Jesus (Yeshua‘) was called the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls by Peter. The English translations of this name of Jesus vary. Guardian is just one way to translate the word episkopos. The Greek word episkopos literally means “overseer” and was used as a title of office in the early church. That is where we get our word bishop and the denomination, the Episcopal Church. Consequently, in the NIV Jesus is called Shepherd and Overseer of your souls, and in the KJV He is Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Shepherd and Guardian of our souls in the Greek text of 1 Pet. 2:25.
Shepherd and Guardian of our souls in Greek:
Ho poimēn kai episkopos
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 4166, 1985
Bible reference: 1 Pet. 2:25
For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)
Similar names for God that liken Him to a Shepherd are the Shepherd of Israel and simply My Shepherd. Jesus is called the Great Shepherd of the sheep, the Chief Shepherd and the Good Shepherd.
