Jeremiah 10:21

Authorized King James Version

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For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִבְעֲרוּ֙ are become brutish H1197
נִבְעֲרוּ֙ are become brutish
Strong's: H1197
Word #: 2 of 14
to be(-come) brutish
הָֽרֹעִ֔ים For the pastors H7462
הָֽרֹעִ֔ים For the pastors
Strong's: H7462
Word #: 3 of 14
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דָרָ֑שׁוּ and have not sought H1875
דָרָ֑שׁוּ and have not sought
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 7 of 14
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙ H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 9 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ therefore they shall not prosper H7919
הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ therefore they shall not prosper
Strong's: H7919
Word #: 11 of 14
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
וְכָל H3605
וְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 12 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַרְעִיתָ֖ם and all their flocks H4830
מַרְעִיתָ֖ם and all their flocks
Strong's: H4830
Word #: 13 of 14
pasturage; concretely, a flock
נָפֽוֹצָה׃ shall be scattered H6327
נָפֽוֹצָה׃ shall be scattered
Strong's: H6327
Word #: 14 of 14
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

Analysis & Commentary

This verse indicts leaders: 'For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD.' 'Pastors' (ro'im, רֹעִים, shepherds) are political and religious leaders. 'Brutish' (nivaru) indicates stupid, senseless—lacking understanding their position required. 'Not sought the LORD' (lo dareshu eth-YHWH) means they failed to inquire of God for guidance. 'Therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.' Leadership failure produces national disaster—shepherds' foolishness scatters their sheep. The promised consequence—lack of prosperity and scattered flocks—exactly describes exile's result.

Historical Context

Jeremiah frequently indicts Judah's 'shepherds'—kings, priests, prophets who misled the nation (2:8, 23:1-4, 25:34-36). The shepherd metaphor was common ancient Near Eastern royal imagery. Judah's final kings (Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) exemplified failed leadership—ignoring prophetic warning, pursuing foolish alliances, bringing destruction upon their 'flock.'

Questions for Reflection

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