Jeremiah 3 15

Jeremiah 3:15 kjv

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15 nkjv

And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15 niv

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15 esv

"'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15 nlt

And I will give you shepherds after my own heart,
who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3 verses

Jeremiah 3 15 Meaning

Jeremiah 3:15 declares God's solemn promise to the returning exiles of Israel that He will provide them with true spiritual leaders—"shepherds"—who align with His own divine character and purposes. These shepherds will nurture the people, not just physically, but spiritually and intellectually, imparting genuine "knowledge and understanding" of God's ways and truth. This verse signifies God's commitment to restorative grace and the establishment of faithful, God-centered leadership as a key aspect of their renewal.

Jeremiah 3 15 Context

Jeremiah chapter 3 opens with a powerful indictment of Judah's spiritual adultery and persistent unfaithfulness to God, contrasting it with Israel's previous faithlessness, yet expressing a tender call for both back to Him. God appeals to Judah, who is depicted as more unfaithful than even apostate Israel (vv. 6-11), urging them to "Return, faithless Israel...Return, faithless people!" (vv. 12-14). Amidst this profound disappointment and call for repentance, verse 15 emerges as a conditional promise, a glimpse into God's gracious provision upon their return. It assures the people that if they repent and return to Him, God will reverse the damage of poor leadership—which was a significant problem during Jeremiah's time, as evidenced by his extensive critiques of priests, prophets, and kings (e.g., Jer 2:8; 23:1-4). Historically, this promise looks forward beyond the impending Babylonian exile to a time of restoration when a remnant would return, guided by leaders true to God's will. It’s a prophecy not only of immediate post-exilic leadership but also, in its fullness, of the coming Messianic era and the church under the Great Shepherd.

Jeremiah 3 15 Word analysis

• And I will give you: (wᵉnāṯattî) - This Hebrew phrase indicates divine initiative and sovereign provision. It's a clear statement that the provision of good shepherds comes directly from God, not from human effort or selection. This contrasts with the human tendency to choose leaders based on outward appearance or political expediency, which often resulted in ungodly rule in Israel's history. God is actively involved in guiding and restoring His people.
• shepherds: (rōʿîm) - The term literally refers to those who tend sheep, providing pasture, protection, and guidance. In the Bible, it is a common metaphor for rulers, kings, and spiritual leaders of the people (e.g., Num 27:17; 1 Ki 22:17; Zech 11:4-5). This directly addresses the systemic problem of corrupt leadership in Judah that Jeremiah often decries, highlighting God's intention to replace them with leaders who genuinely care for the flock.
• according to My heart: (biLᵉbāḇî) - This is a crucial qualifier. "My heart" signifies God's own character, desires, will, and divine purpose. These promised shepherds will embody God's qualities, reflecting His righteousness, justice, compassion, and faithfulness. This contrasts sharply with leaders who ruled according to their own self-interest or carnal desires. This phrase suggests an intimate alignment and deep spiritual connection between God and these future leaders.
• who will feed you: (wᵉhiḵîlû) - From the root yachal, meaning "to hope," or in the Hiphil, "to wait, endure," it more broadly means "to sustain" or "to provide sustenance." In this context, it implies nurturing, guiding, and providing for the spiritual needs of the people. A shepherd's primary duty is to ensure the flock is well-fed, and here it’s translated into the spiritual realm, emphasizing their role in providing spiritual nourishment and truth.
• with knowledge: (dē‘ah) - This refers to genuine, practical, and spiritual understanding of God's ways, His Law, and His covenant relationship. It is not mere intellectual knowledge but an intimate, experiential acquaintance with God and His truth. This contrasts with the lack of true divine knowledge or the prevalence of false teachings from the ungodly prophets and priests of Jeremiah's time.
• and understanding: (wātāvûnâ) - This word complements "knowledge," referring to wisdom, discernment, and the practical application of knowledge. It implies the ability to discern God's will in specific situations, to make wise decisions, and to interpret and apply God's truth to daily life. These qualities enable the shepherds to guide the flock effectively, helping them navigate complex issues and live in obedience to God.
• Shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you: This phrase highlights that the character of the leader (according to God's heart) directly impacts their function (feeding the flock properly). Good leadership flows from a heart aligned with God's.
• Feed you with knowledge and understanding: This emphasizes the content of the spiritual sustenance. It's not just physical provision or outward rule, but internal spiritual development and intellectual enlightenment regarding divine truths that truly sustain the soul.

Jeremiah 3 15 Bonus section

The promise of "shepherds according to My heart" signifies a profound shift from a reliance on human-centric or hereditary leadership to divinely appointed and Spirit-anointed governance. This points toward a new covenant ideal where leaders are internally transformed to align with God's character. The phrase implies more than just moral uprightness; it suggests a deep intimacy with God, allowing these shepherds to accurately discern and convey His will. This spiritual discernment is crucial for providing the specified "knowledge and understanding," distinguishing divine truth from human opinion or prevailing falsehoods. This promise also establishes a paradigm for leadership across all generations—any leader, spiritual or otherwise, truly serving God's people must embody God's heart and priorities. The historical failure of Judah's leaders (prophets like Hananiah, kings like Jehoiakim) makes this promise of true, heart-aligned shepherds especially poignant, offering hope for true renewal rooted in God's faithfulness.

Jeremiah 3 15 Commentary

Jeremiah 3:15 stands as a profound promise within the prophetic context of judgment and a call to repentance. It speaks to God's ultimate desire for His people to be well-led and spiritually nurtured, countering the pervasive issue of ungodly leadership that characterized much of Israel and Judah's history, particularly in Jeremiah's era. The promise of "shepherds according to My heart" reveals God's longing for leaders who truly reflect His divine nature and selfless devotion, in stark contrast to the corrupt kings and prophets who served their own interests. These God-appointed shepherds are tasked not merely with governance, but with providing essential spiritual "knowledge and understanding," enabling the people to truly know God and His ways. This divine nourishment is vital for the spiritual health and growth of the community, fostering genuine relationship with God and obedience to His covenant. Ultimately, while having immediate implications for the returned remnant and the subsequent leaders, this promise finds its fullest realization in Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd (Heb 13:20), who perfectly embodies God's heart and provides complete spiritual truth and life. The church today is called to continue this ministry through its Spirit-gifted pastors and teachers, ensuring that the flock is genuinely fed God's word and truth.