King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:10 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:10 in the King James Version says “Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will ga...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.”

Jeremiah 31:10 · KJV

Context

8

Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

9

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. supplications: or, favours

10

Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

11

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.

12

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands the nations to hear and declare His word—specifically, that 'He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.' This is a missionary charge: the nations must proclaim what God is doing for Israel. The 'isles afar off' represent the remote regions of the earth, showing that God's restoration of Israel has universal significance. The nations must witness and testify to God's covenant faithfulness.

The promise itself is covenantal: God who scattered will gather; God who judged will restore. The shepherd imagery recalls Psalm 23 and anticipates Jesus' self-identification as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Unlike the bad shepherds condemned in 23:1-2, God is the true Shepherd who protects, provides, and preserves His flock. The phrase 'keep him' (shamar, שָׁמַר) means guard, watch over, protect—conveying security and tender care.

The theological significance is that God's dealings with Israel demonstrate His character to all nations. Israel's restoration proves God's faithfulness, justice, and mercy. This prepares the way for the gospel's universal proclamation—if God keeps covenant with Israel despite their unfaithfulness, He will certainly keep covenant with all who trust in Christ. The nations must 'hear' and 'declare' this good news, anticipating the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

When exiles returned and rebuilt Jerusalem, it testified to surrounding nations of God's power and faithfulness. When Jesus came as Israel's Messiah and the gospel spread to Gentiles, the nations began declaring God's faithfulness in gathering His scattered people. The church's international, multi-ethnic composition continues to declare this message—God keeps His promises and gathers a people for Himself from every tribe and tongue.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must the nations hear and declare God's work of gathering Israel—what does this teach them about God's character?
  2. How does God's role as the true Shepherd of His people contrast with false shepherds (political and religious leaders) who scatter the flock?
  3. In what ways does Israel's restoration point forward to and prepare for the gospel's proclamation to all nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
שִׁמְע֤וּ1 of 14

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דְבַר2 of 14

“the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָה֙3 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

גּוֹיִ֔ם4 of 14

“O ye nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְהַגִּ֥ידוּ5 of 14

“and declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

בָאִיִּ֖ים6 of 14

“it in the isles”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

מִמֶּרְחָ֑ק7 of 14

“afar off”

H4801

remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

וְאִמְר֗וּ8 of 14

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מְזָרֵ֤ה9 of 14

“He that scattered”

H2219

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙10 of 14

“Israel”

H3478

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

יְקַבְּצֶ֔נּוּ11 of 14

“will gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

וּשְׁמָר֖וֹ12 of 14

“him and keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

כְּרֹעֶ֥ה13 of 14

“him as a shepherd”

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

עֶדְרֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“doth his flock”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

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 31:10 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 31:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:11Ezekiel 34:12Deuteronomy 30:4Isaiah 66:19John 11:52John 10:27

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