“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse’s sting comes from calling these destructive leaders "shepherds." God uses this term ironically to highlight how these rulers, appointed to nurture and protect His people (His "sheep"), have instead acted like predators, scattering and decimating the very flock entrusted to their care.
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God pronounces a heavy "woe" against the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom He likens to shepherds who fail miserably at their job. These "pastors" – referring to kings, princes, priests, and prophets – have not protected or guided God's people but have instead scattered and destroyed them through their wicked actions and neglect. The immediate context shows that this judgment against the false shepherds will be followed by God's promise to gather the remnant of His flock and bring them restoration, highlighting a stark contrast between human failure and divine faithfulness.
When we hear "shepherd," we might think of someone gentle and caring. But in Jeremiah's day, the leaders God appointed were anything but.
Jeremiah 23:1 opens with a powerful "Woe!" – a declaration of divine judgment. But who is this "woe" directed at? The "pastors" or "shepherds." In the ancient world, shepherds were responsible for protecting, guiding, and nurturing their flock. God calls the leaders of Israel – kings, princes, priests, and even prophets – His shepherds, and the people of Israel are referred to as "the sheep of my pasture."
However, these leaders were failing miserably. Instead of caring for God's people, they were actively 'destroying and scattering' them. This wasn't just neglect; it was active harm, leading the people into sin, idolatry, and ultimately, exile. Their failure was a betrayal of the trust God had placed in them and a profound dishonor to God Himself, who saw His people as His own prized flock.
The word "Woe" sounds like pure judgment. But in God's unfolding plan, even His pronouncements of doom carry seeds of hope.
While Jeremiah 23:1 is a stark warning, the surrounding context reveals a deeper truth. The "woe" is not the end of the story. God's judgment on the corrupt shepherds is a necessary prelude to restoration.
Even though the leaders have scattered the flock, God declares, "I will gather the remnant of my flock... and bring them again to their folds" (Jeremiah 23:3). This promise points forward to a future gathering, a restoration that wouldn't come through human leadership but directly from God's own hand.
Ask a follow-up
This isn't just about a physical return from exile. It's about God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they, and their leaders, have failed. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who gathers His sheep and lays down His life for them.
Understand the original words
hoy · Hebrew Interjection
A prophetic cry of judgment or grief, often used to announce impending doom, divine displeasure, or condemnation upon those who persist in wickedness.
ro‘im · Hebrew Noun (plural)
A metaphor for leaders—kings, priests, or prophets—entrusted by God to guide, protect, and feed His people. Biblical shepherds are accountable to the Great Shepherd, Yahweh, for the well-being of the flock.
tson · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant people of God, whom He claims as His own possession. As a flock, they are dependent on His guidance, protection, and provision.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His holiness, faithfulness, and eternal nature as the Redeemer of Israel.
Jeremiah's cry against corrupt leaders ('shepherds') in this verse directly addresses the deep-seated spiritual and political decay that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of God's people.
Late 8th - Early 6th century BC
Period of Royal and Religious Corruption
This era in Judah was marked by kings and religious leaders who failed to uphold justice and faithfulness to God, leading the people astray.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiakim, under Babylonian pressure, saw a first group of notable Judeans, including young Daniel, taken captive to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, were exiled to Babylon.
c. 587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon, leaving Judah devastated.
This passage echoes Jeremiah's condemnation, directly accusing the shepherds of Israel of feeding themselves rather than the flock, and neglecting the sheep that were scattered or lost.
1 Peter 5:2This New Testament passage provides a stark contrast, instructing 'elders' (shepherds) to 'shepherd the flock of God that is among you,' urging them to lead willingly and not for selfish gain, directly addressing the failure Jeremiah highlights.
John 10:11Jesus identifies Himself as the 'good shepherd' who lays down His life for the sheep, contrasting His selfless care with the destructive self-interest of the 'hirelings' or false shepherds condemned in Jeremiah.
Zechariah 11:17This verse prophesies 'a worthless shepherd who deserts the flock,' explicitly stating 'my wrath is roused against the shepherds,' mirroring Jeremiah's judgment against those who fail to care for God's people.
clarkeJeremiah 23:1: "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD."
Wo be unto the pastors - There shall a curse fall on the kings, princes, priests, and prophets; who, by their vicious conduct and example, have brought desolation upon the people.
calvinJeremiah 23:1-3: "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD."
Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
Propterea sic dicit Jehova, Deus Israel, super Pastores pascentes populum meum, Vos dissipastis gregem meum et dispulistis, et non visitastis eos (vel…
The verse’s sting comes from calling these destructive leaders "shepherds." God uses this term ironically to highlight how these rulers, appointed to nurture and protect His people (His "sheep"), have instead acted like predators, scattering and decimating the very flock entrusted to their care.
God pronounces a heavy "woe" against the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom He likens to shepherds who fail miserably at their job. These "pastors" – referring to kings, princes, priests, and prophets – have not protected or guided God's people but have instead scattered and destroyed them through their wicked actions and neglect. The immediate context shows that this judgment against the false shepherds will be followed by God's promise to gather the remnant of His flock and bring them restoration, highlighting a stark contrast between human failure and divine faithfulness.
God pronounces a heavy "woe" against the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom He likens to shepherds who fail miserably at their job. These "pastors" – referring to kings, princes, priests, and prophets – have not protected or guided God's people but have instead scattered and destroyed them through their wicked actions and neglect. The immediate context shows that this judgment against the false shepherds will be followed by God's promise to gather the remnant of His flock and bring them restoration, highlighting a stark contrast between human failure and divine faithfulness.
"“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD." — The verse’s sting comes from calling these destructive leaders "shepherds." God uses this term ironically to highlight how these rulers, appointed to nurture and protect His people (His "sheep"), hav…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026