Old Testament
Isaiah 56:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 56:11, the prophet uses the metaphor of greedy dogs to describe leaders and shepherds who are supposed to guide and care for their people but instead are self-serving and lack understanding.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
These dogs have greedy appetites that are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no understanding. Each one has turned to his own path, seeking his own profit from his own quarter.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 56:11, the prophet uses the metaphor of greedy dogs to describe leaders and shepherds who are supposed to guide and care for their people but instead are self-serving and lack understanding. These leaders are depicted as having insatiable appetites, always wanting more for themselves without regard for the needs of others. They prioritize their own interests and desires over their responsibilities, leading to a failure in their duty to protect and nurture their flock. This imagery highlights the moral and spiritual decay among those in positions of authority, emphasizing the consequences of selfishness and a lack of true leadership. The passage serves as a warning against those who exploit their roles for personal gain, urging a return to genuine care and understanding in leadership. Explore related materialism.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 56:11 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own motivations and actions, especially in positions of influence. Are we serving others selflessly, or are we seeking our own gain? It encourages us to prioritize the well-being of those we lead or influence, ensuring our actions align with genuine care and responsibility.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 56:11 mean by 'greedy dogs'?
In Isaiah 56:11, 'greedy dogs' symbolizes leaders or shepherds who are supposed to care for their people but instead act out of selfishness. They are depicted as having insatiable desires, focusing solely on their own gain rather than the needs of those they are meant to guide. This metaphor highlights the failure of these leaders to fulfill their responsibilities, leading to moral and spiritual decay within the community.
How can Isaiah 56:11 apply to modern leadership?
Isaiah 56:11 serves as a cautionary reminder for modern leaders to examine their motivations. It challenges individuals in positions of influence to prioritize the well-being of others over personal gain. By reflecting on this verse, leaders can strive to embody genuine care, accountability, and understanding, ensuring that their actions align with the needs of those they serve rather than their own interests.
What are the consequences of poor leadership as described in Isaiah 56:11?
The consequences of poor leadership, as illustrated in Isaiah 56:11, include a lack of guidance and care for the community. When leaders are self-serving and lack understanding, they fail to protect and nurture their followers, leading to spiritual decay and disillusionment among the people. This passage warns that such selfishness can result in a breakdown of trust and moral integrity within society.
What lessons can we learn from Isaiah 56:11 about accountability?
Isaiah 56:11 teaches the importance of accountability in leadership. It reminds us that those in positions of authority must be vigilant about their motivations and actions. Leaders should be held accountable for prioritizing the needs of their followers over their own desires. This verse encourages a culture of responsibility and genuine care, emphasizing that true leadership involves serving others selflessly.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.