Isaiah 56:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, they are greedy {H5794}{H5315} dogs {H3611} which can {H3045} never have {H3045} enough {H7654}, and they are shepherds {H7462} that cannot understand {H995}: they all look {H6437} to their own way {H1870}, every one {H376} for his gain {H1215}, from his quarter {H7097}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greedy dogs, never satisfied - such are the shepherds, unable to understand; they all turn to their own way, each one intent on his own gain:

Berean Standard Bible

Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:

American Standard Version

Yea, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds that cannot understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 56:11 delivers a scathing prophetic indictment against the corrupt spiritual and political leaders of Israel, likening them to insatiably greedy dogs and intellectually dull shepherds. This verse exposes their profound dereliction of duty, revealing that rather than faithfully tending to the needs of God's flock, these supposed guardians are wholly consumed by self-interest, relentlessly pursuing personal gain from every conceivable avenue, thereby abandoning their divine mandate and leaving the people vulnerable and without proper guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 56 initiates a profound shift in the prophet's message, opening with a sweeping vision of God's universal salvation, extending His covenant blessings to all who embrace righteousness, including foreigners and eunuchs, promising them an eternal name and a place within His house if they keep His Sabbath and hold fast to His covenant ([Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3-7 "Isaiah 56:3-7 - God's Inclusive Covenant")). This expansive promise of inclusion and blessing provides a stark and deliberate contrast to the abrupt pivot in verses 9-12, which launch into a harsh denunciation of Israel's corrupt leadership. Verse 11, therefore, functions as a critical component of this indictment, detailing the specific failures of those entrusted with guiding God's people, immediately following a general condemnation of their blindness and inability to act as vigilant watchdogs or discerning shepherds. The chapter concludes with a continued lament over their self-serving nature, highlighting the devastating consequences of such leadership for the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Isaiah spans a tumultuous period in Israel's history, from the reigns of Uzziah to Hezekiah (c. 740-687 BC), encompassing the rising threat of Assyria and the eventual fall of the Northern Kingdom. During this era, the roles of "shepherd" and "watchman" were deeply ingrained and highly respected metaphors for leadership within both civil and religious spheres. Kings, priests, and prophets were expected to embody the care of a shepherd, protecting the flock (the people) from dangers, leading them in righteousness, and ensuring their well-being. Watchmen were crucial for city defense, responsible for vigilance and warning of approaching threats. Isaiah's condemnation in this verse reflects a severe societal and spiritual breakdown where those in positions of authority had become self-serving rather than selfless. The imagery of "dogs" was typically pejorative in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often referring to scavengers, wild animals, or those considered unclean and morally debased, thereby amplifying the prophet's disgust at the moral degradation and spiritual impurity of these leaders.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Corrupt Leadership**, a recurring motif where those in authority fail to uphold their divine responsibilities, leading to societal decay, spiritual blindness, and injustice. The vivid imagery of "greedy dogs" underscores the theme of **Insatiable Avarice and Self-Interest**, highlighting a boundless, uncontrolled desire for personal enrichment that completely eclipses any genuine concern for the welfare of the people. Furthermore, the description of "shepherds that cannot understand" points directly to **Spiritual Ignorance and Moral Blindness**, a critical failure of discernment that renders them incapable of guiding the flock in God's ways or discerning His will. This profound failure stands in stark contrast to the ideal of a righteous leader who actively seeks God's justice and cares for the vulnerable, as repeatedly called for by Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause")). The verse also subtly touches upon the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as such profound and persistent failure inevitably invites God's righteous wrath upon those who betray their sacred trust and lead His people astray.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dog (Hebrew, _keleb'_):** This term (H3611) refers to a dog, but in ancient Israelite culture, it carried strong negative connotations. Unlike modern domesticated companions, dogs were typically wild scavengers, associated with impurity, low status, and even prostitution. Here, it is used as a derogatory metaphor to describe the moral character of the leaders, implying their shamelessness, uncontrolled appetites, and lack of discernment, much like wild, ravenous animals.
* **Understand (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** While the KJV Strong's includes H3045 (yâdaʻ), the primary root for "understand" in this context is H995 (_bîyn_). This root means "to separate mentally" or "distinguish," and by extension, "to understand" or "discern." When applied to the shepherds, the negation "cannot understand" signifies a profound lack of spiritual insight, moral judgment, and practical wisdom necessary for their pastoral duties. They are intellectually and spiritually dull, unable to discern God's will, the true needs of the people, or the dangers facing the flock.
