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Isaiah 40:11

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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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Isaiah 40:11 offers a profoundly comforting image of God as a tender and diligent shepherd, caring for His flock. This verse comes as part of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah chapters 40-66), a section of prophecy promising restoration and hope to Israel after a period of judgment and exile.

Context

Following declarations of God's incomparable power and sovereignty (as seen in Isaiah 40:8, where His word endures forever), this verse pivots to illustrate His character not just as a mighty Creator, but as an intimately compassionate caregiver. It speaks to a people who felt abandoned and vulnerable, assuring them of divine intervention and gentle leading, particularly after a period of exile.

Key Themes

  • Divine Shepherdhood: God is portrayed as the ultimate shepherd, a common biblical metaphor for leadership, protection, and provision. He doesn't just rule with might, but personally tends to His people's needs with intimate care.
  • Tender Care for the Vulnerable: The specific mention of "gathering the lambs with his arm" and carrying them "in his bosom" highlights God's particular attention to the weakest and most defenseless members of His flock. Similarly, "gently leading those that are with young" emphasizes His patience and understanding of specific burdens and delicate situations.
  • Comfort and Restoration: This verse is a cornerstone of the comfort promised in Isaiah 40. It reassures believers that even in their weakness or weariness, God's care is steadfast, gentle, and perfectly tailored to their needs, promising a compassionate return from spiritual or physical distress.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "shepherd," ro'eh (רועה), carries the full weight of responsibility for the flock's well-being—feeding, guiding, protecting, and nurturing. The phrase "in his bosom" (Hebrew: cheq - חֵיק) conveys extreme closeness, affection, and security, much like a parent carries a beloved child close to their chest. "Gently lead" (Hebrew: nahag - נָהַג) implies leading with great care and consideration, adjusting the pace and path to suit the most fragile, ensuring none are left behind or overstrained.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 40:11 offers profound comfort and practical assurance for believers today. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but an engaged, personal caregiver. When we feel like "lambs"—weak, lost, or overwhelmed by life's challenges—this verse assures us of His strong arm to gather us and His tender heart to carry us. For those feeling burdened or "with young" (symbolizing new responsibilities, delicate situations, or spiritual immaturity), God promises to lead gently, providing the grace and strength needed for each step.

This imagery vividly portrays God's compassionate leadership, echoing the famous declaration 'The Lord is my shepherd' in Psalm 23. This tender care is a precursor to the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who perfectly embodies this divine care by laying down His life for His sheep. We are called to trust in His unfailing love and to emulate His gentle compassion in our own interactions with others, especially those in need of extra care and understanding.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 7:17 (21 votes)

    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 (21 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

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

  • Psalms 23:6 (18 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

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

  • John 10:16 (13 votes)

    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.