King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:11 Mean?

Isaiah 56:11 in the King James Version says “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to t... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. greedy: Heb. strong of appetite can: Heb. know not to be satisfied

Isaiah 56:11 · KJV


Context

9

All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

10

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. sleeping: or, dreaming, or, talking in their sleep

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. greedy: Heb. strong of appetite can: Heb. know not to be satisfied

12

Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These failed leaders are 'greedy dogs which can never have enough.' The Hebrew 'nephesh' (soul/appetite) is never satisfied - they exemplify insatiable appetite. They are 'shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain.' Self-interest replaces sacrificial service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This echoes Ezekiel 34's indictment of shepherds who feed themselves rather than the flock. Such leadership provokes God to become Shepherd Himself - fulfilled in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does greedy, self-interested leadership look like today?
  2. How does this contrast with Christ's model of shepherding?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהַכְּלָבִ֣ים1 of 17

dogs

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

עַזֵּי2 of 17

Yea they are greedy

H5794

strong, vehement, harsh

נֶ֗פֶשׁ3 of 17
H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לֹ֤א4 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדְע֖וּ5 of 17

never have

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

שָׂבְעָ֔ה6 of 17

enough

H7654

satiety

וְהֵ֣מָּה7 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רֹעִ֔ים8 of 17

and they are shepherds

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

לֹ֥א9 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדְע֖וּ10 of 17

never have

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הָבִ֑ין11 of 17

that cannot understand

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

כֻּלָּם֙12 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לְדַרְכָּ֣ם13 of 17

to their own way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

פָּנ֔וּ14 of 17

they all look

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אִ֥ישׁ15 of 17

every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְבִצְע֖וֹ16 of 17

for his gain

H1215

plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)

מִקָּצֵֽהוּ׃17 of 17

from his quarter

H7097

an extremity


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 56:11 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 56:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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