King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 23:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 23:2 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and dri...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 23:2 · KJV

Context

1

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

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.

3

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

4

And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God directly addresses the shepherds, contrasting their actions with His own. 'Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them'—three accusations emphasizing their negligence and destructive leadership. The phrase 'my flock' asserts divine ownership; these leaders were stewards, not owners. Their failure to 'visit' (care for) the flock contrasts sharply with God's promise: 'behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings.'

This verse establishes the principle of divine retribution—leaders will experience judgment proportionate to their unfaithfulness. The same word translated 'visit' appears twice but with opposite meanings: they did not visit (attend to) the flock, so God will visit (judge) them. This wordplay in Hebrew emphasizes the precise justice of God's response. Those who scattered will themselves be scattered; those who drove away will be driven away.

The theological foundation here is that God holds leaders accountable not merely for what they do but for what they fail to do. Sins of omission are as serious as sins of commission. James 3:1 warns, 'My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.' Church history confirms this principle—corrupt shepherds face God's severe judgment while faithful shepherds receive a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:2-4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical fulfillment of this judgment came swiftly. King Zedekiah was captured fleeing Jerusalem, forced to watch his sons executed, then blinded and taken to Babylon where he died in prison (39:4-7; 52:9-11). Many of the political and religious leaders who opposed Jeremiah died during Jerusalem's siege or were executed afterward. Those who survived were exiled to Babylon, experiencing the very scattering they had inflicted on God's flock through their oppression and false guidance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to judge unfaithful shepherds comfort those who have suffered under corrupt leadership?
  2. What specific responsibilities do spiritual leaders bear for those entrusted to their care?
  3. In what ways might we be guilty of sins of omission—failing to care for those God has placed in our sphere of influence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
לָ֠כֵן1 of 27
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה2 of 27
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֨ר3 of 27

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 27

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י5 of 27

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל6 of 27

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַֽל7 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָרֹעִ֣ים8 of 27

“against the pastors”

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

הָרֹעִ֣ים9 of 27

“against the pastors”

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

אֶת10 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּי֒11 of 27

“my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אַתֶּ֞ם12 of 27
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הֲפִצֹתֶ֤ם13 of 27

“Ye have scattered”

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

אֶת14 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צֹאנִי֙15 of 27

“my flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וַתַּדִּח֔וּם16 of 27

“and driven them away”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

וְלֹ֥א17 of 27
H3808

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

פֹקֵ֧ד18 of 27

“and have not visited”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֹתָ֑ם19 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הִנְנִ֨י20 of 27
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

פֹקֵ֧ד21 of 27

“and have not visited”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם22 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת23 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹ֥עַ24 of 27

“upon you the evil”

H7455

badness (as marring), physically or morally

מַעַלְלֵיכֶ֖ם25 of 27

“of your doings”

H4611

an act (good or bad)

נְאֻם26 of 27

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 23:2 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 Jeremiah 23:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 21:12Exodus 32:34Micah 7:4Jeremiah 23:34Jeremiah 8:12Jeremiah 5:29

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