Old Testament

Jeremiah 23:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God expresses His anger towards the leaders, referred to as pastors, who are failing in their duty to care for His people, symbolized as sheep.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

Woe to the pastors who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the LORD.

KJVKing James Version

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God expresses His anger towards the leaders, referred to as pastors, who are failing in their duty to care for His people, symbolized as sheep. Instead of guiding and protecting them, these leaders are causing harm and leading them astray. The term 'woe' indicates a strong warning of impending judgment for their actions. God sees Himself as the shepherd, and His people as His flock, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to nurture and safeguard those under their care. This verse serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that come from neglecting one's responsibilities, especially in spiritual leadership. It highlights the importance of integrity, accountability, and genuine care in leadership roles, urging leaders to reflect on their actions and their impact on the community they serve.

Key themes

Related topics

judgment, guidance, comfort

How to apply Jeremiah 23:1 to your life

This verse encourages leaders to reflect on their actions and the well-being of those they lead. It serves as a reminder to prioritize the needs of others, ensuring that they provide guidance, support, and protection. Leaders should strive to embody the qualities of a good shepherd, fostering a nurturing environment for their community.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 23:1 mean?

Jeremiah 23:1 expresses God's condemnation of leaders, referred to as pastors, who fail to care for His people, likened to sheep. It warns of impending judgment for those who harm and mislead instead of guiding and protecting.

What is the meaning of 'woe' in Jeremiah 23:1?

In Jeremiah 23:1, 'woe' signifies a strong warning from God about the serious consequences that will come to those who neglect their responsibilities as leaders. It emphasizes the gravity of their actions and the judgment that awaits them.

How does Jeremiah 23:1 apply to modern leaders?

Jeremiah 23:1 encourages modern leaders to reflect on their actions and prioritize the well-being of those they lead. It emphasizes the need for genuine care, guidance, and protection in leadership roles.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 23:1?

Key themes in Jeremiah 23:1 include leadership accountability, divine judgment, care for the vulnerable, and the spiritual responsibility of leaders. It serves as a warning to those in positions of authority about the impact of their actions.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

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