King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:12 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:12 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the citie...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.”

Jeremiah 33:12 · KJV

Context

10

Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast,

11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

12

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.

13

In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the LORD.

14

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast—Repetition from verse 10 emphasizes the contrast: utter desolation versus abundant restoration. Shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down (תִּהְיֶה נְוֵה רֹעִים מַרְבִּצִים צֹאן, tihyeh neveh ro'im marbitzim tzon)—The pastoral imagery depicts peace and security. Naveh (habitation, pasture) and marbitzim (causing to lie down) echo Psalm 23: 'He makes me lie down in green pastures.'

Shepherds represent both literal agricultural restoration and theological leadership. The Good Shepherd theme (Ezekiel 34, John 10) finds its fulfillment in Christ, who gathers scattered sheep into one flock under His care.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian destruction devastated Judah's agricultural economy. Sheep, essential to ancient Israelite life (sacrifices, wool, food), represented wealth and normalcy. The image of shepherds peacefully tending flocks contrasts with war-ravaged, predator-infested wastelands. This promise of pastoral peace signals comprehensive security—economic, military, and spiritual restoration under the coming Great Shepherd.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of shepherds and flocks lying down represent not just economic restoration but spiritual peace under God's care?
  2. In what ways does this Old Testament promise of pastoral rest anticipate Christ as the Good Shepherd?
  3. What 'desolate places' in your life need the peace of shepherds causing flocks to lie down in safety?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כֹּֽה1 of 19
H3541

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

אָמַר֮2 of 19

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָאוֹת֒4 of 19

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

ע֞וֹד5 of 19
H5750

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

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה׀6 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּמָּק֣וֹם7 of 19

“Again in this place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֗ה8 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הֶחָרֵ֛ב9 of 19

“which is desolate”

H2720

parched or ruined

מֵֽאֵין10 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אָדָ֥ם11 of 19

“without man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְעַד12 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בְּהֵמָ֖ה13 of 19

“and without beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וּבְכָל14 of 19
H3605

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

עָרָ֑יו15 of 19

“and in all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

נְוֵ֣ה16 of 19

“thereof shall be an habitation”

H5116

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

רֹעִ֔ים17 of 19

“of shepherds”

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

מַרְבִּצִ֖ים18 of 19

“to lie down”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

צֹֽאן׃19 of 19

“causing their flocks”

H6629

a 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 33:12 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 33:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 65:10Zephaniah 2:6-7Jeremiah 31:24Jeremiah 51:62Ezekiel 34:12-15Jeremiah 36:29

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