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Where does the word "pastor" come from? It comes from Latin pastor, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "pastor" come from? It comes from Latin pastor, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Pastor’s story begins in Latin: pastor meant “shepherd.” From 'pascere', to feed or graze. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as pastor. Christ as the Good Shepherd made it a word for clergy. It reached English by 1300s as pastor. 'pastoral' still means both rural and caring. Today, pastor means a minister in charge of a congregation.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient pastor "shepherd", from 'pascere', to feed or graze.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval pastor "shepherd; priest", Christ as the Good Shepherd made it a word for clergy.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s pastor "a spiritual shepherd", 'pastoral' still means both rural and caring.