Jeremiah 23:1-2
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The verse uses the word "pasture" in a way that highlights God's ownership and care – these are "my pasture" sheep, not just any flock. This shows that the leaders' cruelty wasn't just bad leadership, but a violation of God's personal property and a deep dishonor to Him.
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Jeremiah is addressing the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom God likens to shepherds who have failed to care for His people, His flock. Instead of protecting and nurturing them, these rulers have scattered and destroyed the people through their selfish and oppressive actions, leading them into sin and ultimately into exile. This declaration of "woe" sets the stage for God's judgment against these false shepherds and promises a future restoration under a true Shepherd.
God calls leaders 'shepherds,' but what happens when those in charge fail to care for the people they're meant to protect?
In Jeremiah 23:1, God directly addresses the spiritual and civil leaders of Israel, calling them 'shepherds.' This imagery isn't accidental. God Himself is the ultimate Shepherd of His people (Psalm 23), and He entrusted these leaders with a sacred duty: to care for, protect, and guide the 'sheep of My pasture.'
A Divine Mandate
Why is 'destroying and scattering' the sheep such a grave offense in God's eyes?
The core accusation against these leaders in Jeremiah 23:1 is that they 'destroy and scatter' God's people. This is the opposite of true shepherding. Instead of nurturing and protecting, they inflict harm and cause dispersion.
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Actions That Wound
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.
This prophecy directly addresses the spiritual and political leaders of Judah during a time of impending national disaster. The 'shepherds' are the kings, princes, and priests who failed to protect and guide God's people, leading to their scattering into exile, a consequence of their corrupt leadership and neglect of God's law.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Captivity of Northern Tribes
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by Assyria, and many of its people are exiled, setting a precedent for scattering.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports a portion of the Judean elite, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon again deports Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon after a rebellion. Jerusalem's temple is despoiled.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Babylon conquers Jerusalem, destroys the Temple, and deports the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. This event is the direct catalyst for Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment and future restoration.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus conquers Babylon, opening the door for the return of Jewish exiles to their homeland.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
This passage directly echoes Jeremiah's denunciation, calling out the shepherds of Israel for feeding themselves instead of the flock and prophesying judgment against them.
1 Peter 5:2This New Testament passage offers a stark contrast, urging elders to 'shepherd the flock of God that is among you,' highlighting the true pastoral responsibility that Jeremiah's 'shepherds' failed to uphold.
John 10:11Jesus declares, 'I am the good shepherd,' presenting himself as the divine counterpoint to the destructive leaders Jeremiah condemns, emphasizing sacrifice and care for the sheep.
Matthew 9:36This verse describes Jesus' compassion for the crowds, seeing them as 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,' which directly reflects the desperate state of the flock abandoned by their unfaithful leaders in Jeremiah.
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 uses the word "pasture" in a way that highlights God's ownership and care – these are "my pasture" sheep, not just any flock. This shows that the leaders' cruelty wasn't just bad leadership, but a violation of God's personal property and a deep dishonor to Him.
The prophet Jeremiah is addressing the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom God likens to shepherds who have failed to care for His people, His flock. Instead of protecting and nurturing them, these rulers have scattered and destroyed the people through their selfish and oppressive actions, leading them into sin and ultimately into exile. This declaration of "woe" sets the stage for God's judgment against these false shepherds and promises a future restoration under a true Shepherd.
The prophet Jeremiah is addressing the corrupt leaders of Judah, whom God likens to shepherds who have failed to care for His people, His flock. Instead of protecting and nurturing them, these rulers have scattered and destroyed the people through their selfish and oppressive actions, leading them into sin and ultimately into exile. This declaration of "woe" sets the stage for God's judgment against these false shepherds and promises a future restoration under a true Shepherd.
"“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them…" — The verse uses the word "pasture" in a way that highlights God's ownership and care – these are "my pasture" sheep, not just any flock. This shows that the leaders' cruelty wasn't just bad leadership…
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Last reviewed October 2026
