Jeremiah 25 34

Jeremiah 25:34 kjv

Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

Jeremiah 25:34 nkjv

"Wail, shepherds, and cry! Roll about in the ashes, You leaders of the flock! For the days of your slaughter and your dispersions are fulfilled; You shall fall like a precious vessel.

Jeremiah 25:34 niv

Weep and wail, you shepherds; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For your time to be slaughtered has come; you will fall like the best of the rams.

Jeremiah 25:34 esv

"Wail, you shepherds, and cry out, and roll in ashes, you lords of the flock, for the days of your slaughter and dispersion have come, and you shall fall like a choice vessel.

Jeremiah 25:34 nlt

Weep and moan, you evil shepherds!
Roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock!
The time of your slaughter has arrived;
you will fall and shatter like a fragile vase.

Jeremiah 25 verses

Jeremiah 25 34 Meaning

The Lord calls the leaders and shepherds of Israel to account for their destructive actions, stating they are responsible for the scattering of His flock. They will be held accountable for this devastation.

Jeremiah 25 34 Context

This verse is part of Jeremiah's judgment oracles, specifically a prophecy concerning the leaders and rulers of Judah and Jerusalem. Chapter 25 narrates God's judgment against Judah for their persistent sin, proclaiming a 70-year exile in Babylon. The subsequent verses, including verse 34, then address the consequences for the spiritual and political leaders. These leaders, rather than protecting and guiding the people, have become the agents of their destruction and scattering, making them liable for divine retribution. The historical context is the looming threat and eventual reality of the Babylonian invasion and the deportation of the Judean people.

Jeremiah 25 34 Word Analysis

• Woes (Hebrew: ה֔וֹי - hōwî): An interjection expressing deep grief, sorrow, or condemnation. It signifies a divine pronouncement of disaster upon those who are the cause of it.

• Shepherds (Hebrew: רֹעִים - rō‘îm): Refers to the leaders of Israel, both political rulers and spiritual guides. They were expected to care for, protect, and lead God's people (the flock).

• Scatter (Hebrew: פוֹרְעִים - pōre‘îm): Literally means to tear apart, break in pieces, or drive away. It describes the destructive effect of the leaders' actions on the people.

• Flock (Hebrew: צֹא #-}¬’——–- - tso’—ân): The sheep representing the people of Israel, a common metaphor in the Old Testament for God's covenant people who are dependent on their leaders.

• Because (Hebrew: כִּי - kî): Indicates a causal relationship; the scattering is a direct result of the shepherds' actions.

• The Lord (Hebrew: יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal covenant name of God.

• Has declared (Hebrew: נְאֻם - nə’um): A pronouncement, an oracle; emphasizing the divine authority and certainty of the statement.

• This (Hebrew: זֹאת - zō’t): Refers to the judgment and consequences being announced.

• You leaders of the people (Hebrew: אַתֶּם הָרֹעִים - âttem hā-rō‘îm): Directly addresses the plural leadership.

• For you have scattered my flock (Hebrew: כִּי פוֹרַעְתֶּם אֶת־צֹאנִי - kî pōrû‘tem ’et-tso’nî): A powerful indictment, directly attributing the devastation of the people to the failures of their leaders. The possessive "my" flock emphasizes their stewardship role before God.

• And driven them away (Hebrew: וַתְּנִיעוּ אוֹתָם - wattəne‘û ’otâm): Adds to the act of scattering, signifying the forceful removal or expulsion of the people.

Jeremiah 25 34 Bonus Section

The metaphor of shepherds and sheep is deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture and biblical thought. Kings and rulers were often referred to as shepherds. God Himself is presented as the ultimate shepherd (Ps 23:1). The failure of earthly shepherds to adequately care for the flock is a recurring theme of condemnation in the prophets. This verse links the scattering of the people directly to the "woe" that will come upon those in authority. It foreshadows not only the judgment of exile but also the coming of a true shepherd, Jesus Christ, who would gather the lost sheep of Israel and eventually lay down His life for them (John 10:11). The responsibility of leaders to nurture, protect, and guide is a fundamental principle that applies to all leadership roles, spiritual and temporal, within the community of faith.

Jeremiah 25 34 Commentary

Jeremiah 25:34 pronounces a dire "woe" upon the leaders of Israel, specifically identifying them as the "shepherds" who have failed in their divine mandate. Their failure is characterized by the "scattering" and driving away of God's people, His flock. This failure is not merely a political misstep but a spiritual betrayal, as leaders were responsible for the welfare and spiritual health of the nation. The verse underscores the accountability of leadership, highlighting that negligence and mistreatment of God's people invite divine judgment. The scattering implies a broken community, exposed and vulnerable, due to the dereliction of duty by those who should have protected them. This theme of accountability for leadership is echoed throughout Scripture, particularly concerning how the people of God are treated.