* **Gain (Hebrew, _betsaʻ'_):** This word (H1215) denotes plunder, profit, or gain, often with the strong implication of being unjust or ill-gotten. It speaks to covetousness, dishonest acquisition, and avarice. The prophet uses this term to pinpoint the ultimate motivation of these corrupt leaders: not the welfare of the flock, but their own selfish accumulation of wealth and advantage, regardless of the ethical or spiritual implications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough,"**: The verse opens with a damning and visceral metaphor. The leaders are likened to "greedy dogs," emphasizing their insatiable appetite for personal gain and their base, uncontrolled desires. The phrase "can never have enough" (literally, "they do not know satiety" or "they are not satisfied") highlights their boundless avarice and profound lack of contentment, suggesting a compulsive, uncontrolled desire that drives all their actions.
* **"and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand:"**: The prophet identifies these "dogs" as "shepherds," underscoring the tragic irony and profound betrayal of their sacred office. The inability to "understand" signifies a critical deficiency in spiritual discernment, moral insight, and practical wisdom. They are blind guides, incapable of discerning truth from falsehood, right from wrong, or the true spiritual and physical needs of their flock.
* **"they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."**: This final clause explicitly states the self-serving nature of their leadership, serving as a direct explanation for their "greed" and lack of "understanding." "Look to their own way" means they prioritize their personal agendas, desires, and self-preservation over the well-being of the community. "Every one for his gain" reiterates their singular, individualistic focus on personal profit (H1215, _betsaʻ_, often unjust gain). "From his quarter" suggests that each leader, from their specific sphere of influence, jurisdiction, or position, is extracting personal benefit, indicating a widespread, systemic corruption that permeates all levels of authority.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 56:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its scathing critique. **Metaphor** is central and highly effective, as the leaders are directly equated with "greedy dogs" and "shepherds that cannot understand." The "dogs" metaphor vividly portrays their base, uncontrolled appetites, their lack of moral purity, and their scavenging nature, while the "shepherds" metaphor highlights the profound irony and betrayal of their sacred, nurturing role. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "can never have enough," emphasizing the extreme and insatiable nature of their greed, suggesting an endless, unsatisfiable pursuit of self-enrichment. Furthermore, the verse uses powerful **Contrast** by juxtaposing the expected, selfless role of a shepherd—one who cares for and protects the flock—with the grim reality of these leaders, who are instead predatory, self-serving, and spiritually blind. This stark contrast amplifies the severity of their failure and the depth of their corruption, highlighting the gap between divine expectation and human depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 56:11 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true leadership versus corrupt authority within God's covenant community. It underscores that leadership, particularly spiritual leadership, is a sacred trust demanding selflessness, discernment, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the flock, not personal enrichment. The prophet's condemnation reveals that when leaders prioritize their own "gain" and are spiritually "blind," they not only fail their people but also betray the very character of God, who is Himself the ultimate Shepherd to His people ([Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). This passage warns against the pervasive dangers of avarice and the spiritual decay that inevitably accompanies a lack of understanding and discernment among those called to guide. It is a timeless reminder that true authority is exercised in humble service, reflecting God's own compassionate, just, and righteous rule, and that those who abuse their positions for personal gain will face divine reckoning.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1-2 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Woe to the Shepherds Who Destroy and Scatter")
* [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - God's Indictment of False Shepherds")
* [Micah 3:11](/micah/3-11 "Micah 3:11 - Corrupt Leaders Who Judge for a Bribe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 56:11 speaks with piercing relevance to every generation, serving as a powerful mirror for those in positions of authority and a crucial call to discernment for those under their care. It compels us to examine the fundamental motivations behind leadership, whether in the church, government, civic organizations, or any community sphere. Are leaders truly driven by a genuine desire to serve, protect, and empower the flock, or are they, like the "greedy dogs," consumed by an insatiable appetite for personal power, prestige, or financial gain? This verse challenges us to cultivate spiritual understanding and moral integrity in our own lives, recognizing that true leadership flows from a heart aligned with God's justice and compassion, not from self-interest or carnal ambition. For believers, it is a sober reminder to pray diligently for our leaders, to hold them accountable to biblical standards of righteousness and service, and to embody selfless service in our own spheres of influence, resisting the pervasive temptation to pursue "our own way" for "our gain." It calls us to be vigilant, discerning the spirits of leadership, and to champion those who genuinely seek the welfare of others above their own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might spiritual or community leaders today subtly or overtly exhibit the characteristics of "greedy dogs" or "shepherds that cannot understand"?**
* **How can individuals and communities cultivate the spiritual discernment necessary to distinguish between authentic, God-honoring leadership and leadership driven by self-interest and avarice?**
* **What practical steps can we take to support and encourage leaders who genuinely seek to serve God's people, and to lovingly but firmly hold accountable those who fail in their sacred duties?**
* **How does this verse challenge my own motivations for influence or leadership, whether in my family, church, workplace, or broader community? Am I truly serving others, or seeking my own gain?**

