King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:12 Mean?

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 · King James Version

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

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כֹּֽה
1 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
אָמַר֮
2 of 19

“Thus saith”

H559
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֣ה
3 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָאוֹת֒
4 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
ע֞וֹד
5 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)
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
7 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)
הַזֶּ֗ה
8 of 19
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
הֶחָרֵ֛ב
9 of 19

“which is desolate”

H2720
parched or ruined
מֵֽאֵין
10 of 19
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
אָדָ֥ם
11 of 19

“without man”

H120
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וְעַד
12 of 19
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
13 of 19

“and without beast”

H929
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וּבְכָל
14 of 19
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרָ֑יו
15 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)
נְוֵ֣ה
16 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
רֹעִ֔ים
17 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
מַרְבִּצִ֖ים
18 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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