“Pastor” From Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(shepherd). Figuratively, one who keeps Christ’s flocks (Eph. 4:11).
“Shepherd” From Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(herder of sheep). A highly honorable occupation among pastoral Hebrews, engaged in by both sexes (Gen. 29:6; 30:29-35; Ex. 2:16-22). Often arduous and dangerous employment (Gen. 31:40; 1 Sam. 17:34). Equipment consisted of a sheepskin mantle, a scrip or wallet, a sling and crook. He led the flock to pasture in the morning, tended them by day and folded and watched them at night (Job 30:1; Luke 2:8; John 10:4). The office of sheep-master or chief shepherd was one of great trust as well as honor (2 Kings 3:4; Heb. 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4). It was the shepherd’s duty to count the sheep daily and to tithe them, and he was held responsible for lost ones (Gen. 31:38-39; Ex. 22:12-13; Isa. 27:32; Jer. 33:13). Shepherd is used figuratively for Jehovah (Psa. 80:1; Jer. 31:10); for kings (Ezek. 34:10); in N. T. for Christ (John 10:11; Heb. 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4). It is applied also to teachers in the synagogue and to those who preside over it. Hence pastor and minister of the gospel.
“Pastor” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
In the Old Testament the word is raah, “to feed,” and refers to those who should have succored God’s people. They, as all others, had failed; they had destroyed and scattered the sheep (Jer. 2:8; Jer. 3:15; Jer. 12:10; Jer. 17:16; Jer. 22:22; Jer. 23:1-2). In the New Testament it is ποιμἠυ, which is applied to Christ Himself as the good Shepherd, &c. The pastor is one of the gifts in the church (Eph. 4:11): he is one who is gifted to help on the saints individually, enter into their trials and difficulties, and bring the word to instruct and comfort them, or to remonstrate with and counsel them if needed.
“Shepherd” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
Mount Horeb
A person’s wealth in the East frequently consisted of flocks, the shepherd therefore held an important and honorable position. David was a keeper of sheep. Joseph instructed his brethren to tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds, and they asked permission to dwell in Goshen, for every shepherd was an abomination to the Egyptians. This is supposed to have been caused by some “shepherd-kings” having usurped authority over Egypt. The difficulties and hardships of a shepherd’s life in the East may be gathered from what Jacob passed through during the time he was with Laban (Gen. 31:39-40). And to this day in many places the shepherd has to be well armed against wild beasts and lurking thieves.
The sheep following the shepherd is a sight often witnessed in the East, and that each sheep has a name and knows the shepherd’s voice, has been tested and proved again and again. All this is beautifully typical of the relation of Jehovah to Israel and of Christ to the church. The sheep of Christ know the good Shepherd’s voice, and find salvation, liberty, and pasture in following the One who leads. The good Shepherd gives them eternal life, having given His life for the sheep. Christ is called the great Shepherd, for the work which He accomplished could have been done only by One who was Himself God, though become man to work out redemption.
In the church there are those who by reason of gift are called pastors, to feed and shepherd the sheep; but Christ is the chief Shepherd, who is over all, whose own the sheep are, and who has given His word that they shall never perish (Psa. 23; Zech. 13:7; John 10:2-16; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 5:4; and so forth).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively)
KJV Usage:
shepherd, pastor