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Holman Bible Dictionary
1. KJV translation of Hebrew term for shepherd in
Jeremiah 2:8;
Jeremiah 3:15;
Jeremiah 10:21;
Jeremiah 12:10;
Jeremiah 22:22;
Jeremiah 23:1-2 ). Modern translations generally substituted shepherd for pastor except at
Jeremiah 2:8 (leader, NIV; ruler, NAS, NRSV). 2. Pastor translates the Greek term
poimen (shepherd) only at
Ephesians 4:11 . The background of the term lies in the biblical image of the people of God as God's flock (
Jeremiah 23:1-4;
Ezekiel 34:1-16;
Luke 12:32;
John 10:16 ). Pastoral ministry is closely associated with teaching (
Ephesians 4:11 ) as God's gift to the church. Such ministry fulfills its God-ordained purpose when it trains church members to be mature in faith and equipped for ministry and unifies the church in Christian faith and knowledge (
Ephesians 4:12-13 ). Self-promotion and political divisiveness run counter to the biblical ideal for pastoral ministry. In laying down His life for His sheep (
John 10:11 ,John 10:11,
10:15 ), Christ set the standard for pastoral ministry that goes beyond words to deeds. His sheep recognize His voice as a trustworthy guide (
John 10:3-4 ). Pastoral ministry is an expression of love for Christ (
John 21:15-17 ).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Pastor'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/p/pastor.html. 1991.