Jeremiah 25:35

KJV

And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the shepherds {H7462} shall have no way {H4498} to flee {H6}, nor the principal {H117} of the flock {H6629} to escape {H6413}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The shepherds have no way to flee, the lords of the flock no way to escape.

Berean Standard Bible

Flight will evade the shepherds, and escape will elude the leaders of the flock.

American Standard Version

And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:35 delivers a stark prophecy of inescapable divine judgment, specifically targeting the corrupt and negligent leaders of Judah and surrounding nations. The verse vividly portrays a scenario where those in positions of power—symbolized by "shepherds" and "principal of the flock"—will find no refuge or means of evasion when God's wrath is unleashed. It underscores the absolute certainty and finality of God's justice against those who have failed in their stewardship and led their people astray, leaving no room for escape from the impending devastation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:35 is situated within a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy, often termed the "wine cup of God's wrath." This chapter serves as a comprehensive summary of God's judgment against Judah and the surrounding nations. Jeremiah has been prophesying for twenty-three years, warning of impending doom due to Judah's persistent disobedience and idolatry. The immediate context, from [Jeremiah 25:30](/jeremiah/25-30 "Jeremiah 25:30 - God Roars from Heaven"), depicts the Lord roaring from heaven like a lion, bringing a great commotion and widespread destruction upon the earth. This imagery of a universal, inescapable judgment culminates in the specific pronouncement of Judah's seventy-year Babylonian captivity ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Desolation of Judah and 70-Year Captivity") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of 70-Year Babylonian Captivity")). Within this broader decree of judgment, verse 35 specifically zeroes in on the leaders, indicating their prominent role in the nation's spiritual decline and their consequent primary accountability for the coming catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry spanned a tumultuous period in Judah's history, from the late 7th to early 6th century BCE, witnessing the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of Babylon as the dominant regional power. During this time, Judah experienced a succession of kings, many of whom led the nation further into idolatry and injustice, directly contradicting the Mosaic covenant. The "shepherds" in this context refer to the kings, princes, priests, and prophets who were entrusted with guiding the nation according to God's law but instead became corrupt, self-serving, and negligent. In the ancient Near East, the metaphor of a "shepherd" was commonly used to describe rulers, signifying their responsibility to protect, nourish, and guide their people. Jeremiah's condemnation highlights the stark contrast between this ideal and the reality of Judah's leadership, whose failures directly contributed to the nation's impending destruction at the hands of Babylon.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:35 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. First, it underscores the theme of **Inescapable Divine Judgment**. The repeated emphasis on "no way to flee" and "nor... to escape" highlights the absolute certainty and finality of God's wrath against sin and rebellion, particularly after prolonged warnings. Second, the verse prominently features the **Accountability of Leadership**. By specifically naming "shepherds" and "the principal of the flock," Jeremiah stresses that those in positions of authority bear a greater responsibility for the moral and spiritual state of the people. Their failure to lead righteously incurs severe divine repercussions, as seen in other prophetic condemnations of false shepherds, such as those found in [Ezekiel 34:2](/ezekiel/34-2 "Ezekiel 34:2 - Condemnation of False Shepherds"). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**. It demonstrates that God is not merely an observer but an active, righteous judge who will ultimately hold all, especially those in power, accountable for their actions, ensuring that unrighteousness does not go unpunished indefinitely.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From the primitive root H7462, meaning "to tend a flock," "pasture it," or "graze." Figuratively, it means "to rule" or "to associate with (as a friend)." In this context, "shepherds" (plural of _ro'eh_) is a common biblical metaphor for kings, rulers, and spiritual leaders who are responsible for the care, protection, and guidance of their people. The use of this term here highlights their grave failure to fulfill their divinely appointed duties, leading their "flock" (the nation) astray.
* **way to flee (Hebrew, _mânôwç'_):** From H4498, meaning "a retreat (literally or figuratively)," or abstractly, "a fleeing." It also carries the sense of "escape" or "refuge." The phrase "no way to flee" emphatically declares the utter impossibility of finding any refuge, escape route, or place of safety from the impending judgment. It signifies the complete and total nature of the divine wrath that will leave no avenue for evasion.
* **principal (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** From H117, meaning "wide or (generally) large," and figuratively, "powerful," "excellent," "famous," "lordly," "mighty," or "noble." When combined with "of the flock," it refers to the most prominent, powerful, or elite members among the leaders. This term underscores that even the most influential and seemingly unassailable figures will be caught in the sweep of God's judgment, emphasizing its comprehensive and indiscriminate nature against all who are accountable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the shepherds shall have no way to flee":** This clause directly targets the leaders of Judah and other nations, identifying them as "shepherds" who have failed in their pastoral duties. The phrase "shall have no way to flee" emphasizes the absolute and terrifying certainty of the impending judgment. Despite their former power, influence, or attempts at evasion, no escape route, refuge, or means of flight will be available to them when God's wrath is unleashed. Their past failures to guide the flock righteously have sealed their fate, and now they face an inescapable reckoning.
* **"nor the principal of the flock to escape":** This parallel clause reinforces the first, intensifying the message of inescapable judgment. "The principal of the flock" refers to the most prominent, noble, or mighty among the leaders, highlighting that even the most powerful and esteemed individuals will be subject to this divine decree. The repetition of the concept of "no escape" underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, ensuring that no one, regardless of their status or perceived strength, will be able to evade the consequences of their actions and the wrath of God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:35 is rich with **Metaphor**, primarily employing the well-known biblical imagery of "shepherds" to represent the leaders (kings, priests, prophets) and "the flock" to symbolize the people they were meant to guide. This metaphor highlights the leaders' responsibility and their failure to protect and nourish their people, leading to divine judgment. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, in the phrases "no way to flee" and "nor the principal of the flock to escape." This repetition of similar ideas in successive clauses serves to emphasize and intensify the message, underscoring the absolute and unyielding nature of the impending judgment. The stark, definitive language also creates a sense of **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**, as those who once held power and presumably felt secure are now depicted as utterly helpless before the divine decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:35 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and the profound accountability of leadership. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over nations and His active role in history, demonstrating that He will not tolerate persistent rebellion and injustice, especially from those entrusted with guiding His people. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the corruption, negligence, and idolatry that characterized Judah's leadership. This verse serves as a sober reminder that privilege and power come with immense responsibility, and failure to uphold divine standards will inevitably lead to severe consequences. It highlights the biblical principle that while God is merciful, He is also just, and His warnings are to be taken with utmost seriousness.

* [Ezekiel 34:10](/ezekiel/34-10 "Ezekiel 34:10 - God's Judgment on False Shepherds")
* [Isaiah 3:12](/isaiah/3-12 "Isaiah 3:12 - Leaders Mislead the People")
* [Amos 2:14-16](/amos/2-14 "Amos 2:14-16 - No Escape for the Strong")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:35 carries timeless relevance, serving as a profound warning and a call to integrity for all who find themselves in positions of influence. Whether in government, the church, a family, or a professional setting, leadership entails a sacred trust and a heightened degree of accountability before God. This verse compels us to examine our own stewardship, asking if we are faithfully guiding those under our care, serving their true well-being, and upholding righteous principles, or if we are leading them astray through negligence, self-interest, or compromise. The certainty of judgment for failed leadership should not induce fear in those who lead righteously, but rather inspire humility, diligence, and a constant reliance on divine wisdom. It reminds us that ultimately, there is no hiding place from God's scrutiny, and true security lies only in obedience to His will and seeking His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I exercise leadership or influence, and how am I stewarding that responsibility?**
* **Am I leading others towards God's truth and righteousness, or am I, perhaps unintentionally, leading them astray?**
* **How does the concept of divine accountability for leaders shape my understanding of my own roles and responsibilities?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my leadership, in any sphere, is characterized by integrity, humility, and a deep sense of accountability to God?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the shepherds" and "the principal of the flock" in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 25:35, "the shepherds" and "the principal of the flock" are metaphors for the political, religious, and societal leaders of Judah and, by extension, the other nations facing God's judgment. "Shepherds" (Hebrew: _ro'im_) commonly refers to kings, rulers, and spiritual authorities who are responsible for the well-being and guidance of their people, the "flock." "The principal of the flock" (Hebrew: _addirei hatzon_) specifically denotes the most prominent, powerful, or elite among these leaders. Jeremiah's prophecy highlights their failure to fulfill their duties—they exploited rather than protected, misled rather than guided—thereby incurring God's severe wrath and facing an inescapable judgment for their negligence and corruption.

**What does "no way to flee" and "to escape" signify?**

Answer: The phrases "no way to flee" and "nor the principal of the flock to escape" emphasize the absolute and inescapable nature of the divine judgment being pronounced. They signify that when God's wrath is unleashed, there will be no refuge, no hiding place, no means of evasion, and no deliverance for those targeted. It conveys the complete and utter finality of the judgment, meaning that no amount of power, wealth, or strategic planning will allow these leaders to avoid the consequences of their actions. This strong, repetitive language underscores the certainty and comprehensiveness of God's justice, leaving no room for hope of evasion from the impending destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:35 pronounces inescapable judgment upon the failed shepherds of Israel and the nations, it also powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "Good Shepherd" and the nature of true deliverance found in Christ. Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to the negligent leaders condemned by Jeremiah; He is the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), truly knowing His own and leading them into abundant life ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus Knows His Sheep")). The "no way to flee" for the wicked shepherds of Jeremiah's day finds its fulfillment in the ultimate judgment that awaits all who reject the true Shepherd. However, for those who believe in Him, Christ Himself became the one who had "no way to flee" from the cross, bearing the judgment that humanity deserved. His sacrifice as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides the only true "escape" from God's wrath for His flock, ensuring that there is [no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). Ultimately, Christ will return as the righteous Judge, and at the Great White Throne Judgment, there will be [no escape for those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"), fulfilling the inescapable judgment principle, but for His sheep, He offers eternal refuge and salvation ([Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")).

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

Job 11:20

But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope [shall be as] the giving up of the ghost.

Amos 2:14

Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

Revelation 19:19

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Revelation 19:21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Jeremiah 48:44

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 24:21

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones [that are] on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.