Bible Dictionary
Shepherd
A shepherd tends, protects, waters, and leads a flock. Scripture uses the role figuratively for God’s care, Israel’s rulers, spiritual overseers, and especially Jesus Christ, the Good and Chief Shepherd.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses shepherd figuratively for God’s care of His people, for rulers and spiritual overseers, and for those responsible to guide others. Israel or individuals without proper guidance are described as sheep without a shepherd. Jesus is called the good, chief, great, and one shepherd.
Scripture References
Jeremiah 2:8
Jeremiah 3:15
Jeremiah 10:21
Jeremiah 12:10
Jeremiah 17:16
Psalms 23:1
Psalms 80:1
Isaiah 40:11
Isaiah 44:28
Jeremiah 25:34
Jeremiah 25:35
Nahum 3:18
John 10:11
John 10:14
Hebrews 13:20
1 Peter 2:25
1 Peter 5:4
1 Samuel 17:34
Genesis 30:29
Genesis 29:6
Genesis 29:8
Exodus 2:10
Numbers 32:1
Genesis 31:40
Amos 7:14
Luke 15:16
Matthew 3:4
Isaiah 31:4
Jeremiah 5:6
Amos 5:12
Genesis 31:39
Jeremiah 43:12
1 Samuel 17:40
Psalms 23:4
Zechariah 11:7
Jeremiah 35:7
Isaiah 38:12
2 Chronicles 26:10
2 Chronicles 27:4
Genesis 35:21
Micah 4:8
John 10:4
Job 30:1
Ezekiel 34:12
Luke 15:4
Genesis 29:7
Genesis 30:38
Exodus 2:16
Psalms 23:2
Leviticus 27:32
Ezekiel 20:37
Jeremiah 33:13
John 10:3
Luke 2:8
Genesis 33:13
Genesis 47:6
1 Samuel 21:7