Isaiah 56:11
The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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These "shepherds" are so consumed by self-interest that they're compared to "greedy dogs" who never have enough, highlighting their insatiable appetite for personal gain over the flock's well-being. The verse emphasizes their utter lack of spiritual understanding, showing they're not just negligent but actively harmful, turning away from God's ways for their own profit.
The prophet Isaiah is denouncing the corrupt leaders and false prophets of Israel, who are more like greedy dogs focused on personal gain than true shepherds caring for the flock. These self-serving individuals have abandoned their spiritual responsibilities and are leading the people astray through their ignorance and greed. Following this severe condemnation, Isaiah will then pivot to God's promise of restoring and including all who genuinely seek Him, regardless of their background.
Understand the original words
keleb · Hebrew Noun
In biblical imagery, this term is frequently used as a term of contempt for those who are morally debased, unclean, or who act in a predatory and shameless manner.
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
A figure of authority tasked with the spiritual care, feeding, and protection of God’s people. When used negatively, it describes leaders who have abandoned their duty for selfish interests.
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binah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to spiritual discernment or wisdom. In a biblical context, it is the ability to perceive God’s will and understand the seriousness of His truth, which these leaders lack.
derek · Hebrew Noun
A common biblical description of human rebellion, where individuals reject God’s prescribed path in favor of their own desires, autonomy, and personal interests.
betsa' · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, this often denotes unjust profit or illicit gain acquired through the neglect of duty or the exploitation of others.
This prophecy was delivered during the post-exilic period when the returnees were striving to re-establish their community and religious life. The verse sharply rebukes the spiritual leaders of the time who, instead of guiding the flock with integrity, acted like greedy, ignorant dogs, solely focused on their own gain. This corruption within leadership stood in stark contrast to the inclusive vision of God's kingdom presented in the preceding verses, highlighting a significant tension between divine purpose and human failure.
8th Century BC
Assyrian Empire's Dominance
The Assyrian Empire, a powerful military force, exerted significant influence and control over the region of Judah, often through political pressure and threats of invasion. This period created an atmosphere of anxiety and vulnerability.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria launched a campaign against Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event instilled deep fear and underscored the precariousness of Judah's existence.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon defeated the Egyptians and began deporting segments of the Judean population, including some of the elite, to Babylon. This marked the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces completely destroyed Jerusalem, including Solomon's Temple, and deported the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. This was a catastrophic event for the Judean people.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia overthrew the Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of exiled Judeans to their homeland.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Under Persian rule, the Second Temple was rebuilt in Jerusalem, symbolizing a return of religious and national identity for the returned exiles.
Post-Exilic Period (5th-4th Century BC)— this verse
Spiritual and Leadership Decline
Following the return from exile, a period of spiritual apathy and leadership corruption set in. Some religious leaders and officials, like the 'shepherds' described in this verse, became self-serving, neglecting their duties and exploiting the people.
This passage vividly describes corrupt shepherds who exploit their flock, mirroring Isaiah's critique of leaders who 'look to their own way, each to his own gain' instead of caring for God's people.
Micah 3:1-3Micah echoes Isaiah's condemnation, portraying leaders who 'devour the flesh of my people' and lead them for personal profit, highlighting the consistent theme of corrupt leadership in the Old Testament.
Jeremiah 23:1-4Jeremiah prophesies against shepherds who scatter and destroy God's flock, aligning with Isaiah's image of ignorant and self-serving leaders who fail in their pastoral duty.
1 Timothy 6:10This New Testament passage directly addresses the root of the problem described by Isaiah, stating that 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils,' which is the driving force behind the greed of the 'shepherds' and 'dogs' in Isaiah's prophecy.
Philippians 2:21This verse in Philippians contrasts sharply with Isaiah's depiction, as it describes many who 'seek their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus,' underscoring the pervasive self-interest that Isaiah condemns in religious and political leaders.
wesleyIsaiah 56:11: "Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."
56:11 They look - They regard neither God's glory, nor the peoples good, but only the satisfaction of their own base desires. Quarter - In their several stations.
clarkeIsaiah 56:11: "Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."
Greedy dogs - Insatiably feeding themselves with the fat, and clothing themselves with the wool, while the flock is scattered, ravaged, and starved! O what an abundance of these dumb and greedy dogs are there found hanging on and prowling about the flock of Christ! How can any careless, avaricious, hirelin…
These "shepherds" are so consumed by self-interest that they're compared to "greedy dogs" who never have enough, highlighting their insatiable appetite for personal gain over the flock's well-being. The verse emphasizes their utter lack of spiritual understanding, showing they're not just negligent but actively harmful, turning away from God's ways for their own profit.
The prophet Isaiah is denouncing the corrupt leaders and false prophets of Israel, who are more like greedy dogs focused on personal gain than true shepherds caring for the flock. These self-serving individuals have abandoned their spiritual responsibilities and are leading the people astray through their ignorance and greed. Following this severe condemnation, Isaiah will then pivot to God's promise of restoring and including all who genuinely seek Him, regardless of their background.
The prophet Isaiah is denouncing the corrupt leaders and false prophets of Israel, who are more like greedy dogs focused on personal gain than true shepherds caring for the flock. These self-serving individuals have abandoned their spiritual responsibilities and are leading the people astray through their ignorance and greed. Following this severe condemnation, Isaiah will then pivot to God's promise of restoring and including all who genuinely seek Him, regardless of their background.
"The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all." — These "shepherds" are so consumed by self-interest that they're compared to "greedy dogs" who never have enough, highlighting their insatiable appetite for personal gain over the flock's well-being.…
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