Jeremiah 23:4
And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֧י
And I will set up
H6965
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֧י
And I will set up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְרָע֑וּם
over them which shall feed
H7462
וְרָע֑וּם
over them which shall feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
3 of 13
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
וְרָע֑וּם
over them which shall feed
H7462
וְרָע֑וּם
over them which shall feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
4 of 13
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
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽירְא֨וּ
them and they shall fear
H3372
יִֽירְא֨וּ
them and they shall fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
6 of 13
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
ע֧וֹד
H5750
ע֧וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵחַ֛תּוּ
no more nor be dismayed
H2865
יֵחַ֛תּוּ
no more nor be dismayed
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
After the exile, God raised up leaders like Zerubbabel (who led the first return and rebuilt the temple), Ezra (who taught the law), and Nehemiah (who rebuilt Jerusalem's walls and instituted reforms). Though imperfect, these leaders demonstrated greater faithfulness than the pre-exilic kings. Yet they were types pointing to the perfect Shepherd-King, Jesus, who would come from David's line to shepherd God's people perfectly and eternally.
Questions for Reflection
- What characterizes faithful shepherds who genuinely feed and care for God's flock?
- How does Christ's role as the Chief Shepherd inform how we understand and evaluate human spiritual leadership?
- What does it mean practically for believers that we 'shall fear no more' under faithful shepherds?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God promises to replace the unfaithful shepherds with faithful ones who will actually 'feed them'—the fundamental responsibility of a shepherd. These new shepherds will eliminate the people's fear and ensure none are lacking. This promise operates on multiple levels: immediate (leaders after the exile like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah), prophetic (the Messiah and His apostles), and eschatological (church leaders who serve under Christ's authority).
The phrase 'I will set up shepherds' emphasizes divine appointment and authority. Human leaders do not seize power or earn it through political maneuvering; they are appointed by God to serve His purposes. True shepherds feed the flock with God's word, protect them from false teaching, and model Christlike servanthood. They do not lord it over the flock but serve as examples (1 Peter 5:2-3).
This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). He then appoints under-shepherds—pastors and elders—who serve by His authority and will give account to Him (Hebrews 13:17). The promise that 'they shall fear no more' points to the peace and security believers have in Christ, who promises that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand (John 10:28-29).