Jeremiah 23:4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

◄ Jeremiah 23:4 ►

New International Version
I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the LORD, have spoken!

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1995
“I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1977
“I shall also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
I will also raise up shepherds over them, and they will shepherd them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be left unattended,” declares Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them. And they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” says the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will no longer be afraid or discouraged, nor will any be missing.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them. They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any be missing.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

American Standard Version
And I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
I promise to choose leaders who will care for them like real shepherds. All of my people will be there, and they will never again be frightened.

English Revised Version
And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will put shepherds over them. Those shepherds will take care of them. My sheep will no longer be afraid or terrified, and not one of them will be missing," declares the LORD.

Good News Translation
I will appoint rulers to take care of them. My people will no longer be afraid or terrified, and I will not punish them again. I, the LORD, have spoken."

International Standard Version
I'll raise up shepherds over them, and they'll shepherd them. My flock will no longer be afraid or terrified, and none will be missing," declares the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

NET Bible
I will install rulers over them who will care for them. Then they will no longer need to fear or be terrified. None of them will turn up missing. I, the LORD, promise it!

New Heart English Bible
I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking," says the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I will set shepherds over them who shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

World English Bible
I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them. They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, neither will any be lacking,” says Yahweh.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I have raised shepherds for them, "" And they have fed them, "" And they no longer fear, nor are frightened, "" Nor are they lacking,” "" A declaration of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
And I have raised for them shepherds, And they have fed them, And they fear no more, nor are affrighted, Nor are they lacking -- an affirmation of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I set up shepherds over them, and they fed them; and they shall no more fear, and they shall not be terrified, and they shall not be reviewed, says Jehovah.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will set up pastors over them, and they shall feed them: they shall fear no more, and they shall not be dismayed: and none shall be wanting of their number, saith the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will raise up shepherds over them, and they will pasture them. They will no longer dread, and they will no longer fear. And no one among their number will be seeking more, says the Lord.

New American Bible
I will raise up shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear or be terrified; none shall be missing—oracle of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I will set shepherds over them who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be scattered nor shall they go astray, says the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall raise up Shepherds over them, and they shall shepherd them, and they shall not fear again, and they shall not be scattered, and they shall not go astray, says LORD JEHOVAH”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will raise up shepherds to them, who shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be alarmed, saith the Lord.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David's Righteous Branch
…3Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. 4I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD. 5Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Ezekiel 34:23-24
I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. / I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken.

John 10:11-16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Micah 5:4
He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 23:1-4
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...

1 Peter 5:2-4
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Ezekiel 37:24
My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes.

Zechariah 11:16
For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves.

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, / equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 49:9-10
to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill. / They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Zechariah 10:3
“My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts attends to His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His royal steed in battle.

Matthew 2:6
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”

Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

Treasury of Scripture

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, said the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:14,15
Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: …

Jeremiah 33:26
Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: …

neither.

Numbers 31:49
And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which are under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us.

John 6:39,40
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day…

John 10:27-30
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: …

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Jeremiah 23

1. He prophesies a restoration of the scattered flock.
5. Christ shall rule and save them.
9. Against false prophets;
33. and mockers of the true prophets.

Berean Study Bible

I will raise up
The phrase "I will raise up" signifies God's sovereign initiative and intervention. In Hebrew, the verb "raise up" (קָם, qām) often implies establishing or appointing with authority. This reflects God's active role in providing leadership and guidance for His people. Historically, this can be seen as a promise of restoration and hope, contrasting with the failures of previous leaders. It underscores God's commitment to His covenant and His people, ensuring that they are not left without guidance.

shepherds
The term "shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro'im) is a metaphor for leaders or rulers. In ancient Near Eastern culture, kings and leaders were often depicted as shepherds of their people, responsible for their welfare and protection. Biblically, this imagery is rich, as it evokes the care, guidance, and protection that a shepherd provides for their flock. This promise of new shepherds suggests a future where leaders will genuinely care for the people, unlike the corrupt leaders criticized earlier in the chapter.

over them
The phrase "over them" indicates authority and responsibility. The shepherds are not just among the people but have a divinely appointed role to lead and protect. This reflects a hierarchical structure where God appoints leaders to guide His people according to His will. It emphasizes accountability and the expectation that these leaders will act in the best interest of those they oversee.

who will tend them
The phrase "who will tend them" (יְרָעוּם, yir'um) highlights the pastoral care and nurturing aspect of leadership. The Hebrew root רָעָה (ra'ah) means to pasture, tend, or shepherd. This implies a hands-on, caring approach, ensuring the well-being and growth of the flock. It contrasts with the neglect and exploitation by previous leaders, promising a future where the needs of the people are met with compassion and diligence.

and they will no longer be afraid
This promise of security, "and they will no longer be afraid" (וְלֹא־יִרְאוּ עוֹד, v'lo-yir'u 'od), addresses the emotional and psychological state of the people. Fear was a common experience due to the threats from external enemies and internal corruption. The removal of fear signifies a restoration of peace and stability, a return to a state of trust and confidence in their leaders and in God's protection.

or dismayed
The word "dismayed" (וְלֹא־יֵחָתוּ, v'lo-yechatu) conveys a sense of being shattered or broken. In the context of leadership, it suggests that the people will no longer be confused or demoralized by poor governance. This assurance of competent and caring leadership brings hope and encouragement, restoring the people's morale and sense of purpose.

nor will any go missing
The phrase "nor will any go missing" (וְלֹא־יִפָּקֵד, v'lo-yippaked) speaks to the completeness and attentiveness of the shepherds' care. The Hebrew root פָּקַד (paqad) can mean to miss, lack, or be unaccounted for. This promise ensures that every individual is valued and accounted for, reflecting God's inclusive and comprehensive care for His people. It reassures that under these new shepherds, no one will be neglected or lost.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" (נְאֻם־יְהוָה, ne'um-YHWH) is a prophetic formula emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. It assures the audience that these promises are not mere human aspirations but divine commitments. This declaration underscores the faithfulness and reliability of God, who stands behind His word to fulfill it. It invites trust and confidence in God's plan for His people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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 plural is noticeable, as in Jeremiah 3:15, as not limiting the prophecy to the Christ who is yet the "chief Shepherd" (1Peter 5:4). In the verb for "set up" there is an allusive reference to the names of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, into both of which it entered. Jehovah would "raise up" shepherds, but not such as they had proved themselves to be.

Neither shall they be lacking.--i.e., the flock would be so cared for that not one sheep should be lost. Care extending even to every individual member was the true ideal of the Shepherd's work (John 10:3; John 17:12), and therefore of the ruler's.

Pulpit Commentary

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 the flock exposed to the ravages of wild beasts (Ezekiel 34:8). Neither shall they be lacking. A speaking phrase. Too many of the sheep had fallen down precipices or been carried off by lions. Yet the context rather favors a slight and palaeographically natural emendation of Hitzig, "Neither shall they be terrified." The Septuagint omits the word altogether, which favors the supposition that they read as Hitzig would read, for they are apt to condense by omitting synonyms.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

I will raise up
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֧י (wa·hă·qi·mō·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

shepherds
רֹעִ֖ים (rō·‘îm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

over them
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

who will tend them,
וְרָע֑וּם (wə·rā·‘ūm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

and they will no
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

longer
ע֧וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

be afraid
יִֽירְא֨וּ (yî·rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

or dismayed,
יֵחַ֛תּוּ (yê·ḥat·tū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear

nor
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

will any go missing,
יִפָּקֵ֖דוּ (yip·pā·qê·ḏū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 23:4 I will set up shepherds over them (Jer.)