"a shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks" (not merely one who feeds them), is used metaphorically of Christian "pastors," Ephesians 4:11 . "Pastors" guide as well as feed the flock; cp. Acts 20:28 , which, with ver. 17, indicates that this was the service committed to elders (overseers or bishops); so also in 1 Peter 5:1,2 , "tend the flock ... exercising the oversight," RV; this involves tender care and vigilant superintendence. See SHEPHERD.