King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:17 in the King James Version says “Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.”

Jeremiah 50:17 · KJV

Context

15

Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

16

Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land. sickle; or, scythe

17

Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

18

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria.

19

And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.

Read Jeremiah 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel is described as 'a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away.' The lion imagery represents conquering empires - first Assyria devoured Israel (northern kingdom), then Babylon 'hath broken his bones.' Despite being prey to predatory nations, God calls Israel 'my sheep,' affirming covenant relationship despite scattering. The Good Shepherd will gather His flock (John 10:11-16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse summarizes Israel's history: Assyria conquered the northern kingdom (722 BC), then Babylon conquered Judah (586 BC). Yet they remain God's flock.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's identification of Israel as 'scattered sheep' reveal His heart?
  2. What does it mean that God claims His people even when they're scattered and broken?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שֶׂ֧ה1 of 15

“sheep”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

פְזוּרָ֛ה2 of 15

“is a scattered”

H6340

to scatter, whether in enmity or bounty

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 15

“Israel”

H3478

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

אֲרָי֣וֹת4 of 15

“the lions”

H738

a lion

הִדִּ֑יחוּ5 of 15

“have driven him away”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

הָרִאשׁ֤וֹן6 of 15

“first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

אֲכָלוֹ֙7 of 15

“hath devoured”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מֶ֥לֶךְ8 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר9 of 15

“of Assyria”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

וְזֶ֤ה10 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הָאַחֲרוֹן֙11 of 15

“him and last”

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

עִצְּמ֔וֹ12 of 15

“hath broken his bones”

H6105

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֖ר13 of 15

“this Nebuchadrezzar”

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מֶ֥לֶךְ14 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶֽל׃15 of 15

“of Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

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 50:17 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 50:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 2:15Jeremiah 50:6Joel 3:2John 10:10-121 Peter 2:252 Kings 18:9-13

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 50 →

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 50 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 50 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes