Isaiah 56:11
Isaiah 56:11 in Multiple Translations
Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Yea, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds that cannot understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter.
Yes, the dogs are for ever looking for food; while these, the keepers of the sheep, are without wisdom: they have all gone after their pleasure, every one looking for profit; they are all the same.
They're greedy dogs that are never satisfied. They're sheepdogs who don't know their job. All of them go their own way, each of them looking out for themselves.
And these griedy dogs can neuer haue ynough: and these shepheards cannot vnderstand: for they all looke to their owne way, euery one for his aduantage, and for his owne purpose.
And the dogs [are] strong of desire, They have not known sufficiency, And they [are] shepherds! They have not known understanding, All of them to their own way they did turn, Each to his dishonest gain from his quarter:
Yes, the dogs are greedy. They can never have enough. They are shepherds who can’t understand. They have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter.
Yes, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
And meet impudent dogs, they never had enough: the shepherds themselves knew no understanding: all have turned aside into their own way, every one after his own gain, from the first even to the last.
And they are like greedy dogs; they never get all that they want. They are supposed to lead the people, like good shepherds lead their flocks, but they are ignorant, and they each do whatever they want to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 56:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 56:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/כְּלָבִ֣ים
עַזֵּי
נֶ֗פֶשׁ
לֹ֤א
יָֽדְעוּ֙
שָׂבְעָ֔ה
וְ/הֵ֣מָּה
רֹעִ֔ים
לֹ֥א
יָדְע֖וּ
הָבִ֑ין
כֻּלָּ/ם֙
לְ/דַרְכָּ֣/ם
פָּנ֔וּ
אִ֥ישׁ
לְ/בִצְע֖/וֹ
מִ/קָּצֵֽ/הוּ
וְ/הַ/כְּלָבִ֣ים
keleb
H3611
dog
Conj | Art | N-mp
עַזֵּי
ʻaz
H5794
strong
Adj
נֶ֗פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָֽדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָׂבְעָ֔ה
sobʻâh
H7654
satiety
N-fs
וְ/הֵ֣מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
רֹעִ֔ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדְע֖וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הָבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Inf-a
כֻּלָּ/ם֙
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
לְ/דַרְכָּ֣/ם
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs | Suff
פָּנ֔וּ
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
לְ/בִצְע֖/וֹ
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
Prep | N-ms | Suff
מִ/קָּצֵֽ/הוּ
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 56:11
וְ/הַ/כְּלָבִ֣ים
keleb
H3611
"dog"
Conj | Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
עַזֵּי
ʻaz
H5794
"strong"
Adj
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
נֶ֗פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָֽדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
שָׂבְעָ֔ה
sobʻâh
H7654
"satiety"
N-fs
Satiety refers to the feeling of being full or satisfied, having enough of something. It can also describe something that is never satisfied.
Definition: satisfaction, satiety, one's fill
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (to have) enough, [idiom] till...be full, (un-) satiable, satisfy, [idiom] sufficiently. See also: Isaiah 23:18; Ezekiel 16:28; Isaiah 55:2.
וְ/הֵ֣מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
רֹעִ֔ים
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדְע֖וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הָבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
כֻּלָּ/ם֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
לְ/דַרְכָּ֣/ם
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
פָּנ֔וּ
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לְ/בִצְע֖/וֹ
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
מִ/קָּצֵֽ/הוּ
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 56:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 56:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 56:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 56:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 56:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 56:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 56:11
Context — Israel’s Sinful Leaders
9Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest.
10Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.
11Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:
12“Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 34:2–3 | “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 13:19 | You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. |
| 3 | Micah 3:11 | Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” |
| 4 | John 8:43 | Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message. |
| 5 | Micah 3:5–6 | This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. |
| 6 | Zechariah 11:15–17 | And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd. For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves. Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!” |
| 7 | Revelation 22:15 | But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. |
| 8 | Titus 1:7 | As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. |
| 9 | Isaiah 57:17 | I was enraged by his sinful greed, so I struck him and hid My face in anger; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart. |
| 10 | Isaiah 1:3 | The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” |
Isaiah 56:11 Summary
[Isaiah 56:11 is a warning about leaders who are more interested in their own gain than in helping others. It says they are like ravenous dogs that are never satisfied, always looking for more. This is in contrast to the kind of leadership shown by Jesus Christ, who put the needs of others first (John 10:11). We can learn from this verse to be mindful of our own motivations and to prioritize the well-being of others, as encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the shepherds to have no discernment in Isaiah 56:11?