### FAQ
**What does "greedy dogs" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 56:11, "greedy dogs" is a powerful and derogatory metaphor used by the prophet to describe the corrupt leaders of Israel. In ancient Israel, dogs were often seen as scavengers, unclean, and lacking discipline or loyalty, often roaming in packs. The phrase "greedy dogs which can never have enough" highlights their insatiable appetite for personal gain, wealth, and power. They are likened to wild, ravenous animals that are never satisfied, constantly seeking to devour more for themselves rather than protecting or nourishing the flock they are meant to shepherd. This imagery emphasizes their moral degradation, their shameless pursuit of self-interest, and their complete dereliction of duty.

**Who are the "shepherds" being condemned in this verse?**

Answer: The "shepherds" in Isaiah 56:11 refer to the spiritual and political leaders of Israel during Isaiah's time. This term was a common and significant metaphor for those in authority—including kings, priests, and prophets—who were responsible for guiding, protecting, and caring for the people of God, often referred to as His "flock." The condemnation is directed at those who, despite holding these sacred and vital positions, had become spiritually blind, morally corrupt, and entirely self-serving. Their inability to "understand" signifies a profound lack of spiritual discernment and wisdom, making them unfit for their calling and leading the nation astray. This failure is a recurring theme in prophetic critiques of Israel's leadership, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds Who Destroy My Flock").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 56:11, with its scathing indictment of greedy and ignorant shepherds who prioritize their own gain over the welfare of the flock, powerfully sets the stage for the coming of the True and Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, there is a lament over the failure of human leaders to genuinely care for God's scattered and vulnerable flock, as vividly depicted in [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - God's Indictment of False Shepherds"). In stark contrast to these self-serving "greedy dogs" who "look to their own way, every one for his gain," Jesus declares Himself the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). He does not seek His own gain, but rather lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")), demonstrating the ultimate act of selfless love and sacrifice. While the shepherds of Isaiah's day "cannot understand," Jesus, as the incarnate Word, embodies perfect understanding, wisdom, and divine discernment ([John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")), leading His flock in truth and righteousness. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to provide a Shepherd who will genuinely care for His people, gathering them into one fold ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers All His Sheep")), and ultimately sacrificing Himself to redeem them from their sins and secure their eternal salvation, a task no greedy or ignorant human leader could ever accomplish ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Atonement")).

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

Ezekiel 34:2

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Ezekiel 34:3

Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.

Ezekiel 13:19

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear [your] lies?

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Isaiah 1:3

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Titus 1:7

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.