Jeremiah 23:2

Jeremiah 23:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

King James Version KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, against the shepherds that feed my people: Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, has said against the keepers who have the care of my people: You have let my flock be broken up, driving them away and not caring for them; see, I will send on you the punishment for the evil of your doings, says the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who were meant to look after my people: You have scattered my flock. You have chased them away. You didn't take care of them, so now I will take care of you for all the evil you've done, declares the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel vnto the pastors that feede my people, Yee haue scattered my flock and thrust them out, and haue not visited them: beholde, I will visite you for the wickednesse of your works, saith the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Therefore, thus said Jehovah, God of Israel, Against the shepherds who feed My people, Ye have scattered My flock, and drive them away, And have not inspected them, Lo, I am charging on you the evil of your doings, An affirmation of Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, says against the shepherds who feed my people: “You have scattered my flock, driven them away, and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings,” says the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Therefore thus saith the Lord the God of Israel to the pastors that feed my people: You have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold I will visit upon you for the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

So, this is what I, Yahweh, the God whom the Israeli people worship, say to those leaders: ‘Instead of taking care of my people and leading them to places where they are safe, like a shepherd does for his sheep, you have scattered them. So I will punish you for the evil things that you have done.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:2

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.

Jeremiah 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ֠/כֵן כֹּֽה אָמַ֨ר יְהוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל עַֽל הָ/רֹעִים֮ הָ/רֹעִ֣ים אֶת עַמִּ/י֒ אַתֶּ֞ם הֲפִצֹתֶ֤ם אֶת צֹאנִ/י֙ וַ/תַּדִּח֔וּ/ם וְ/לֹ֥א פְקַדְתֶּ֖ם אֹתָ֑/ם הִנְ/נִ֨י פֹקֵ֧ד עֲלֵי/כֶ֛ם אֶת רֹ֥עַ מַעַלְלֵי/כֶ֖ם נְאֻם יְהוָֽה

לָ֠/כֵן kên H3651 right Prep | Adv

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֨ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֵ֣י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הָ/רֹעִים֮ râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds Art | V-Qal

הָ/רֹעִ֣ים râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds Art | V-Qal

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עַמִּ/י֒ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

אַתֶּ֞ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

הֲפִצֹתֶ֤ם pûwts H6327 to scatter V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

צֹאנִ/י֙ tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) N-cs | Suff

וַ/תַּדִּח֔וּ/ם nâdach H5080 to banish Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2mp | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

פְקַדְתֶּ֖ם pâqad H6485 to reckon V-Qal-Perf-2mp

אֹתָ֑/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

הִנְ/נִ֨י hên H2005 look! Part | Suff

פֹקֵ֧ד pâqad H6485 to reckon V-Qal

עֲלֵי/כֶ֛ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֹ֥עַ rôaʻ H7455 evil N-ms

מַעַלְלֵי/כֶ֖ם maʻălâl H4611 deed N-mp | Suff

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:2

לָ֠/כֵן kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֨ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹהֵ֣י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הָ/רֹעִים֮ râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" Art | 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.

הָ/רֹעִ֣ים râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" Art | V-Qal

Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עַמִּ/י֒ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אַתֶּ֞ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

הֲפִצֹתֶ֤ם pûwts H6327 "to scatter" V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp

To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

צֹאנִ/י֙ tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" N-cs | Suff

This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.

Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)

Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.

וַ/תַּדִּח֔וּ/ם nâdach H5080 "to banish" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2mp | Suff

To banish or drive away, used in various contexts, such as expelling someone from a community, as seen in the story of David and Absalom.

Definition: 1) to impel, thrust, drive away, banish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to impel 1a2) to thrust away, banish 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be impelled 1b2) to be thrust out, be banished 1b2a) banished, outcast (participle) 1b3) to be driven away 1b4) to be thrust away, thrust aside 1c) (Pual) to be thrust into 1c1) thrust (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to thrust, move, impel 1d2) to thrust out, banish 1d3) to thrust away, thrust aside 1e) (Hophal) to be chased, be hunted 1e1) chased, hunted (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw. See also: Deuteronomy 4:19; Isaiah 27:13; Psalms 5:11.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

פְקַדְתֶּ֖ם pâqad H6485 "to reckon" V-Qal-Perf-2mp

This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.

Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.

אֹתָ֑/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הִנְ/נִ֨י hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

פֹקֵ֧ד pâqad H6485 "to reckon" V-Qal

עֲלֵי/כֶ֛ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֹ֥עַ rôaʻ H7455 "evil" N-ms

This Hebrew word describes something as bad or evil, whether physically or morally. It is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah to convey a sense of wrongdoing. The concept of evil is central to the Bible's teachings.

Definition: 1) badness, evil 1a) badness, bad quality 1b) wilfulness 1c) evil, badness (ethical) 1d) sadness

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be so bad, badness, ([idiom] be so) evil, naughtiness, sadness, sorrow, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:19; Jeremiah 23:2; Psalms 28:4.

מַעַלְלֵי/כֶ֖ם maʻălâl H4611 "deed" N-mp | Suff

Maalal means a deed or act, which can be good or bad, such as a practice or invention. It is used in the Bible to describe human actions and their consequences. This term is found in various biblical contexts.

Definition: 1) deed, practice 1a) practice (usually bad) 1b) deeds 1c) acts

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: doing, endeavour, invention, work. See also: Deuteronomy 28:20; Jeremiah 21:12; Psalms 28:4.

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:2
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:2
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:2

Context — David’s Righteous Branch

1“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD.

2Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

3Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. 4I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 32:34	Now go, lead the people to the place I described. Behold, My angel shall go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will punish them for their sin.”
2	Jeremiah 21:12	O house of David, this is what the LORD says: ‘Administer justice every morning, and rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor, or My wrath will go forth like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it because of their evil deeds.
3	Micah 7:4	The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.
4	Jeremiah 23:34	As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.
5	Jeremiah 13:21	What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained? Will not pangs of anguish grip you, as they do a woman in labor?
6	Jeremiah 8:12	Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD.
7	Jeremiah 5:29	Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?
8	Jeremiah 11:22	So this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters by famine.
9	Matthew 25:43	I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
10	Hosea 2:13	I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:2 Summary

In Jeremiah 23:2, God is speaking to the spiritual leaders of His people, saying that they have failed to care for and guide them properly. As a result, God will hold these leaders accountable for their actions. This verse reminds us that leaders have a great responsibility to care for and guide others according to God's truth, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-4. Just like a shepherd cares for their sheep, God expects leaders to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of those under their care, and we as individuals can learn from this by seeking to support and pray for our leaders as they seek to guide us according to God's word (Hebrews 13:17).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does God mean by 'shepherds' in Jeremiah 23:2?

In this context, God is referring to spiritual leaders who are responsible for guiding and caring for His people, similar to the shepherds mentioned in Ezekiel 34:2-6 and 1 Peter 5:2-4.

Why does God say He will 'attend to' the shepherds for the evil of their deeds?

God is saying that He will hold these leaders accountable for their actions, as seen in Hebrews 13:17, where leaders will give an account to God for the people under their care.

What does it mean to 'scatter' God's flock?

To scatter God's flock means to lead them away from God's truth and care, causing them to become lost or misguided, as seen in Matthew 9:36, where Jesus saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd.

How does this verse relate to modern-day church leaders?

This verse serves as a warning to all spiritual leaders to be faithful and diligent in caring for God's people, as they will be held accountable for their actions, as seen in James 3:1 and 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that spiritual leaders can 'scatter' God's flock, and how can we as individuals discern whether our leaders are guiding us according to God's will?
How does this verse challenge my own role as a leader or influencer in my community, and what steps can I take to ensure I am guiding others with integrity and faithfulness?
In what ways can I as an individual 'attend to' the needs of others in my community, and how can I support and pray for my spiritual leaders as they seek to guide us according to God's word?
What does it mean for me to be a part of God's 'flock', and how can I stay grounded in His truth and care in the midst of challenges and uncertainties?
How can I balance the need for spiritual leadership with the importance of personal discernment and responsibility, as seen in Jeremiah 23:2 and other scriptures?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:2

Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel,.... The covenant God of that people, who are Called his sheep, and the sheep of his pasture; having made a covenant with their fathers, and provided a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:2

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2

That feed my people: God calleth them his people, his flock, the sheep of his pasture, with respect to the ancient covenant which God had made with their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are said to have fed this people, because it was their duty, and the business of their office, so to have done, though they had failed in it, and had done the quite contrary, scattering them by their acts of violence and oppression, and driving them from their places to seek some more safe and quiet places of abode; or by their prodigious wickednesses, having been the cause of their being carried into captivity: not visiting them, that is, taking any due care of their good and welfare, seeing what they wanted, and supplying them, as good rulers ought to have done; for which neglect God threateneth to visit upon them the evil of their doings. The Hebrew word signifieth to visit with a visitation of care and love, and also with a visitation of justice and severity, and is often so used in holy writ.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2

Jeremiah 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.Ver. 2. Against the pastors.] Impostors, rather. That feed my people.] Or, That feed upon my people, rather; attonsioni gregis potius quam attentioni consulentes, more minding gain than godliness. Ye have scattered my flock.] And worried them, as so many evening wolves, grievous, or fat wolves. Behold, I will visit upon you.] Ludit in voce visitare; I will visit you in another sense, for your not visiting my people according to your duty.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2

(2) Ye have scattered my flock.—The charge was true literally as well as spiritually. The dispersion of the people in Egypt, Assyria, and Chaldæa was the result of the neglect, the tyranny, the feebleness of their rulers. They had been led, not as the Eastern shepherd leads (John 10:4-5), but “driven”—not to the fold, but “away” into far lands. Have not visited.—i.e., cared for and regarded. They were negligent, but God was not, and He therefore would “visit” them by reproof and chastisement.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2

Verse 2. Ye have scattered my flock] The bad government both in Church and State was a principal cause of the people's profligacy.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:2

2. feed] Heb. shepherd. Cp. Jeremiah 3:15. scattered] by exile, voluntary or forced, in Egypt or Babylon. driven them away] the opposite of that which is an Eastern shepherd’s duty, viz. to go before his flock, leading them to pasture or fold (Isaiah 40:11; John 10:3 f.). visited … visit upon] The twofold sense of the Hebrew word is kept up in the English. Because the shepherds have not visited their flock for good, they shall themselves be visited with punishment. 3, 4 are considered by Co., but quite needlessly, to reflect a position of affairs which was later than Jeremiah’s date. The same critic, however, retains, though somewhat doubtfully, 7, 8, against which he might have brought the same objection. Moreover, the words “be fruitful and multiply” (see on Jeremiah 3:16) are not decisive against the genuineness of the v. here.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:2

They had scattered them first spiritually by leading them into idolatry; and secondly, many had literally been taken to Egypt with Jehoahaz, many in Jehoiakim’s time had fled there, while others fell

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:2

2. The pastors — In the first verse the article is not in the original, and is incorrectly introduced into the Version. It is a general principle.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:2

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 32:30-35 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights the concept of atonement, which was a way to cover up sin before
	(Through the Bible) Exodus 30-32 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He focuses on the incident where the Israelites worshiped a golden calf while Mos
	Inseparable Companions by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes the undeniable connection between sin and punishment, warning that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions. He references Galatians 6:7 to illu
	Wine for Gospel wantons... by Thomas Shepard	Thomas Shepard preaches on the consequences of spiritual drunkenness as described in Jeremiah 13:12-15, where God fills the inhabitants of the land with a spirit of drunkenness, le
	The Crisis, or the Uncertain Doom of Kingdoms at Particular Times by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the uncertainty and anxiety faced by nations in times of crisis, using the example of Nineveh's impending doom due to sin. He emphasizes the importance
	Rend Your Heart and Not Your Garment by Joshua Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker, Joshua Daniel, discusses the importance of facing challenges and being tested in order to grow spiritually. He references the story of Rehoboam in the