The shepherds having no discernment means they lack the ability to distinguish right from wrong, and as a result, they prioritize their own interests over the well-being of their flock, as seen in Jeremiah 23:1-4 where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their selfishness.
How does Isaiah 56:11 relate to the concept of greed in the Bible?
Isaiah 56:11 highlights the problem of greed among the shepherds, who are never satisfied and always seeking their own gain, which is a theme also addressed in 1 Timothy 6:10 where it is written that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
What is the significance of comparing the shepherds to ravenous dogs in Isaiah 56:11?
The comparison of the shepherds to ravenous dogs emphasizes their insatiable hunger for power and wealth, which is a stark contrast to the selfless leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ in John 10:11, where He describes Himself as the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.
How can we apply the warning in Isaiah 56:11 to our own lives?
We can apply the warning in Isaiah 56:11 by being mindful of our own motivations and desires, and ensuring that we are not prioritizing our own interests over the well-being of others, as encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4 where we are called to humble ourselves and look to the interests of others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be prioritizing my own interests over the well-being of others, and how can I change this?
- How can I cultivate a sense of discernment in my own life, so that I can distinguish right from wrong and make wise decisions?
- What are some warning signs that I may be falling into the trap of greed or selfishness, and how can I guard against these tendencies?
- How can I follow the example of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for His sheep, and demonstrate selfless leadership in my own relationships and community?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 56:11
Yea, they [are] greedy dogs,.... Or "strong of soul" (y); of great appetites, and are never satisfied: or "strong of body"; the soul is sometimes put for the body; large bodied, fat bellied men, such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 56:11
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
Greedy dogs which can never have enough; insatiably covetous. That cannot understand, Heb. that know not to understand; that do not care, or love, or desire (as knowing is frequently taken) either to understand the law or word of God themselves, or to make the people to understand it. They all look to their own way; they regard neither God’ s command and glory, nor the people’ s good, but only the satisfaction of their own base lusts. See Poole "". Every one for his gain, from his quarter; in their several places and stations, as they have opportunity. Heb. from his or their end or extremity, i.e. universally, or all from one end of that body or society of men unto the other; as the same word signifies, ; from one end of the city to the other; or, as we there render it, from every quarter; and as the same word is by divers learned men rendered, , out of the meanest of the people, but out of all the people, or indifferently out of every tribe; of which See Poole "". But if that phrase be rightly rendered there, out of the meanest of the people, as divers also expound the same phrase, , of the meanest of his brethren, why may it not as well be rendered here, even from the meanest or poorest of his flock? which is a great aggravation of their covetousness and cruelty, to extort gains from such as needed their charity.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
Isaiah 56:11 Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.Ver. 11. Yea, they are greedy dogs that can never have enough.] Heb., Strong of soul, or of appetite; they know not to be satisfied. Lac et luna, is that they look for; the "instruments of a foolish shepherd," forcipes et mulctra, the shears and milk pail are in their hand; they eat the fruit and drink the milk; yea, they eat the fat, and tear the claws in pieces. Albertus Magnus complained heavily of the covetousness of pastors in his time. Temporalia colliguntper se, spiritualia seminant per alios saith he on Matthew 10:16; they take little pains, but care not how much profit they make. He that made Fasciculus temporum, doth the like. Another modern writer fitly applieth that to them, which Oedipus in Sophocles saith of Tiresias the heathen prophet - “οστιςεντοιςκερδεσιMονονδεδορκε, τηντεχνηνδεφυτυφλος, ” i.e., that he looked only to his gain, but was little seen in his profession. Such a one was Balaam; such were those false prophets; the covetous Pharisees; the false apostles, called dogs; such as had a greedy worm under their tongues, and could never be satisfied. And they are shepherds that cannot understand.] The dust of covetousness hath even put out their eyes. As it fared with the blind and greedy Pharisees, Avidi a non videndo, the world is a pearl in their eyes; they cannot see God, nor skill of their office.
Tremellius rendereth it nesciunt docere; they know not to teach, as being choked haply with a fat benefice - a common practice of the Pope. They all look to their own way.] Mind their own commodity, whereby they are led up and down, as an ox may be all aground over by a bottle of hay. Midas secundum Etymologiam Graecam caecus est. Midas, according to Greek mythology, was blind.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
(11) Shepherds that cannot understand . . .—Better, and such are shepherds; they cannot understand. There is no confusion or change of metaphors. What is implied is that the prophets who are not fit to be watch-dogs of the flock, assume the office of its shepherds. From his quarter—i.e., in modern phrase, from his own sphere of influence.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
Verse 11. Greedy dogs] Insatiably feeding themselves with the fat, and clothing themselves with the wool, while the flock is scattered, ravaged, and starved! O what an abundance of these dumb and greedy dogs are there found hanging on and prowling about the flock of Christ! How can any careless, avaricious, hireling minister read this without agitation and dismay?
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 56:11
11. The first line reads, And the dogs are greedy (lit. “strong of soul,” i.e. appetite), they know not how to be satisfied. The charge of cupidity and of selling oracles for gain is one frequently brought against the false prophets (Micah 3:5; Micah 3:11; Jeremiah 6:13; Ezekiel 13:19; Ezekiel 22:25); a contemporary instance may be the incident of Shemaiah (Nehemiah 6:10 ff.). That the priesthood was infected with the same vice of covetousness is shown by Malachi 1:12; on the upper classes generally see Nehemiah 5:7 ff. and they are shepherds &c.] The meaning can hardly be that those who have been called dogs are really the shepherds of the flock; but it is not easy to obtain a satisfactory sense. Cheyne renders “and these, pastors as they are,” taking “pastors” in the figurative sense of rulers. Dillmann with a slight change of the text reads “and even these, the shepherds,” supposing that a class of persons different from the “watchmen” (prophets) are now spoken of, viz., the nobles and elders. On any view the sentence is awkward; it adds nothing to the thought, and may originally have been a marginal gloss. they all look to their own way] R.V. they have all turned to their own way; all pursue their selfish interests (cf. Isaiah 53:6). from his quarter] Render, without exception, as Ezekiel 25:9; Genesis 19:4.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 56:11
Yea, they are greedy dogs - Margin, ‘Strong of appetite.’ Literally, ‘Strong of soul’ (עזי־נפשׁ ‛azēy-nephesh. Jerome renders it, Canes impudentissimi.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 56:11
10, 11. His watchmen — The people’s teachers. Are blind — Can see nothing with a spiritual eye. Dumb dogs — An image from shepherds’ bad watchdogs, which fail to give notice of danger.
Sermons on Isaiah 56:11
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Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
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Mid South Conference 1981-12 Ezekiel 34: by Lew Clarkson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of giving while still alive. He shares a personal story of a trip to Las Vegas and witnessing |
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Emmanuel by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to focus their attention on Jesus, the shepherd, rather than being consumed by fear and negativity. The speaker emphasizes the impo |
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The Heavy Responsibility of Sheep-Feeding by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the heavy responsibility of preaching, highlighting that true shepherds must address the specific needs of their congregation rather than delivering generic m |
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Hell's Greatest Enrichers! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of false teachers, who, like emissaries of Satan, lead people astray with deceptive doctrines that promise peace but ultimately lead to dest |
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Shouldn't Shepherds Feed Their Sheep? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the critical role of shepherds in the church, emphasizing that true ministers should prioritize the spiritual nourishment of their congregations over person |
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Homily 3 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the selection of Matthias as an Apostle to replace Judas, emphasizing the importance of prayer, unity, and seeking God's guidance in making decisions. H |