King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 25:35 Mean?
“And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. the shepherds: Heb. flight shall perish from the shepherds, and escaping from, etc”
Jeremiah 25:35 · KJV
Context
33
And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.
34
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel. the days: Heb. your days for slaughter a pleasant: Heb. a vessel of desire
35
And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. the shepherds: Heb. flight shall perish from the shepherds, and escaping from, etc
36
A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.
37
And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. The emphatic statement wĕʾāḇaḏ mānôs min-hārōʿîm ûp̄ālêṭâ mēʾabbîrê haṣṣōʾn (וְאָבַד מָנוֹס מִן־הָרֹעִים וּפָלֵיטָה מֵאַבִּירֵי הַצֹּאן, the shepherds shall have no way to flee, and no escape for the principal of the flock) emphasizes the inescapability of judgment. Leaders might assume their wealth, connections, or power would enable escape when judgment came, but God declares all such hopes vain. No refuge exists from divine judgment.
This principle appears throughout Scripture. Amos declared to Israel's elite: 'Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down' (Amos 9:2). Hebrews warns that 'it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God' (Hebrews 10:31) and asks, 'how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?' (Hebrews 2:3). The psalmist acknowledged, 'Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?' (Psalm 139:7). For the unrepentant, there is no escape; for the repentant, no need to escape because Christ bore the judgment.
This principle appears throughout Scripture. Amos declared to Israel's elite: 'Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down' (Amos 9:2). Hebrews warns that 'it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God' (Hebrews 10:31) and asks, 'how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?' (Hebrews 2:3). The psalmist acknowledged, 'Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?' (Psalm 139:7). For the unrepentant, there is no escape; for the repentant, no need to escape because Christ bore the judgment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
History confirmed this prophecy. When Jerusalem fell, King Zedekiah attempted to flee by night (2 Kings 25:4-5) but was captured near Jericho. His nobles who fled with him were captured and executed. Wealth couldn't buy escape—the rich suffered alongside the poor. Political connections were worthless—Egyptian alliances provided no refuge. The powerful discovered that all human resources fail when divine judgment arrives. Only submission to God's will (as Jeremiah counseled) provided any security, and even that meant exile rather than comfortable preservation.
Reflection Questions
- What refuges or escape plans do people today trust in to avoid accountability before God, and why are all such hopes ultimately futile?
- How does the inescapability of judgment for the powerful and wealthy challenge our culture's faith in money, status, and connections?
- What is the only true 'escape' from divine judgment, and how does the gospel provide what human efforts cannot?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוְאָבַ֥ד1 of 7
“to flee”
H6properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
הָֽרֹעִ֑ים4 of 7
“And the shepherds”
H7462to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
הַצֹּֽאן׃7 of 7
“of the flock”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
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 25:35 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 25:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge