Jeremiah 31:10

KJV

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, O ye nations {H1471}, and declare {H5046} it in the isles {H339} afar off {H4801}, and say {H559}, He that scattered {H2219} Israel {H3478} will gather {H6908} him, and keep {H8104} him, as a shepherd {H7462} doth his flock {H5739}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nations, hear the word of ADONAI! Proclaim it in the coastlands far away. Say: "He who scattered Isra'el is gathering him, guarding him like a shepherd his flock."

Berean Standard Bible

Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.

American Standard Version

Hear the word of Jehovah, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off; and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:10 serves as a profound and universal declaration of Yahweh's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power, intended for global proclamation. It announces God's steadfast promise to reverse the dispersion of Israel, assuring that He who scattered His people will meticulously gather them from distant lands and vigilantly protect them with the tender, intimate care of a shepherd tending his cherished flock. This verse, deeply embedded within the "Book of Consolation," stands as a radiant beacon of hope, assuring a future of restoration and spiritual renewal after a period of divine judgment and exile, thereby underscoring God's ultimate and compassionate control over the destiny of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:10 is strategically placed within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a pivotal and distinct section of Jeremiah's prophecy. This segment marks a dramatic shift from the preceding pronouncements of judgment and the certainty of impending exile to Babylon, offering instead powerful messages of hope, restoration, and a glorious future for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Following extensive warnings about the consequences of disobedience and the devastating reality of captivity, these chapters unveil a divine counter-narrative centered on grace, covenant renewal, and national rebuilding. Jeremiah 31, in particular, elaborates on the promised return of the exiles, the re-establishment of the nation, and the establishment of a new covenant, superior to the old, which will be written on the very hearts of the people [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Verse 10 functions as a universal announcement of this future regathering, emphasizing that God's redemptive work extends beyond Israel's immediate borders, calling all nations to witness and declare His faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah unfolded during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history, characterized by profound political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and the escalating threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His prophecies were delivered primarily to a people on the brink of, or already experiencing, the traumatic reality of exile to Babylon. This scattering of Israel and Judah was not accidental but a devastating consequence, understood as divine punishment for their persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and moral decay, as explicitly warned in the Mosaic Law [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion as Judgment"). Within this deeply unsettling context of national despair, displacement, and vulnerability, the vivid imagery of a shepherd diligently gathering and carefully keeping his flock would have resonated profoundly with an agrarian society. Shepherds were indispensable figures in ancient Israel, embodying protection, provision, intimate knowledge of their sheep, and unwavering care—a powerful and comforting metaphor for God's compassionate and vigilant oversight of His vulnerable people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout Jeremiah and the broader biblical canon. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Restoration**, proclaiming that the very God who permitted Israel's scattering among the nations as a disciplinary measure is the same omnipotent God who will orchestrate their miraculous and deliberate return. This underscores God's ultimate control over the unfolding of history and His people's destiny, promising not merely a physical return but a profound national and spiritual renewal after severe discipline, a theme beautifully echoed in other prophetic texts such as [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "God Gathers His People"). Secondly, the tender imagery of God keeping His people "as a shepherd doth his flock" emphasizes **God's Tender Care and Protection**. This deeply comforting metaphor, prevalent throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "The Lord is My Shepherd")), signifies God's vigilant watchfulness, unfailing provision, and compassionate guidance for His beloved people, even in their most vulnerable states. Lastly, the imperative command to "Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off" underscores the **Universal Proclamation** of God's redemptive plan, signaling that Israel's restoration is not merely a localized event but a global testimony to God's unparalleled faithfulness, power, and redemptive purposes for all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scattered (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** From H2219, a primitive root meaning "to toss about," "to diffuse," or "to winnow." This word vividly describes the dispersion of Israel among the nations, likening it to chaff being scattered by the wind or seeds being broadcast across a field. It implies a widespread, often violent, and seemingly irreversible dispersal, which in this context was a direct consequence of divine judgment. The use of this term powerfully sets the stage for the dramatic reversal promised by God.
