What Does The Bible Mean By 'Shepherd?'

Welcome to our Bible study, especially if you are joining for the first time. Today we explore the word "shepherd," how it was used, and what it symbolized. I was inspired to write about this topic after hearing the magnificent hymn "Shepherd Me, O God." This version is sung by its composer, Marty Haugen. Let's begin with the secular definition of shepherd from Merriam-Webster: "A person who tends sheep." "A pastor" and the transitive verb "to guide or guard in the manner of a shepherd."