King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:11 Mean?

Isaiah 40:11 in the King James Version says “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. that: or, that give suck”

Isaiah 40:11 · KJV

Context

9

O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! O Zion: or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion O Jerusalem: or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem

10

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. with strong: or, against the strong his work: or, recompence for his work

11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. that: or, that give suck

12

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? a measure: Heb. a tierce

13

Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? his: Heb. man of his counsel

Read Isaiah 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This beautiful pastoral image presents God as the Good Shepherd ('ra'ah'), a title later claimed by Christ (John 10:11). The Hebrew 'tsabaq' (gather to the bosom) conveys intimate, protective love. God's care is both universal (feeding the flock) and particular (carrying lambs, gently leading nursing ewes)—He tends to individual needs with personal attention.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

For exiles who felt abandoned, this shepherd imagery reversed their sense of being scattered sheep without a shepherd (Ezekiel 34), promising restoration under God's personal care.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have you experienced God's shepherd care in your most vulnerable moments?
  2. How does knowing God gently leads those with young help you trust His pace in your spiritual growth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יִרְעֶ֔ה1 of 10

“He shall feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

עֶדְר֣וֹ2 of 10

“his flock”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

יִרְעֶ֔ה3 of 10

“He shall feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

בִּזְרֹעוֹ֙4 of 10

“with his arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

יְקַבֵּ֣ץ5 of 10

“he shall gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

טְלָאִ֔ים6 of 10

“the lambs”

H2922

a lamb

וּבְחֵיק֖וֹ7 of 10

“them in his bosom”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

יִשָּׂ֑א8 of 10

“and carry”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עָל֖וֹת9 of 10

“those that are with young”

H5763

to suckle, i.e., give milk

יְנַהֵֽל׃10 of 10

“and shall gently lead”

H5095

properly, to run with a sparkle, i.e., flow; hence (transitively), to conduct, and (by inference) to protect, sustain

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 40:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 40:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 7:17Psalms 23:1-6Micah 5:4Ezekiel 34:23John 10:11-16Isaiah 49:9-10

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