Jeremiah 3:15
Jeremiah 3:15 in Multiple Translations
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
And I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
And I will give you keepers, pleasing to my heart, who will give you your food with knowledge and wisdom.
I will give you shepherds who are like me who will feed you wisely and with understanding.
And I will giue you pastours according to mine heart, which shall feede you with knowledge and vnderstanding.
And I have given to you shepherds According to Mine own heart, And they have fed you with knowledge and understanding.
I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
And I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
And I will give you pastors according to my own heart, and they shall feed you with knowledge and doctrine.
If you do that, I will appoint for you leaders with whom I am pleased, leaders who will guide you well because they will know and understand what pleases me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 3:15
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 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י
לָ/כֶ֛ם
רֹעִ֖ים
כְּ/לִבִּ֑/י
וְ/רָע֥וּ
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
דֵּעָ֥ה
וְ/הַשְׂכֵּֽיל
וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לָ/כֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
רֹעִ֖ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
כְּ/לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/רָע֥וּ
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
דֵּעָ֥ה
dêʻâh
H1844
knowledge
N-fs
וְ/הַשְׂכֵּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 3:15
וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/כֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
רֹעִ֖ים
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.
כְּ/לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ/רָע֥וּ
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
דֵּעָ֥ה
dêʻâh
H1844
"knowledge"
N-fs
This term refers to knowledge of God, emphasizing a deep understanding of His nature. It highlights the importance of knowing God in a personal way.
Definition: knowledge (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: knowledge. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Isaiah 11:9; Psalms 73:11.
וְ/הַשְׂכֵּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 3:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 3:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:15
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
- Sermons on Jeremiah 3:15
Context — A Call to Repentance
13Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD.
14“Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.
15Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
16“In those days, when you multiply and increase in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer discuss the ark of the covenant of the LORD. It will never come to mind, and no one will remember it or miss it, nor will another one be made. 17At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 23:4 | I 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. |
| 2 | Acts 20:28 | Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:11–12 | And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, |
| 4 | Ezekiel 34:23 | I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. |
| 5 | John 21:15–17 | When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:20–21 | The Lord will give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but your Teacher will no longer hide Himself—with your own eyes you will see Him. And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:21 | The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 3:1–2 | Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, |
| 9 | Luke 12:42 | And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? |
| 10 | Ezekiel 37:24 | My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes. |
Jeremiah 3:15 Summary
[This verse is a promise from God that He will provide spiritual leaders to guide and care for His people, feeding them with knowledge and understanding. These leaders will be after God's own heart, meaning they will be devoted to Him and prioritize His will, as seen in the example of King David. This promise is a reminder that God is always looking out for our spiritual well-being and wants us to be nourished and guided by His Word, as described in Matthew 9:36 and John 10:11. By trusting in God's provision, we can have confidence that He will provide us with the spiritual leadership we need to grow in our faith.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have shepherds after God's own heart?
This phrase refers to leaders who are devoted to God and prioritize His will, as seen in the example of King David, who was a shepherd after God's own heart, as described in 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22.
How will these shepherds feed us with knowledge and understanding?
These shepherds will provide spiritual nourishment by teaching God's Word and guiding believers in their walk with Him, as described in Ephesians 4:11-12 and 1 Peter 5:2-3.
Is this promise only for the Israelites, or does it apply to all believers?
While the context of Jeremiah 3:15 is addressed to the Israelites, the principle of God providing spiritual leaders to guide His people is applicable to all believers, as seen in the New Testament church, where leaders such as pastors and elders are called to care for God's flock, as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the church today?
This verse highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in the church, where pastors and elders are called to feed God's people with knowledge and understanding, as described in Jeremiah 3:15 and Ephesians 4:11-12, and to care for them as shepherds care for their sheep, as described in John 10:11 and 1 Peter 5:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek out spiritual nourishment and guidance from Godly leaders in my life?
- How can I discern whether a spiritual leader is truly after God's own heart, and what characteristics should I look for in a pastor or elder?
