Shepherd — Meaning in the Bible

Someone who cares for sheep. The Bible uses it literally and as a picture of God's care and of leaders' responsibility.

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

What it means

Abel, Moses and David all kept sheep. Shepherds led, fed and protected the flock, sometimes at risk to themselves. Genesis 4:2 Exodus 3:1 1 Samuel 17:34–35

Psalm 23 begins "The LORD is my shepherd". Ezekiel condemns leaders who feed themselves instead of the flock, and Jesus calls himself the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. Psalm 23:1 Ezekiel 34:1–16 John 10:11–14 Luke 15:3–7

Key passages

1 Samuel 17:34–35 — David protects his sheep.
Psalm 23 — The LORD is my shepherd.
Ezekiel 34:11–16 — God will shepherd his sheep.
Luke 2:8 — Shepherds at Jesus' birth.
John 10:11–14 — The good shepherd.

For children

A shepherd looks after sheep, finding them food and water and keeping them safe. The Bible says, "The LORD is my shepherd". Psalm 23:1

The Lost Sheep

Study further

Psalm 23 The shepherd psalm.
Ezekiel 34 Bad and good shepherds.
John 10:1–18 The good shepherd.