* Shepherds watch over the sheep, leading them to places with good food and water. Shepherds also keep the sheep from getting lost and protect them from wild animals.
* This term is often used metaphorically in the Bible to refer to taking care of people's spiritual needs. This includes teaching them what God has told them in the Bible and guiding them in the way they should live.
* In the Old Testament, God is called the "shepherd" of his people because he takes care of all their needs and protects them. He also leads and guides them.
* Moses was a shepherd for the Israelites as he guided them spiritually in their worship of Yahweh and led them physically on their journey to the land of Canaan.
* In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd."
* Also in the New Testament, the term "shepherd" is used to refer to a person who is a spiritual leader over other believers. The term "pastor" is the same word as "shepherd." The elders and overseers were also called shepherds.
* When used literally, this term could be translated as, "person who takes care of sheep" or "sheep tender" or "sheep caregiver."
* When used as a metaphor, different ways to translate this term could include, "spiritual shepherd" or "spiritual leader" or "one who is like a shepherd" or "one who cares for his people like a shepherd cares for his sheep" or "one who leads his people like a shepherd guides his sheep" or "one who takes care of God's sheep."
* In some contexts, "shepherd" could be translated as "leader" or "guide" or "caregiver."
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