- In what ways can I support and pray for the spiritual leaders in my life, that they may be effective in feeding me with knowledge and understanding?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's provision and care for my spiritual well-being, and what does it reveal about His heart for me as a believer?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart,.... Which is to be understood not of political rulers and governors, but ministers of the word; who are "pastors" or "shepherds" under Christ the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
Pastors; either civil magistrates, which are sometimes so called, ; or rather ecclesiastical, as appears both from the reason of God’ s judgments upon Israel, viz. their pastors being generally either thieves or dumb dogs; and also from the nature of their office, in the close of the verse, and thus they are called . According to mine heart; such as I will both choose for you and approve of, and that shall faithfully and skilfully declare unto you my mind; which intimates not only a single act of deliverance, but his constant preservation of them. Which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding: this notes either the nature of their food: see . Or rather the manner of their feeding: see . See more of this promise .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.Ver. 15. And I will give you pastors according to my heart.] God gives faithful pastors oft for the sake of but a few that are there to be converted: Et vilissimus pagus est palatium eburneum, in quo est pastor et credentes aliqui, saith Luther, The poorest village is an ivory palace, if there be but in it a pastor and some few believers. Such pastors as God here promiseth (and more largely describeth, Jeremiah 23:1-40 Ezekiel 34:1-31), are special gifts of God: "I will give you pastors." David, after he had discomfited the Amalekites, sent gifts to his friends in Judah. Great Alexander, when he had prevailed at the river Granicus, and was now ascended into the upper parts of Asia, sent back many gifts to assure them of his love in Macedonia. The like doth God to his Church by sending them pastors, with such two adjuncts as are here - (1.) Adherent, his own approbation; (2.) Inherent, skill to teach the people. See Ephesians 4:8. Luth., tom. iii. p. 81.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
(15) Pastors.—As in Jeremiah 2:8, of kings and rulers, not of priests. Compare Jeremiah 23:1-5. The phrase “according to mine heart” brings David to our thoughts (1 Samuel 13:14). There should be a return to the true pattern of the ideal ruler. In the “knowledge and understanding” we have an echo from Isaiah 11:1-4.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
Verse 15. I will give you pastors according to mine heart] The pastor means either the king or the prophet; and the pastors here promised may be either kings or prophets, or both. These shall be according to God's own heart; they shall be of his own choosing and shall be qualified by himself: and in consequence they shall feed the people with knowledge, דעה deah, that Divine truth concerning the true God and the best interests of man, which was essentially necessary to their salvation; and understanding השכיל haskeil, the full interpretation of every point, that in receiving the truth they might become wise, holy, and happy.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:15
15. shepherds] See on ch. Jeremiah 2:8.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:15
Pastors - “Kings, rulers” (compare Jeremiah 2:8). Not military usurpers Hosea 8:4, but true servants of God, as David 1 Samuel 13:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:15
15. Pastors — No matter how few and poor and scattered the flock, they shall have shepherds.
Sermons on Jeremiah 3:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) 1 Chronicles 1-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of farsightedness and not being deceived by immediate fulfillment offered by Satan. He warns against turning aside from God's |
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Praying in the Closet by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying in the secret place, highlighting the need for individual, intimate prayer with God. It addresses the current darkness and uncertai |
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A Church That Gets God's Approval by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, comparing it to the stages of childhood, youth, and fatherhood. It highlights the need |
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Four Types of Backsliders by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen discusses the four types of backsliders as illustrated in Luke 15: the lost sheep, lost coin, lost younger son, and lost elder son. He emphasizes that backsliding often |
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(The Full Gospel) 11. Two Types of Backsliders and Two Types of Leaders by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the two types of backsliders as described by Jesus in Luke 15 - the lost sheep and the lost son. He emphasizes the importance of shepherds after God's own |
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Urgently Needed: Prophetic Leaders by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic leaders in a time when religious news is abundant yet lacks spiritual depth. He critiques the overwhelming focus on religious ac |
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A Steward of the Mysteries of God by George Kulp | George Kulp preaches about the powerful impact of a faithful priest who aligns with God's will, the blessings for those who sow seeds of faith, and the importance of pastors who fe |