Jeremiah 23:2

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} against the pastors {H7462} that feed {H7462} my people {H5971}; Ye have scattered {H6327} my flock {H6629}, and driven them away {H5080}, and have not visited {H6485} them: behold, I will visit {H6485} upon you the evil {H7455} of your doings {H4611}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore this is what ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, says against the shepherds who shepherd my people: "You have scattered my flock, driven them away and not taken care of them. So I will 'take care of' you because of your evil deeds," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, against the shepherds that feed my people: Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:2 delivers a severe divine indictment against the unfaithful leaders of Israel, whom God metaphorically calls "pastors" or shepherds. The Lord condemns them for their profound dereliction of duty, specifically for scattering His flock, driving them away through neglect and misguidance, and failing to care for them. Consequently, God declares His righteous judgment, promising to hold these leaders accountable and visit upon them the destructive consequences of their wicked actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23 immediately follows a series of prophecies condemning the kings of Judah (Jeremiah 21-22), establishing a broader critique of unrighteous leadership. This verse specifically targets those in positions of spiritual and political authority—kings, priests, and false prophets—who were responsible for guiding God's people. The denunciation in Jeremiah 23:2 serves as a direct prelude to the glorious promise of a future righteous King, the "Branch of David," who will truly shepherd God's flock (Jeremiah 23:5-6). This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between the failed human leadership and God's ultimate provision of a perfect leader. The chapter then continues to expose the deceit of false prophets, reinforcing the theme of corrupt spiritual guidance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. The "pastors" in this context refer to the ruling elite—kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, along with their corrupt officials, priests, and prophets—who were meant to govern justly according to God's law. Instead, they led the nation into idolatry, injustice, and moral decay. The imagery of "shepherds" and "flock" was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture, where kings were often depicted as shepherds of their people. This metaphor would have resonated powerfully, emphasizing the leaders' grave responsibility to protect, nourish, and guide their subjects, a responsibility they utterly failed to uphold, leading to the scattering and eventual exile of the people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores **Divine Accountability for Leadership**, demonstrating God's unwavering expectation that those entrusted with authority over His people will exercise it righteously. The leaders' failure to "visit" or care for the flock directly led to the **Scattering and Dispersion** of Israel, a recurring motif in Jeremiah that foreshadows the Babylonian exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 13:17](/jeremiah/13-17 "Jeremiah 13:17 - Weeping for the Flock")). Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**, as God promises to "visit upon you the evil of your doings," ensuring that unfaithful stewardship will not go unpunished. This judgment sets the stage for the subsequent promise of a **Righteous Shepherd** (Jeremiah 23:5-6), highlighting God's ultimate plan to provide a true leader who will gather and protect His people, contrasting sharply with the failed "pastors" condemned here.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pastors (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** This word, often translated as "shepherd" or "to feed," signifies the role of one who tends a flock. It encompasses providing nourishment, guidance, protection, and care. In this context, it is used metaphorically for the leaders of Israel (kings, priests, prophets) who were meant to shepherd God's people (`H5971 ʻam`), leading them in righteousness and safeguarding their well-being. The indictment is that they failed in this fundamental duty, acting contrary to the very meaning of their calling.
* **Scattered (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** This primitive root means "to dash in pieces" or "to disperse." Here, it vividly describes the destructive impact of the leaders' neglect and wickedness on God's "flock" (`H6629 tsôʼn`). Their actions, whether through idolatry, injustice, or political mismanagement, caused the people to be fragmented, disoriented, and vulnerable, leading to spiritual apostasy and eventually physical dispersion through exile.
* **Visited (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This crucial word carries a dual meaning: to attend to, care for, or inspect, and also to punish or hold accountable. The verse employs this wordplay masterfully. First, the leaders "have not visited them" (failed to care for the flock). Second, God declares, "I will visit upon you the evil of your doings." This signifies that God will indeed "attend to" their actions, but with hostile intent—to punish them and hold them accountable for the "evil" (`H7455 rôaʻ`) of their "doings" (`H4611 maʻălâl`).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and the specific target of the prophecy. "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel" (`H3068 Yᵉhôvâh`, `H430 ʼĕlôhîym`, `H3478 Yisrâʼêl`) underscores that this is a direct, authoritative word from the covenant God of Israel. The "pastors" (shepherds) are identified as those responsible for "feeding" (caring for) God's "people," highlighting their sacred and essential role.
* **"Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them:":** This is the core indictment. The leaders are directly accused of three failures: "scattered my flock" (`H6327 pûwts`), causing disunity and spiritual wandering; "driven them away" (`H5080 nâdach`), implying forceful expulsion or neglect that leads to abandonment; and "have not visited them" (`H6485 pâqad`), meaning they failed to care for, attend to, or seek out the well-being of the people entrusted to them. This paints a picture of profound neglect and active harm.
* **"behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.":** This final clause declares God's solemn promise of judgment. The emphatic "behold" signals a certain and imminent divine action. God will "visit" (`H6485 pâqad`) the leaders, not with care, but with punishment, holding them accountable for the "evil" (`H7455 rôaʻ`) and destructive "doings" (`H4611 maʻălâl`) that resulted from their unfaithful stewardship. The repetition of "saith the LORD" (`H559 ʼâmar`, `H5002 nᵉʼum`, `H3068 Yᵉhôvâh`) reinforces the certainty and divine origin of this pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the leaders of Israel are called "pastors" (shepherds) and the people are referred to as "my flock." This metaphor powerfully conveys the expected role of nurturing care and guidance, contrasting sharply with the leaders' actual destructive behavior. There is significant **Wordplay** and **Repetition** on the Hebrew verb _paqad_ (translated as "visited"). It is first used to describe the leaders' failure ("have not visited them") and then immediately to describe God's coming judgment ("I will visit upon you"). This creates a powerful sense of divine justice and **Poetic Justice**, where the punishment mirrors the crime. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast** between the ideal shepherd (who gathers, feeds, and protects) and the corrupt leaders (who scatter, drive away, and neglect), highlighting their profound failure. The use of strong, active verbs like "scattered" and "driven away" also contributes to the vivid imagery of destruction and abandonment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:2 is a profound statement on divine justice and the sacred trust of leadership. It reveals God's deep concern for His people and His righteous indignation against those who abuse their authority, leading the flock astray rather than nurturing them. The verse underscores the principle that all leadership, especially spiritual leadership, is a stewardship for which there will be ultimate accountability to God. The failures of these "pastors" led to the spiritual and physical scattering of Israel, demonstrating that unrighteous governance has devastating consequences for the community. God's promise to "visit upon you the evil of your doings" affirms His active role in upholding justice and ensuring that wickedness does not go unpunished. This divine intervention is not merely punitive but also restorative, clearing the way for true, righteous leadership.

