Does the word "shepherd" literally refers to a dog? Or is it a biblical metaphor?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
While it could be a biblical reference, I do not believe so. Remember, a shepherd, is a person who tends and rears sheep. Earlier in the clip he refers to them as his "flock" like a flock of sheep. In other words he leads and they will follow him. Like sheep follow a shepherd. It is not connected to the dog in anyway. Ex: The shepherd had to move his flock of sheep because of the rain. Ex: Always be a shepherd, never the sheep. (meaning always be the leader not the follower.)