Jeremiah 23:3

Jeremiah 23:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then 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.

King James Version KJV

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

American Standard Version ASV

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I will get the rest of my flock together from all the countries where I have sent them, and will make them come back again to their resting-place; and they will have offspring and be increased.

Free Bible Version FBV

I myself will gather what's left of my flock from all the countries where I exiled them, and I will bring them back to their pasture, where they will increase in number.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I will gather the remnant of my sheepe out of all countreyes, whither I had driuen them, and will bring them againe to their foldes, and they shall growe and encrease.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I do gather the remnant of My flock Out of all the lands whither I drove them, And have brought them back unto their fold, And they have been fruitful, and multiplied.

World English Bible WEB

“I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they will be fruitful and multiply.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I will gather the remnant of my flock from all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will gather together the remnant of my flock, out of all the lands into which I have cast them out: and I will make them return to their own fields, and they shall increase and be multiplied.

Translation for Translators T4T

But later I will gather those who are still alive, from the countries where I have forced them to go. I will bring them back to their own country, where they will have many children, and their number/population will increase.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/אֲנִ֗י אֲקַבֵּץ֙ אֶת שְׁאