Shepherd
רֹעֶה (Roeh) / ποιμήν (Poimēn)
One who tends and protects a flock; a key metaphor for God and Christ
The shepherd is one of the Bible's most beloved images for God and Jesus Christ. The Hebrew 'roeh' and Greek 'poimēn' convey the ideas of leading, feeding, protecting, and caring for a flock — a powerful metaphor for God's tender, personal care for His people.
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." — Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
Key Verses
1 Peter 2:25
“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”Read in context
The Shepherd Image
In the ancient Near East, shepherding was one of the most common occupations. Shepherds spent long hours with their flocks, knowing each animal individually. They led the sheep to pasture and water, protected them from predators, searched for strays, and cared for the injured. This intimate, hands-on relationship made 'shepherd' the perfect metaphor for how God relates to His people — personally, protectively, and providentially.
God as Shepherd
The Old Testament frequently portrays God as Israel's Shepherd. Psalm 23, the most beloved psalm, declares 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.' This psalm reveals a God who provides (green pastures), refreshes (still waters), guides (paths of righteousness), comforts (rod and staff), protects (through the valley of the shadow of death), and blesses abundantly (table, anointing, overflowing cup). No image better captures God's personal, comprehensive care.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
Jesus declared, 'I am the good shepherd' (John 10:11), explicitly identifying Himself with the God of Psalm 23. Unlike hired workers who flee when wolves attack, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He knows each sheep by name, leads them out, and no one can snatch them from His hand. The Good Shepherd metaphor reveals the depth of Christ's love — sacrificial, personal, and eternally secure.
Shepherds in the Church
The New Testament extends the shepherd image to church leaders. The word 'pastor' comes directly from the Latin word for shepherd. Peter exhorted church elders to 'feed the flock of God' (1 Peter 5:2), following the example of Christ, the 'chief Shepherd.' Faithful pastors lead, feed, protect, and care for God's people, modeling the self-giving love of Jesus in their ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is God called a shepherd?
God is called a shepherd because the shepherd-sheep relationship beautifully illustrates His care for His people. Like a shepherd, God provides for our needs, leads us in right paths, protects us from danger, searches for us when we stray, and comforts us in difficult times. Psalm 23 is the most complete description of God as our shepherd.
What does 'I am the good shepherd' mean?
When Jesus said 'I am the good shepherd' (John 10:11), He identified Himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy about God shepherding His people (Ezekiel 34). The 'good' shepherd is distinguished from hired workers by his willingness to die for the sheep. Jesus proved this by laying down His life on the cross to save His people.
What is the Hebrew word for "Shepherd" in the Bible?
רֹעֶה (Roeh) / ποιμήν (Poimēn), pronounced "ro-EH / poy-MANE." It means one who tends and protects a flock; a key metaphor for god and christ. It is the word behind "Shepherd" in both Testaments, for example in Psalm 23:1.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Shepherd"?
Psalm 23:1 — "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (KJV). It also appears in John 10:11, 1 Peter 2:25.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Shepherd (רֹעֶה (Roeh) / ποιμήν (Poimēn))
One who tends and protects a flock; a key metaphor for God and Christ
Psalm 23:1-6 Commentary
In-depth study • God as Shepherd
Psalm 23:1-3 Commentary
In-depth study • God as Shepherd
Why Is Jesus Called the Good Shepherd?
Theology & Doctrine
The Good Shepherd
John 10:1-18 • Jesus' Identity
The Parable of the Good Shepherd
John 10:11 • Compassion & Love
Where to go next
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- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
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