King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 23:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 23:4 in the King James Version says “And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 23:4 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. THE LORD: Heb. Jehovahtsidkenu

Read Jeremiah 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises to replace the unfaithful shepherds with faithful ones who will actually 'feed them'—the fundamental responsibility of a shepherd. These new shepherds will eliminate the people's fear and ensure none are lacking. This promise operates on multiple levels: immediate (leaders after the exile like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah), prophetic (the Messiah and His apostles), and eschatological (church leaders who serve under Christ's authority).

The phrase 'I will set up shepherds' emphasizes divine appointment and authority. Human leaders do not seize power or earn it through political maneuvering; they are appointed by God to serve His purposes. True shepherds feed the flock with God's word, protect them from false teaching, and model Christlike servanthood. They do not lord it over the flock but serve as examples (1 Peter 5:2-3).

This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). He then appoints under-shepherds—pastors and elders—who serve by His authority and will give account to Him (Hebrews 13:17). The promise that 'they shall fear no more' points to the peace and security believers have in Christ, who promises that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand (John 10:28-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

After the exile, God raised up leaders like Zerubbabel (who led the first return and rebuilt the temple), Ezra (who taught the law), and Nehemiah (who rebuilt Jerusalem's walls and instituted reforms). Though imperfect, these leaders demonstrated greater faithfulness than the pre-exilic kings. Yet they were types pointing to the perfect Shepherd-King, Jesus, who would come from David's line to shepherd God's people perfectly and eternally.

Reflection Questions

  1. What characterizes faithful shepherds who genuinely feed and care for God's flock?
  2. How does Christ's role as the Chief Shepherd inform how we understand and evaluate human spiritual leadership?
  3. What does it mean practically for believers that we 'shall fear no more' under faithful shepherds?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֧י1 of 13

“And I will set up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם2 of 13
H5921

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

וְרָע֑וּם3 of 13

“over them which 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

וְרָע֑וּם4 of 13

“over them which 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

וְלֹא5 of 13
H3808

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

יִֽירְא֨וּ6 of 13

“them and they shall fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

ע֧וֹד7 of 13
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וְלֹא8 of 13
H3808

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

יֵחַ֛תּוּ9 of 13

“no more nor be dismayed”

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

וְלֹ֥א10 of 13
H3808

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

יִפָּקֵ֖דוּ11 of 13

“neither shall they be lacking”

H6485

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

נְאֻם12 of 13

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“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 23:4 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 23:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 3:14-151 Peter 1:5Acts 20:28-29Jeremiah 46:27-28Micah 5:2John 21:15-17

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