Isaiah 56:11 kjv
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Isaiah 56:11 nkjv
Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.
Isaiah 56:11 niv
They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain.
Isaiah 56:11 esv
The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all.
Isaiah 56:11 nlt
Like greedy dogs, they are never satisfied.
They are ignorant shepherds,
all following their own path
and intent on personal gain.
Isaiah 56 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 56:10 | His watchmen are blind; they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs. | Strong connection (comparison) |
| Jeremiah 23:1 | Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! | Strong connection (shepherd theme) |
| Ezekiel 34:2 | "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say. | Strong connection (shepherd theme) |
| Ezekiel 34:4 | "The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed. | Strong connection (neglect of duty) |
| Micah 3:11 | Her princes judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price. | Strong connection (corruption) |
| Matthew 7:15 | "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing. | Strong connection (false leaders) |
| Acts 20:29 | I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you. | Strong connection (false teachers) |
| 2 Peter 2:1 | But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be. | Strong connection (false teachers) |
| Jude 1:11 | Woe to them! For they walk in the way of Cain and abandon themselves. | Strong connection (false teachers) |
| Revelation 18:23 | For your sorcery deceived all nations. | Strong connection (deception) |
| Psalm 49:13 | This is the path of those who have foolish confidence, and their. | Strong connection (folly) |
| Proverbs 10:12 | Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. | Comparison (love vs. hatred) |
| Romans 1:32 | Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such. | Strong connection (moral blindness) |
| Philippians 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory. | Strong connection (self-indulgence) |
| 1 Timothy 6:9 | But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare. | Strong connection (greed) |
| Titus 1:7 | For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. | Contrast (true vs. false overseer) |
| Hebrews 13:17 | Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority. | Contrast (true vs. false leader) |
| 1 Peter 5:2 | Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight. | Strong connection (shepherd role) |
Isaiah 56 verses
Isaiah 56 11 Meaning
This verse describes watchmen who are blind, ignorant, and incapable of discernment. They are characterized as greedy, insatiable dogs, unable to bark or warn of danger. Instead, they indulge themselves, seeking only personal gain and pleasure, lacking the spiritual awareness and duty to protect the flock.
Isaiah 56 11 Context
Isaiah 56 describes a period where Judah is being restored, and Gentiles are invited to join God's people. However, the leaders, specifically the watchmen (representing spiritual and political leaders), have failed in their duties. They are depicted as self-serving, greedy, and spiritually blind, neglecting their responsibility to protect and guide the people. This passage serves as a rebuke to these corrupt leaders who have allowed spiritual decay and the scattering of the flock.
Isaiah 56 11 Word Analysis
khelah (Hebrew): This word can mean "strength," "substance," or "that which is provided." In this context, it refers to desirable things or possessions, highlighting the watchmen's focus on personal gain.
khol (Hebrew): "All," "every," "any." Emphasizes the pervasive nature of their corruption and blindness.
lo (Hebrew): "Not."
da'ath (Hebrew): "Knowledge," "skill," "intelligence." They lack spiritual understanding and discernment.
hemmeh (Hebrew): "They."
kullem (Hebrew): "All of them."
kenaphayim (Hebrew): "Wings," often used metaphorically for protection or the extension of dominion. Here, it might imply their efforts to spread their influence or reach for possessions.
bashaq (Hebrew): "Greedy," "covetous," "insatiable." Describes their relentless desire for more.
'illemim (Hebrew): "Mute," "dumb." They are unable to speak God's truth or warn the people.
bal-yakhelu (Hebrew): "Are not able," "cannot." Emphasizes their incapacitation for their God-given duty.
seb (Hebrew): "Dogs."
'emeyrey (Hebrew): "Masters," "lords." Implies a subservient nature to worldly desires rather than God.
shaloom (Hebrew): "Peace," "welfare," "prosperity." They seek their own comfort and security.
baqshu (Hebrew): "Seek," "desire," "ask for."
mazmethe (Hebrew): "Praise," "commendation." They are not motivated by serving God or seeking His approval.
ta'am (Hebrew): "Taste," "discernment," "judgment." They have lost the ability to discern between good and evil.
Group: Greedy, insatiable dogs: The imagery of dogs is strong. In the ancient Near East, dogs were often seen as unclean scavengers, and their "barking" was a protective measure. These watchmen are like dogs that fail to bark, implying they are not only impure but have failed in their guarding duty, driven by selfish desires ("greedy, insatiable") rather than protection.
Group: Mute and unable to speak: Their silence ("mute") signifies their inability to convey God's message or issue warnings. Their "inability" to bark reinforces the complete failure in their prophetic or protective role.
Group: Seeking their own pleasure and gain: The pursuit of "peace" (shaloom) and "what is profitable" ('ilah) clearly indicates their focus on personal benefit and self-indulgence, abandoning their shepherdly duties.
Isaiah 56 11 Bonus Section
The contrast between these false watchmen and the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is striking. Jesus describes himself as the "good shepherd" who lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). He is the One who willingly speaks truth and offers divine insight. This passage in Isaiah foreshadows the need for genuine spiritual leadership that is vigilant, self-sacrificing, and guided by God's truth, a role ultimately fulfilled in Christ and called for in His followers. The theme of failed shepherds and the consequences for the flock is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, emphasizing God's commitment to His people and His judgment upon those who exploit them.
Isaiah 56 11 Commentary
Isaiah 56:11 paints a grim picture of spiritual leadership devoid of divine purpose. The watchmen, meant to be vigilant guardians of God's people, are characterized by a profound failure. They are described as blind, unable to perceive spiritual truths or discern approaching dangers. Their silence and inability to "bark" signifies a dereliction of duty, a refusal to issue warnings against sin or error. Their motivations are entirely self-centered, depicted as greedy, insatiable "dogs" who care only for their own welfare and personal gain, rather than the well-being of the flock. This corrupt leadership leads to the vulnerability and eventual "scattering" or harm of the people they are meant to protect, reflecting a spiritual abdication of their God-ordained role. This is a severe condemnation of leaders who prioritize worldly comforts and profits over faithfulness to God and responsibility to the community.