a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

1. a herdsman, esp. a shepherd

a. in the parable, he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow

2. metaph.

a. the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly: so of Christ the Head of the church

1. of the overseers of the Christian assemblies

2. of kings and princes The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were: - to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep - to defend the sheep from attackers - to heal the wounded and sick sheep - to find and save lost or trapped sheep - to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.