a herdsman, esp. a shepherd

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

metaph.

1. 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

      A shepherd in the Near East was responsible for watching out for enemies trying to attack the sheep, defending the sheep from attackers, healing the wounded and sick sheep, finding and saving lost or trapped sheep, loving them, and sharing their lives and to earn their trust.