Jeremiah 23:4
I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The promise that "neither shall any be missing" highlights a tender, individual care. It’s not just about the whole flock being safe, but that not a single sheep will be lost or overlooked – a shepherd’s deep concern for every one. This level of meticulous care points forward to the ultimate Good Shepherd who knows and values each one of His sheep.
For generations, Israel has suffered under corrupt leaders who exploited and neglected them, scattering them like sheep without a shepherd. God declares through Jeremiah that He will finally appoint true shepherds—leaders who will nurture and protect His people. This promise directly contrasts the failures of past rulers and looks forward to a time of profound security and restoration, ensuring not a single one of God's flock will be lost.
Jeremiah opens with a harsh 'Woe!' to corrupt leaders. But right after, God promises something beautiful. What's the difference?
Jeremiah has just denounced the 'shepherds' (leaders) who have been exploiting and scattering God's people. They've been feeding themselves, not the flock.
But God declares, 'I will set shepherds over them.' This isn't just a change of management; it's a divine appointment of leaders who will actually care.
Unlike the corrupt leaders who caused fear and loss, God's appointed shepherds will bring security. The people will 'fear no more, nor be dismayed.' They will be so well-cared for that 'neither shall any be missing' – no one lost or destroyed.
Who are these 'shepherds' God promises? And how does their care ensure no one is lost?
While the promise can refer to faithful human leaders like Zerubbabel or Ezra who emerged after exile, the ultimate fulfillment points to Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself is called the 'Good Shepherd' who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). His care is so profound that He knows each sheep individually and guarantees their eternal security.
'Neither shall any be missing' speaks of the complete redemption and preservation of God's people. No one truly belonging to Him will be lost, either in this life or the next. This is the promise of a Shepherd who protects, guides, and guarantees eternal safety.
Understand the original words
yare’ · Hebrew Verb
A reverent awe or profound respect for God’s character and power. In a biblical context, it results in turning away from evil and trusting in God’s provision rather than being overwhelmed by circumstances.
This prophecy speaks to a deep longing for faithful leadership after generations of corrupt rulers and devastating exiles. It promises a return to security and wholeness, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the perfect Shepherd.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar deports many of the Judean elite and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's subjugation and eventual fall.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Jerusalem is besieged and Jehoiachin, king of Judah, is taken captive to Babylon along with thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel. This event deeply shook the people's faith and sense of security.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy. The majority of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, leaving the nation devastated.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This marks the beginning of the Second Temple period.
This passage directly contrasts the wicked shepherds who fed themselves with the Lord's promise to seek out and care for His sheep, mirroring Jeremiah's hope for true shepherds.
John 10:11-14Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep, lays down His life for them, and knows them intimately, fulfilling the ideal described in Jeremiah.
John 17:11-12In His prayer, Jesus speaks of protecting His disciples, so that none are lost except the one destined for destruction, echoing Jeremiah's promise that none shall be missing.
1 Peter 5:1-4Peter, an elder himself, exhorts other elders to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly, not for selfish gain, reflecting the character of the shepherds promised in Jeremiah.
Zechariah 11:4-5This passage describes worthless shepherds who are not pitied and are left to the mercy of the people, highlighting the dire need for the kind of true shepherds that God promises to raise up in Jeremiah 23:4.
pulpitJeremiah 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."
Verse 4. - And I will set up shepherds; e.g. rulers, not necessarily kings (see on next verse). Which shall feed them. For the evil shepherds "fed themselves, and fed not my flock" (Ezekiel 34:8). And they shall fear no more. Ezekiel again contributes an essential feature to the description. The neglect of the shepherds left t…
ellicottJeremiah 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."
(4) I will set up shepherds . . . —The words imply, in one sense, a return to the theocracy, the breaking off the hereditary succession of the house of David, and the giving of power to those who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, and, later on in history, the Maccabees, were called to rule because they had the capacity for ruling well.…
The promise that "neither shall any be missing" highlights a tender, individual care. It’s not just about the whole flock being safe, but that not a single sheep will be lost or overlooked – a shepherd’s deep concern for every one. This level of meticulous care points forward to the ultimate Good Shepherd who knows and values each one of His sheep.
For generations, Israel has suffered under corrupt leaders who exploited and neglected them, scattering them like sheep without a shepherd. God declares through Jeremiah that He will finally appoint true shepherds—leaders who will nurture and protect His people. This promise directly contrasts the failures of past rulers and looks forward to a time of profound security and restoration, ensuring not a single one of God's flock will be lost.
For generations, Israel has suffered under corrupt leaders who exploited and neglected them, scattering them like sheep without a shepherd. God declares through Jeremiah that He will finally appoint true shepherds—leaders who will nurture and protect His people. This promise directly contrasts the failures of past rulers and looks forward to a time of profound security and restoration, ensuring not a single one of God's flock will be lost.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Jeremiah 23:4 is available in the Sola app.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Arrives in Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, is appointed governor of Judah and leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He and figures like Ezra provided leadership during this post-exilic period.
c. 2nd Century BC
The Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabees lead a successful rebellion against Greek Seleucid rule, re-establishing Jewish independence for a period. These leaders are seen by some as fulfillments of the 'shepherd' ideal.
1st Century AD
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Jesus presents himself as the ultimate Good Shepherd, contrasting with the failures of human leaders. His ministry and sacrifice fulfill the promise of ultimate care and security for God's people.
"I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD." — The promise that "neither shall any be missing" highlights a tender, individual care. It’s not just about the whole flock being safe, but that not a single sheep will be lost or overlooked – a shephe…
