Jeremiah 33:12
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָאוֹת֒
of hosts
H6635
צְבָאוֹת֒
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 19
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
ע֞וֹד
H5750
ע֞וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה׀
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
Again in this place
H4725
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
Again in this place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּ֗ה
H2088
מֵֽאֵין
H369
אָדָ֥ם
without man
H120
אָדָ֥ם
without man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
11 of 19
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
and without beast
H929
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
and without beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וּבְכָל
H3605
וּבְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרָ֑יו
and in all the cities
H5892
עָרָ֑יו
and in all the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
15 of 19
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
נְוֵ֣ה
thereof shall be an habitation
H5116
נְוֵ֣ה
thereof shall be an habitation
Strong's:
H5116
Word #:
16 of 19
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
רֹעִ֔ים
of shepherds
H7462
רֹעִ֔ים
of shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
17 of 19
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
Cross References
Isaiah 65:10And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.Jeremiah 31:24And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks.Jeremiah 51:62Then shalt thou say, O LORD, thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate for ever.Jeremiah 36:29And thou shalt say to Jehoiakim king of Judah, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast burned this roll, saying, Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast?
Historical Context
The Babylonian destruction devastated Judah's agricultural economy. Sheep, essential to ancient Israelite life (sacrifices, wool, food), represented wealth and normalcy. The image of shepherds peacefully tending flocks contrasts with war-ravaged, predator-infested wastelands. This promise of pastoral peace signals comprehensive security—economic, military, and spiritual restoration under the coming Great Shepherd.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of shepherds and flocks lying down represent not just economic restoration but spiritual peace under God's care?
- In what ways does this Old Testament promise of pastoral rest anticipate Christ as the Good Shepherd?
- What 'desolate places' in your life need the peace of shepherds causing flocks to lie down in safety?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast—Repetition from verse 10 emphasizes the contrast: utter desolation versus abundant restoration. Shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down (תִּהְיֶה נְוֵה רֹעִים מַרְבִּצִים צֹאן, tihyeh neveh ro'im marbitzim tzon)—The pastoral imagery depicts peace and security. Naveh (habitation, pasture) and marbitzim (causing to lie down) echo Psalm 23: 'He makes me lie down in green pastures.'
Shepherds represent both literal agricultural restoration and theological leadership. The Good Shepherd theme (Ezekiel 34, John 10) finds its fulfillment in Christ, who gathers scattered sheep into one flock under His care.