Is there only one shepherd?

Definition of “Shepherd” in Scripture

In ancient cultures, including those of the biblical world, a shepherd served as a caregiver and protector of a flock. Scripture frequently employs the term “shepherd” as a metaphor for leadership and loving guidance, highlighting a caretaker’s responsibility to feed, protect, and guide those under his care (cf. Isaiah 40:11). The concept of shepherding in the Bible reaches beyond human roles, ultimately pointing to the divine authority and provision found in God Himself.

Old Testament Foundations: Yahweh as Shepherd

Several Old Testament passages affirm the identity of the LORD (Yahweh) as Shepherd. A well-known example is Psalm 23:1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This describes the all-encompassing care and guidance God provides.

In Genesis 48:15, Israel (Jacob) recalled how God had been “my shepherd all my life to this day,” underscoring the personal connection between the LORD and His people. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets consistently use shepherd imagery to describe God’s leadership over Israel.

Archaeological findings from the ancient Near East have revealed imagery and texts from surrounding cultures that used similar shepherd motifs to depict their deities or kings. The Hebrew Scriptures, however, center this image on the one eternal God who both rules over and loves His people intimately.

Messianic Prophecies: The One Shepherd

Old Testament prophecies declare the coming of a singular, definitive Shepherd who would lead God’s people. Ezekiel 34:23 proclaims: “I will establish over them one shepherd—My servant David—and he will feed them; he will feed them and be their shepherd.” Although David had already reigned, the prophecy looks forward to a future Davidic descendant who would perfectly shepherd God’s flock.

Zechariah 13:7 states: “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Associate,” indicating that this future Shepherd shares a unique relationship with God. These prophecies set the stage for the arrival of a singular, divinely appointed Shepherd whose role would surpass any prior earthly leadership.

The New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus Christ

The Gospel of John identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of these Messianic prophecies. In John 10:11, He declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” By referring to Himself as “the good shepherd,” Jesus equates His role with that of the divinely promised Shepherd from Ezekiel and other prophetic books.

Furthermore, John 10:16 affirms the singularity of His shepherding authority: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.” Here, Jesus asserts that all who follow Him—both Jew and Gentile—become one unified flock under His unique and supreme leadership.

In demonstrating His final authority and role as Shepherd, Jesus rose from the dead, confirming His victory over sin and death (cf. Matthew 28:5–7, 1 Corinthians 15:3–7). Manuscript evidence from sources such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (which offer confirmatory Hebrew texts for Old Testament passages) and early New Testament papyri underscores the reliability of these recorded events. Historical evidence, alongside the consistent witness of the Gospels, presents a strong case attesting to the reality of His resurrection and validating His exclusive role as the one Shepherd.

One Shepherd, One God

In John 10:30, Jesus asserts His unity with the Father: “I and the Father are one.” This reveals the foundation for understanding how Scripture can refer to Yahweh as Shepherd while also proclaiming Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The Son’s oneness with the Father underscores that there is only one divine Shepherd, expressed in the person of Jesus, who shares the same essence and being as God.

Various New Testament authors reinforce this truth. Hebrews 13:20 names Jesus “that great Shepherd of the sheep,” and 1 Peter 5:4 calls Him “the chief Shepherd.” Thus, from both the Old and the New Testaments, the testimony holds that God Himself shepherds His people, culminating in the person of Christ.

Common Questions and Concerns

1. *What about human leaders who are called shepherds?*

Scripture recognizes human leaders such as kings, prophets, and pastors as under-shepherds (cf. 1 Peter 5:1–2), but their role is always secondary and subject to the ultimate authority of the LORD. Their task is to care for and instruct the people under God’s guidance while acknowledging Christ as the one true Shepherd.

2. *Do multiple religious perspectives negate the “one shepherd” concept?*

Biblical teaching holds that God alone is the source of truth and salvation (cf. John 14:6). The unification of all believers under one shepherd does not diminish the multiplicity of spiritual backgrounds; instead, it underscores that Jesus alone can rightly draw all who respond to His call into the family of God (John 10:16).

3. *How does the resurrection validate Christ’s shepherdship?*

The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of divine power and confirmation of Jesus’ identity (cf. Romans 1:4). It authenticates His authority to lay down His life for the sheep and take it up again (John 10:18), proving that He is indeed the one Shepherd who guides and saves His people eternally.

Conclusion: The Unmatched Shepherd

Scripture, corroborated by archaeological findings, historical documents, precise manuscript evidence, and consistent prophetic fulfillment, points to one Shepherd who stands above all. The Old Testament reveals Yahweh as Israel’s Shepherd, prophesying a unique and future Shepherd who would bring unity among God’s people. The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as the culmination of these prophecies, fully God, fully Messiah, and the one who laid down His life for the sheep and rose again.

All faithful under-shepherds throughout history merely reflect the authority of this one Shepherd. Consequently, the witness of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, concludes that only one Shepherd possesses full authority and power to guide, protect, and save forever.