* **Gather (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** From H6908, a primitive root meaning "to grasp," "to collect," or "to assemble." This term stands in direct and powerful antithesis to _zârâh_ ("scattered"). It signifies a deliberate, purposeful, and sovereign act of bringing together what was dispersed, implying a complete and miraculous reversal of Israel's plight. This gathering is not accidental but an intentional act of God, demonstrating His omnipotence and faithfulness to restore and reassemble His people, both physically and spiritually.
* **Shepherd (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462, a primitive root meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to rule." This verb, used here in its participial form, describes the comprehensive action of a shepherd. Beyond mere feeding, it encompasses the full range of a shepherd's duties: guiding, protecting, providing for, leading, and intimately caring for the flock. Applied to God, it profoundly conveys His intimate, compassionate, vigilant, and authoritative care for His people, ensuring their safety, provision, and overall well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations":** This opening imperative serves as a universal summons, extending beyond Israel to encompass all Gentile nations. It commands them to pay close attention to God's authoritative and potent declaration. This emphasizes the global significance of God's actions concerning Israel, indicating that His redemptive plan and demonstrated faithfulness are a profound testimony to the entire world.
* **"and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say":** The divine command extends beyond passive hearing; it demands active, widespread proclamation. The "isles afar off" represent the remotest and most distant parts of the earth, signifying that this message of God's faithfulness and His power to restore must be broadcast universally. It functions as a timeless mission statement, calling for a global witness to the truth of God's character and His redemptive work.
* **"He that scattered Israel will gather him":** This is the core, declarative message to be proclaimed. It powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty over history and destiny. The very same divine hand that orchestrated Israel's dispersion as a disciplinary measure is the one who will miraculously and purposefully orchestrate their re-gathering. This clause promises a complete and dramatic reversal of their fortunes, demonstrating God's unparalleled power to bring life, order, and restoration out of apparent death and chaos.
* **"and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock":** This concluding phrase provides deeply comforting imagery of God's ongoing, intimate care. After the act of gathering, God promises to "keep" or "guard" Israel with the same vigilant, tender, and protective care that a devoted shepherd provides for his vulnerable and dependent flock. It speaks of enduring security, unfailing provision, and a deeply intimate relationship, assuring Israel of God's steadfast faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to their flourishing and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:10 is richly imbued with powerful **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, primarily centered on the archetypal figure of the shepherd and his flock. This central **Metaphor** is deeply resonant throughout biblical literature, portraying God as the caring, protective, and guiding Shepherd, and Israel as His dependent, cherished flock. The stark contrast between being "scattered" (a state of judgment and dispersion) and "gathered" (a state of restoration and unity) employs striking **Antithesis**, powerfully highlighting the dramatic and miraculous reversal of Israel's fortunes brought about solely by God's sovereign power. The command to "Hear... O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off" uses **Hyperbole** or, more precisely, **Merism** (representing the whole by two extreme parts) to emphasize the truly universal scope and global significance of God's redemptive work, implying that this message of divine faithfulness is intended for all humanity, not exclusively for Israel. The entire verse functions as a profound **Proclamation**, a formal, authoritative, and divinely inspired announcement intended for widespread dissemination, thereby reinforcing the absolute certainty and paramount importance of God's promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:10 powerfully articulates God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that even divine judgment is ultimately a redemptive act aimed at restoration and the fulfillment of His promises. It reveals a God who, despite His people's profound rebellion and persistent unfaithfulness, remains irrevocably committed to His covenant and their ultimate well-being. This verse profoundly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, asserting that God is not merely reactive to human sin but actively orchestrates history, using both scattering and gathering as instruments to fulfill His overarching purposes. The global declaration commanded in the verse remarkably foreshadows the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, which, though initiated with Israel, ultimately encompasses and extends to all nations. It stands as a testament to God's enduring love—that He not only brings His people home from exile but also vigilantly guards them with the intimate, protective care of a shepherd, ensuring their security, provision, and flourishing.

* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "God Promises to Gather Israel from the Ends of the Earth")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11 "God as the True Shepherd Who Seeks and Cares for His Flock")
* [Psalm 107:2-3](/psalms/107-2 "The Redeemed of the LORD Gathered from All Lands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:10 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to action for believers navigating the complexities of life today. In a world often characterized by fragmentation, displacement, and deep-seated despair, this verse serves as a potent reminder that God is the ultimate gatherer and restorer. Just as He promised to gather Israel from the literal scattering of exile, He possesses the boundless capacity to bring wholeness, healing, and profound peace to our lives when we feel scattered by trials, broken by sin, or lost in uncertainty. The tender imagery of God as our Shepherd assures us of His constant, vigilant, and intimately tender care; He knows our deepest needs, actively protects us from harm, and guides us through life's most challenging wildernesses. We can trust implicitly that even in our darkest valleys, His presence is an unfailing source of provision, security, and guidance. Furthermore, the command to "declare it in the isles afar off" is a timeless and urgent mandate for the church in every generation. We are called to be faithful witnesses to God's unwavering faithfulness, sharing the transformative good news of His redemptive power and His ability to gather and keep His people, thereby inviting others into the eternal security and belonging found within His flock.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel "scattered" or fragmented, and how does the promise of God as a gatherer bring you profound hope and assurance?**
* **How does the imagery of God as a shepherd personally comfort you, and what specific ways have you experienced His "keeping" or protective care in your own journey?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "declare" God's faithfulness in your own "isles afar off"—your immediate sphere of influence, community, or even the wider world?**
* **How can the church, as the collective body of Christ, more effectively embody God's gathering and keeping nature to those who feel lost, marginalized, or spiritually adrift in contemporary society?**

### FAQ
**Why are "nations" called to hear and declare this message about Israel?**

Answer: The call to "nations" (H1471, _gôwy_) and "isles afar off" (H339, _ʼîy_; H4801, _merchâq_) underscores the universal scope and profound significance of God's redemptive plan. While Israel is the immediate and primary focus of this prophecy, their promised restoration is not merely a localized historical event but a global testimony to God's omnipotence, unwavering faithfulness, and ultimate sovereignty over all peoples and the entirety of human history. It powerfully demonstrates that Yahweh is the one true God of all the earth, and His actions concerning Israel serve as an undeniable witness to His character and His ultimate purposes for humanity, foreshadowing the eventual inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive work through Christ [Romans 11:11-12](/romans/11-11 "Romans 11:11-12 - Salvation for the Gentiles")).

**How does God "scatter" and "gather" His people?**

Answer: God's "scattering" (H2219, _zârâh_) of His people, particularly the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, refers primarily to the historical exiles, such as the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. These devastating events were not random but were acts of divine judgment and discipline, a direct consequence of their persistent disobedience and idolatry, as clearly prophesied in the Mosaic Covenant [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion as Consequence")). Conversely, God's "gathering" (H6908, _qâbats_) refers to His sovereign and redemptive act of bringing His dispersed people back to their land and restoring their national, spiritual, and communal identity. This promise was partially fulfilled in the post-exilic return under figures like Ezra and Nehemiah, but it also points to a more complete, eschatological gathering that includes profound spiritual renewal and ultimate reunion with God, as vividly seen in prophecies like [Ezekiel 37:21-23](/ezekiel/37-21 "Ezekiel 37:21-23 - The Gathering of Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine Shepherd and orchestrates the ultimate gathering of God's people. While the prophecy initially speaks of a physical return from Babylonian exile, its deeper spiritual resonance powerfully points to Christ as the one who gathers all who are scattered by the pervasive effects of sin and estrangement from God. Jesus explicitly declared Himself the "good shepherd" who willingly lays down His life for His sheep [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), actively seeking out the lost and bringing them into His secure fold [Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ inaugurates the "new covenant" promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, supernaturally writing God's law on the hearts of believers and enabling a true, intimate, and abiding relationship with God. He gathers not merely physical Israel, but a spiritual Israel composed of believers from "every nation, tribe, people and language" [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")), uniting them into one flock under His compassionate and sovereign headship [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). Thus, the ancient promise of God scattering and then miraculously gathering His people, and keeping them with the tender care of a shepherd, culminates in Christ's comprehensive redemptive work, offering eternal security, belonging, and abundant life to all who trust in Him.

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

Isaiah 40:11

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.

Ezekiel 34:12

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Isaiah 66:19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

Deuteronomy 30:4

If [any] of thine be driven out unto the outmost [parts] of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:

Zephaniah 3:19

Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 11:52

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.