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Jeremiah 23:2

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.

Jeremiah 23:2 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse speaks to the accountability of those placed in positions of leadership over God's people. The Lord, in this passage, addresses the pastors who have been entrusted with the care of His flock. It condemns those who have neglected their responsibilities and instead have scattered and driven away the people they were meant to shepherd. The Lord declares that He will hold these pastors accountable for their actions and promises to visit upon them the evil of their doings. This serves as a warning to all spiritual leaders to take their roles seriously, to care for God's people, and to lead them with love and compassion. It reminds us that leaders are stewards of the flock, and they will be judged by how they fulfill this sacred duty.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the Lord God of Israel is addressing the pastors who were responsible for feeding His people, but failed in their duty. The word 'pastors' refers to the religious leaders or shepherds who were entrusted with guiding and caring for God's people. The Lord accuses these pastors of scattering His flock, driving them away, and neglecting to visit or care for them. This demonstrates a lack of proper leadership, compassion, and responsibility towards the people under their care. The Lord condemns their actions and promises to hold them accountable for the evil they have done. This serves as a warning to all leaders and shepherds to take their responsibilities seriously and to care for their flock with love, compassion, and diligence. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of faithful and compassionate leadership, as well as the consequences of neglecting the duties entrusted to them by God.

Jeremiah 23:2 in other translations

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, against the shepherds 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 Jehovah.

World English Bible

Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who feed my people: You have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings, says Yahweh.

Douay-Rheims

Therefore thus saith the Lord the God of Israel to the pastors that feed my people: You have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold I will visit upon you for the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel vnto the pastors that feede my people, Yee haue scattered my flock and thrust them out, and haue not visited them: beholde, I will visite you for the wickednesse of your works, saith the Lord.