* [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - God's Judgment on False Shepherds")
* [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for Scattered Sheep")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:2 serves as a timeless mirror for all who hold positions of influence, whether in the church, family, community, or workplace. It calls leaders to a profound self-examination, asking if their actions truly reflect selfless care, protection, and guidance for those entrusted to them, or if they, consciously or unconsciously, contribute to scattering, neglect, or harm. For followers, this verse encourages discernment and prayer for those in authority, reminding us that true leadership builds up and gathers, while corrupt leadership tears down and disperses. It challenges us to hold leaders accountable to biblical standards, while also recognizing that ultimately, all human authority is under the sovereign scrutiny of God. The promise of God's "visitation" for "evil doings" is a sobering reminder that every act of stewardship, good or ill, will be brought to account, urging us all to walk in integrity and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, as a leader (in any capacity), be inadvertently "scattering" or "driving away" those I am called to care for?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of accountability, both for myself and for those in authority over me?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better "visit" (care for) and nurture the "flock" (people) God has placed in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "pastors" in Jeremiah 23:2, and why are they being condemned?**

Answer: The "pastors" (Hebrew: *ro'im*, meaning "shepherds") in Jeremiah 23:2 refer metaphorically to the unfaithful leaders of Israel during Jeremiah's time. This primarily includes the kings, but also encompasses corrupt priests and false prophets who were responsible for guiding and protecting God's people. They are being condemned because they utterly failed in their divinely appointed duty. Instead of feeding, protecting, and caring for the flock, they exploited, neglected, and misled them, causing the people to be "scattered" and "driven away" both spiritually (into idolatry and sin) and physically (leading to social instability and eventual exile). Their actions were a direct betrayal of their sacred trust, leading to God's righteous judgment.

**What is the significance of the word "visit" being used twice in Jeremiah 23:2?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "visit" is *paqad* (`H6485 pâqad`), and its dual usage in Jeremiah 23:2 is highly significant. First, it states that the leaders "have not visited them" (the flock), meaning they failed to attend to, care for, or inspect the well-being of the people. This highlights their neglect and dereliction of duty. Second, God declares, "behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings." Here, *paqad* takes on its other meaning: to inspect with hostile intent, to punish, or to hold accountable. The wordplay emphasizes a powerful principle of divine justice: just as the leaders failed to "visit" (care for) God's people, God promises to "visit" (punish) them for their wickedness. It underscores that divine judgment is a direct consequence of unfaithful stewardship, mirroring the leaders' actions back upon them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:2, with its stark condemnation of unfaithful shepherds, sets the stage for the glorious promise of the true and ultimate Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The failures of Israel's "pastors" – their scattering and neglect of the flock – reveal humanity's desperate need for a perfect leader. Immediately following this denunciation, Jeremiah prophesies the coming of a "Righteous Branch" from David's line who will "reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land" ([Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - The Righteous Branch")). This prophecy finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus, who is the promised Messiah, the Son of David. He identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), in stark contrast to the "hired hand" who abandons the sheep ([John 10:12-13](/john/10-12 "John 10:12-13 - The Hired Hand")). Jesus not only gathers the scattered sheep of Israel ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for Scattered Sheep")) but also lays down His life for them ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). He is the one who truly "visits" His people, not with judgment for their evil, but with grace and salvation, ultimately becoming the "Chief Shepherd" ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd")) who perfectly cares for His flock and will bring them into eternal pasture.

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

Exodus 32:34

Therefore now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.

Jeremiah 21:12

O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver [him that is] spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

Micah 7:4

The best of them [is] as a brier: the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen [and] thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

Jeremiah 23:34

And [as for] the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

Hosea 2:13

And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

Matthew 25:43

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.