Pastor

Pastor is derived from the Latin word pastor, which means “shepherd.” The term is associated with the term “priest” (Præst) in its Greek origins, since Præst is derived through the Latin from the Greek πρεσβύτερος, which means “elder,” and elders are regularly commanded to “shepherd” those under their charge.1 The lexical meaning of Præst in Danish is an ordained minister who leads religious ceremonies and other church affairs.2 The term Pastor refers to a Præst, but the term is used primarily as a title in Danish. Neither term is used idiosyncratically by Kierkegaard, and English translations reflect this fact by rendering Præst in a variety of different ways including terms like “clergy,” “priest,” or “pastor.”