Old Testament
Jeremiah 51:23
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"With you I will shatter the shepherd and his flock. With you I will shatter the farmer and his oxen. With you I will shatter governors and officials."
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I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.
What Jeremiah 51:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to bring destruction upon various leaders and their followers. The imagery of shattering the shepherd and his flock symbolizes the downfall of those in authority and their people. The shepherd represents leaders, while the flock signifies their followers. Similarly, the farmer and his oxen illustrate the agricultural workers and their labor. By mentioning governors and officials, God emphasizes that no one in power will escape His judgment. This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, affecting all levels of society, from leaders to common workers. It serves as a warning that those who lead unjustly or oppose God's will will face severe consequences. The repetition of the phrase "with you I will shatter" underscores the certainty and inevitability of this judgment, indicating that God will use His power to dismantle corrupt systems and restore justice.
How to apply Jeremiah 51:23 to your life
This verse reminds us that leaders are accountable for their actions and decisions. It encourages us to seek justice and righteousness in our own lives and communities. We should also be aware of the consequences of leading others astray and strive to uphold integrity in our roles, whether big or small.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 51:23 mean?
Jeremiah 51:23 expresses God's intention to bring destruction upon leaders and their followers, symbolizing the downfall of authority figures and their communities. It emphasizes that no one in power will escape God's judgment.
What is the significance of 'shatter' in Jeremiah 51:23?
The term 'shatter' in Jeremiah 51:23 signifies complete destruction and dismantling of corrupt systems, indicating that God will decisively deal with unjust leaders and their influence.
Who are the 'shepherd' and 'flock' in Jeremiah 51:23?
In Jeremiah 51:23, the 'shepherd' represents leaders or authority figures, while the 'flock' symbolizes their followers or the people they govern, highlighting the relationship between leaders and those they lead.
How does Jeremiah 51:23 relate to justice?
Jeremiah 51:23 relates to justice by illustrating that God's judgment will address corruption and restore righteousness, affecting all levels of society from leaders to common workers.
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