Old Testament
Jeremiah 25:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 25:36, the prophet conveys a message of despair among the leaders and shepherds of Israel.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Listen to the leaders crying out, the rulers of the flock wailing — because the LORD has spoiled their pasture.
A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 25:36, the prophet conveys a message of despair among the leaders and shepherds of Israel. The 'cry of the shepherds' signifies the anguish of those who are responsible for guiding the people. The 'howling of the principal of the flock' indicates the deep sorrow of the leaders as they witness the destruction of their land and the loss of their resources. The phrase 'the LORD has spoiled their pasture' suggests that God has allowed devastation to occur as a consequence of the people's disobedience and sin. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of failing to lead with integrity and faithfulness. The leaders' cries reflect the broader suffering of the community, emphasizing the interconnectedness of leadership and the well-being of the people. It highlights the importance of spiritual and moral responsibility among those in authority, reminding us that neglecting this duty can lead to dire consequences for everyone involved.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 25:36 to your life
This verse reminds us of the weight of leadership and the impact it has on the community. It encourages leaders to act with integrity and care for those they lead. For everyone, it serves as a call to support and hold leaders accountable, ensuring they guide with wisdom and righteousness.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 25:36 mean?
Jeremiah 25:36 expresses the sorrow of Israel's leaders as they witness the devastation of their land due to God's judgment. It highlights the consequences of their failure to lead the people faithfully.
What is the significance of 'the cry of the shepherds' in Jeremiah 25:36?
The 'cry of the shepherds' signifies the deep anguish of leaders who are responsible for guiding the people, reflecting their despair over the destruction of their resources and community.
What does 'the LORD has spoiled their pasture' refer to in Jeremiah 25:36?
This phrase indicates that God has allowed the land to be devastated as a consequence of the people's disobedience, emphasizing the serious repercussions of turning away from divine guidance.
How does Jeremiah 25:36 relate to leadership?
Jeremiah 25:36 underscores the importance of integrity in leadership, showing that the actions of leaders directly affect the well-being of the community they serve.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah 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.