 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sheep.htm">Sheep (413 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/armor.htm">Armor (53 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/scepter.htm">Scepter (28 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/songs.htm">Songs (100 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt (596 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/scattered.htm">Scattered (122 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/z/zoan.htm">Zoan (7 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/o/offended.htm">Offended (26 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/j/jungle.htm">Jungle (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/j/jordan's.htm">Jordan's (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/lays.htm">Lays (30 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/layeth.htm">Layeth (76 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/g/giveth.htm">Giveth (378 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/felt.htm">Felt (40 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/tonight.htm">Tonight (23 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/tended.htm">Tended (7 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/ruling.htm">Ruling (123 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/directions.htm">Directions (100 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/moved.htm">Moved (316 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/princely.htm">Princely (5 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/pastureland.htm">Pastureland (6 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/challenge.htm">Challenge (6 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/separateth.htm">Separateth (15 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/smite.htm">Smite (230 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sheepcote.htm">Sheepcote (2 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sceptre.htm">Sceptre (20 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/shepherded.htm">Shepherded (2 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/stumbled.htm">Stumbled (47 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/scrip.htm">Scrip (7 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/teach.htm">Teach (172 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/w/written.htm">Written (323 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/stumble.htm">Stumble (89 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/suck.htm">Suck (22 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/shepherds.htm">Shepherds (55 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/b/bag.htm">Bag (52 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/song.htm">Song (207 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/i/instant.htm">Instant (19 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/chase.htm">Chase (14 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/enduring.htm">Enduring (25 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/assign.htm">Assign (22 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/swelling.htm">Swelling (14 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/age.htm">Age (404 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/fed.htm">Fed (62 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/pity.htm">Pity (165 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/micah.htm">Micah (54 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain (18 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/f/fold.htm">Fold (23 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/compassion.htm">Compassion (145 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David (1052 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/lack.htm">Lack (86 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/g/governors.htm">Governors (43 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/b/bishop.htm">Bishop (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/b/baptism.htm">Baptism (76 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/strike.htm">Strike (168 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/d/door.htm">Door (249 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/military.htm">Military (44 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/h/heed.htm">Heed (223 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/arms.htm">Arms (166 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses (9295 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/psalm.htm">Psalm (213 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/q/quotations.htm">Quotations</a><a href="/topical/h/habitation.htm">Habitation (90 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/m/masters.htm">Masters (59 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/patriarchs.htm">Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/leaves.htm">Leaves (55 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