King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 23:3 Mean?

Jeremiah 23:3 in the King James Version says “And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 23:3 · 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.

5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Read Jeremiah 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After pronouncing judgment on the false shepherds, God declares He Himself will shepherd His people. The emphatic 'I will gather' contrasts with the shepherds who scattered. This introduces the remnant theology so crucial to biblical eschatology—though judgment decimates the nation, God preserves a remnant through whom He fulfills His covenant promises. This remnant will be gathered 'out of all countries whither I have driven them.'

Note the theology here: God takes responsibility for the exile ('whither I have driven them'), yet He used the unfaithful shepherds and Babylon as His instruments. This demonstrates divine sovereignty—God accomplishes His purposes even through secondary causes. He did not approve of the shepherds' sin, yet He incorporated their rebellion into His redemptive plan. The exile was simultaneously God's judgment and the unfaithful shepherds' sin.

The promise that the remnant will 'be fruitful and increase' echoes God's creation blessing (Genesis 1:28) and covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 17:6). Despite apparent destruction, God's redemptive purposes continue. This remnant theology finds fulfillment in multiple ways: the return from Babylonian exile, the preservation of a Jewish remnant through whom Messiah came (Romans 9:27), and ultimately the church as the people of God gathered from every nation (Romans 11:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when Cyrus allowed Jews to return to Judah (538 BC) and rebuild the temple. Yet only a remnant returned—most Jews remained scattered throughout the Persian Empire and later the Roman world. Jesus began gathering the true remnant of Israel, and after Pentecost the gospel spread to Gentiles, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Galatians 3:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the remnant theology comfort believers when the visible church appears weak or compromised?
  2. What does it mean that God both judges His people and preserves a remnant for Himself?
  3. In what ways does the gathering of the remnant from all countries point forward to the church as a multi-ethnic people of God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַאֲנִ֗י1 of 17
H589

i

אֲקַבֵּץ֙2 of 17

“And I will gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

שְׁאֵרִ֣ית4 of 17

“the remnant”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

צֹאנִ֔י5 of 17

“of my flock”

H6629

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

מִכֹּל֙6 of 17
H3605

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

הָאֲרָצ֔וֹת7 of 17

“out of all countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר8 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִדַּ֥חְתִּי9 of 17

“whither I have driven”

H5080

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

אֹתָ֖ם10 of 17
H853

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

שָׁ֑ם11 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י12 of 17

“them and will bring them again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶתְהֶ֛ן13 of 17
H853

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

עַל14 of 17
H5921

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

נְוֵהֶ֖ן15 of 17

“to their folds”

H5116

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

וּפָר֥וּ16 of 17

“and they shall be fruitful”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

וְרָבֽוּ׃17 of 17

“and increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

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 23:3 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 23:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 9:14-15Jeremiah 32:37Isaiah 43:5-6Jeremiah 29:14Jeremiah 30:3Zephaniah 3:19-20

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