Isaiah 40:11

KJV

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall feed {H7462} his flock {H5739} like a shepherd {H7462}: he shall gather {H6908} the lambs {H2922} with his arm {H2220}, and carry {H5375} them in his bosom {H2436}, and shall gently lead {H5095} those that are with young {H5763}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering his lambs with his arm, carrying them against his chest, gently leading the mother sheep."

Berean Standard Bible

He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

American Standard Version

He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:11 presents a tender and profoundly comforting image of God as a compassionate shepherd, meticulously caring for His flock. This verse, nestled within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), reassures a weary and exiled Israel of divine restoration and intimate provision. It portrays the Lord not merely as a powerful sovereign but as a gentle caregiver who gathers the vulnerable, carries the weak close to His heart, and patiently guides those burdened by new responsibilities or delicate conditions, promising steadfast and personalized attention to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40:11 is a pivotal verse within the opening section of Isaiah's "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66), which shifts from prophecies of judgment to messages of hope and restoration for Judah. The preceding verses establish God's incomparable greatness, His eternal word, and His sovereign power over all creation (e.g., [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God") declaring the permanence of His word, and [Isaiah 40:10](/isaiah/40-10 "Isaiah 40:10 - God's Coming with Power") depicting His coming with strength). Following this declaration of omnipotence, verse 11 provides a striking contrast, revealing the tender, personal character of this mighty God. It serves as a direct answer to the people's lament regarding their perceived abandonment and a promise of intimate care amidst their distress, setting the tone for the subsequent prophecies of return and renewal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered to a people facing or enduring the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma, displacement, and spiritual despair. The Israelites felt scattered, vulnerable, and punished, questioning God's presence and care. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the shepherd was a well-understood and highly respected figure, embodying leadership, protection, and provision for the flock. Kings and deities were often depicted as shepherds of their people. By portraying Yahweh as a shepherd, Isaiah invoked a powerful, relatable image of a leader who not only rules but intimately knows, protects, and cares for each individual within His community, directly addressing the deep-seated fears and anxieties of a dispossessed nation longing for security and guidance.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in Isaiah 40:11 revolve around **Divine Shepherdhood**, portraying God as the ultimate, compassionate caregiver. This imagery underscores His **Tender Care for the Vulnerable**, specifically highlighting His attention to "lambs" (the weakest) and "those that are with young" (those needing special consideration and gentle guidance). This verse is a cornerstone of the **Comfort and Restoration** theme prevalent throughout Isaiah 40-66, assuring Israel that despite their past failures and present suffering, God's steadfast love and meticulous care will lead them through their trials and bring them home. It contrasts sharply with the failures of human leaders (often depicted as negligent shepherds in other prophetic books, such as [Ezekiel 34](/zekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")), emphasizing God's unique and perfect pastoral heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **râʻâh (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule." This word encompasses the full scope of a shepherd's duties: feeding, guiding, protecting, and nurturing. When applied to God, it signifies His comprehensive care, leadership, and provision for His people, extending beyond mere sustenance to include spiritual and emotional well-being. It implies a relational and active role in the lives of His flock.
* **nâhal (Hebrew, _nâhal'_):** A primitive root meaning "properly, to run with a sparkle, i.e. flow; hence (transitively), to conduct, and (by inference) to protect, sustain." This word, translated as "gently lead," conveys a sense of careful, considerate guidance, adjusting the pace and path to suit the needs of the most vulnerable members of the flock. It speaks to God's patience, understanding, and willingness to accommodate the weaknesses and burdens of His people, ensuring none are left behind or overstrained.
* **chêyq (Hebrew, _chêyq'_):** Meaning "the bosom (literally or figuratively); bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within." This term, translated "in his bosom," signifies extreme closeness, intimacy, and security. It evokes the image of a parent carrying a beloved child close to their chest, conveying deep affection, protection, and a place of ultimate safety and comfort. It underscores the personal and affectionate nature of God's care for His most vulnerable people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:"** This opening clause establishes the central metaphor: God as the ultimate shepherd. "Feed" (râʻâh) implies not just providing food but comprehensive care, guidance, and protection for the entire community, the "flock." It sets the tone for a relationship of dependence and divine provision.
* **"he shall gather the lambs with his arm,"** This phrase highlights God's particular attention to the most vulnerable members of the flock—the "lambs." "Gather" (qâbats) suggests bringing together those who are scattered or lost, implying restoration and inclusion. The use of "his arm" (zᵉrôwaʻ) signifies strength, power, and active intervention, demonstrating that God's care is not passive but involves His mighty, protective presence.
* **"and carry [them] in his bosom,"** This clause deepens the imagery of intimate care. After gathering, God "carries" (nâsâʼ) the lambs, specifically "in his bosom" (chêyq). This conveys profound tenderness, affection, and security. It speaks to the personal, comforting, and protective nature of God's relationship with the weakest and most fragile among His people, holding them close to His heart.
* **"[and] shall gently lead those that are with young."** This final clause extends God's compassionate care to another vulnerable group: ewes "with young" (ʻûwl), implying pregnant or nursing animals that require a slower, more careful pace. "Gently lead" (nâhal) emphasizes God's patience, understanding, and adaptation to the specific needs and limitations of His people. It assures that He will not push them beyond their capacity but will guide them with grace and consideration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:11 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, primarily portraying God as a **Shepherd**. This central metaphor is deeply resonant in biblical literature, conveying themes of leadership, protection, provision, and intimate care. The verse employs vivid **Imagery** of a shepherd's actions: feeding, gathering, carrying, and gently leading. These actions create a powerful mental picture of God's compassionate engagement with His people. The specific details, such as "lambs," "arm," "bosom," and "those that are with young," serve as **Symbolism** for the most vulnerable, weakest, or burdened members of God's people, emphasizing His particular attention to those in greatest need. The gentle tone and actions attributed to God also subtly employ **Personification**, presenting the divine in relatable human-like terms of tenderness and care, making God's character more accessible and comforting to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:11 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character, revealing Him not only as an omnipotent Creator but also as an intimately involved and compassionate caregiver. This divine shepherdhood is a foundational theological concept, underscoring God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people's well-being. It speaks to His personal knowledge of each individual's needs, His strength to protect, and His tenderness to comfort. The verse assures believers that even in their greatest weakness or most challenging circumstances, God's care is perfectly tailored, steadfast, and unfailing, reflecting His enduring love and sovereign provision for His flock.

