student asking question

Does the word "shepherd" literally refers to a dog? Or is it a biblical metaphor?

teacher

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.)

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