Jeremiah 23:4 - I will set up shepherds over them, who will feed them. They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, neither will any be lacking,” says Yahweh.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Jeremiah 23:4" mean?
Jeremiah 23:4 is a powerful promise from God (Yahweh) about leadership and care for His people. Let's break down its meaning:
"I will set up shepherds over them...": God promises to establish leaders for His people. The term "shepherds" is a metaphor for leaders who are responsible for guiding, protecting, and caring for a flock. These are not just any leaders, but ones appointed and ordained by God.
"...who will feed them.": The primary responsibility of these shepherds is to "feed" the people. This doesn't just mean physical nourishment. It implies:
Spiritual nourishment: Providing guidance, instruction, and wisdom from God's word.
Emotional support: Offering comfort, encouragement, and understanding.
Moral guidance: Leading by example and upholding God's standards.
"They will no longer be afraid or dismayed...": This speaks to a sense of security and peace that comes from having good leadership. Under God-appointed shepherds, the people will:
Overcome fear: No longer live in constant anxiety or dread.
Experience stability: Not be discouraged or disheartened by difficult circumstances.
"...neither will any be lacking,” says Yahweh.": This emphasizes the abundance and completeness that God provides through His chosen leaders. It means:
All needs will be met: Nothing essential will be missing (spiritually, emotionally, etc.).
Provision and care: God's people will be well-taken-care-of under the guidance of these shepherds.
Wholeness: A sense of completeness and satisfaction will be restored.
Context and Significance:
This verse comes after Jeremiah condemns the wicked shepherds of Israel (Jeremiah 23:1-2) who have scattered and neglected the flock. God is contrasting the failure of the current leadership with His promise of righteous leaders to come.
Interpretations:
Historically: This promise may have referred to future leaders who would lead Israel after the exile, such as Zerubbabel or Joshua.
Messianically: Many Christians believe this verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He is the ultimate leader who provides for, protects, and guides His people.
The Church: It also has implications for church leadership today. Pastors and elders are called to be shepherds who faithfully feed and care for the flock, reflecting the character of Jesus.
In Summary:
Jeremiah 23:4 is a promise of God's provision of good and faithful leaders who will care for His people, providing them with security, nourishment, and wholeness, so that they will lack nothing. It speaks of God's commitment to His people and His provision for their well-being through appointed leadership. It calls to mind qualities like care, instruction, and divine appointment, leading to security and provisions for all those cared for.
Jeremiah 23:4 - I will set up shepherds over them, who will feed them. They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, neither will any be lacking,” says Yahweh.
What does "Jeremiah 23:4" mean?
Jeremiah 23:4 is a powerful promise from God (Yahweh) about leadership and care for His people. Let's break down its meaning:
"I will set up shepherds over them...": God promises to establish leaders for His people. The term "shepherds" is a metaphor for leaders who are responsible for guiding, protecting, and caring for a flock. These are not just any leaders, but ones appointed and ordained by God.
"...who will feed them.": The primary responsibility of these shepherds is to "feed" the people. This doesn't just mean physical nourishment. It implies:
Spiritual nourishment: Providing guidance, instruction, and wisdom from God's word.
Emotional support: Offering comfort, encouragement, and understanding.
Moral guidance: Leading by example and upholding God's standards.
"They will no longer be afraid or dismayed...": This speaks to a sense of security and peace that comes from having good leadership. Under God-appointed shepherds, the people will:
Overcome fear: No longer live in constant anxiety or dread.
Experience stability: Not be discouraged or disheartened by difficult circumstances.
"...neither will any be lacking,” says Yahweh.": This emphasizes the abundance and completeness that God provides through His chosen leaders. It means:
All needs will be met: Nothing essential will be missing (spiritually, emotionally, etc.).
Provision and care: God's people will be well-taken-care-of under the guidance of these shepherds.
Wholeness: A sense of completeness and satisfaction will be restored.
Context and Significance:
This verse comes after Jeremiah condemns the wicked shepherds of Israel (Jeremiah 23:1-2) who have scattered and neglected the flock. God is contrasting the failure of the current leadership with His promise of righteous leaders to come.
Interpretations:
Historically: This promise may have referred to future leaders who would lead Israel after the exile, such as Zerubbabel or Joshua.
Messianically: Many Christians believe this verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He is the ultimate leader who provides for, protects, and guides His people.
The Church: It also has implications for church leadership today. Pastors and elders are called to be shepherds who faithfully feed and care for the flock, reflecting the character of Jesus.
In Summary:
Jeremiah 23:4 is a promise of God's provision of good and faithful leaders who will care for His people, providing them with security, nourishment, and wholeness, so that they will lack nothing. It speaks of God's commitment to His people and His provision for their well-being through appointed leadership. It calls to mind qualities like care, instruction, and divine appointment, leading to security and provisions for all those cared for.