* [Psalm 23:1-4](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1-4 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Seek His Sheep")
* [Jeremiah 31:10](/jeremiah/31-10 "Jeremiah 31:10 - The Lord Will Gather Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 40:11 offers profound comfort and practical assurance for believers today, reminding us that God is not a distant, impersonal deity but an engaged, personal caregiver who intimately knows and responds to our needs. When we feel like "lambs"—vulnerable, lost, or overwhelmed by life's complexities—this verse assures us of His strong arm to gather us and His tender heart to carry us through. For those feeling burdened, perhaps "with young" in the sense of new responsibilities, delicate situations, or spiritual immaturity, God promises to "gently lead," providing the specific grace, patience, and strength needed for each step. This imagery calls us to trust in His unfailing love and to find rest in His perfect care, knowing that He adapts His guidance to our individual capacity. Furthermore, it challenges us to emulate this divine compassion in our own lives, extending gentle care and understanding to those around us, especially the weak, the burdened, and the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most like a "lamb" in need of God's gentle care and carrying?**
* **How does the imagery of God carrying you "in His bosom" impact your sense of security and intimacy with Him?**
* **What "young" are you currently "with" (i.e., what new responsibilities, delicate situations, or burdens are you carrying), and how can you lean into God's promise to "gently lead" you through them?**
* **How can you reflect God's shepherd-like tenderness and patience in your interactions with others, particularly those who are vulnerable or struggling?**

### FAQ
**Why is the shepherd metaphor so significant for understanding God's character?**

Answer: The shepherd metaphor is profoundly significant because it beautifully encapsulates God's multifaceted role as provider, protector, guide, and caregiver. In ancient cultures, shepherds were vital for the survival of their flock, intimately knowing each animal, leading them to pasture and water, defending them from predators, and tending to their wounds. When applied to God, it illustrates His active, personal involvement in the lives of His people, demonstrating His deep love, constant vigilance, and unwavering commitment to their well-being. It contrasts with impersonal power, emphasizing a relational and compassionate deity who adapts His care to the specific needs of His flock, as seen in [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

**What does "gently lead those that are with young" specifically imply for believers?**

Answer: This phrase implies that God's guidance is not uniform but perfectly attuned to individual needs and capacities. "Those that are with young" refers to pregnant or nursing ewes, which require a slower pace and extra care to avoid harm to themselves or their offspring. For believers, this symbolizes those who are vulnerable, burdened by new responsibilities, facing delicate life transitions, or perhaps spiritually immature. God promises to "gently lead" them, meaning He will not push them beyond their limits, but will provide grace, patience, and a pace that allows for growth and healing without being overwhelmed. It assures us that God understands our unique burdens and provides tailored support, as Jesus Himself invited the weary to find rest in Him in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. While the Old Testament prophets foretold God's shepherd-like care for Israel, Jesus perfectly embodies this divine characteristic. He declares Himself the "Good Shepherd" in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), explicitly stating that He lays down His life for His sheep, a sacrificial act of love that far surpasses any earthly shepherd's devotion. Just as Isaiah prophesied, Jesus actively "gathers" His lambs, drawing all who come to Him into His fold ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Whom the Father Gives Will Come to Me")). He "carries them in His bosom" by intimately knowing His sheep ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - I Know My Own and My Own Know Me")) and providing ultimate security and comfort, ensuring that none can snatch them from His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them from My Hand")). Furthermore, Jesus "gently leads those that are with young," extending His compassionate invitation to the weary and burdened, promising rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd Will Appear")), whose self-sacrificial love and perfect guidance bring God's ancient promise of tender care to its glorious and saving reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Micah 5:4

And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

Psalms 23:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalms 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.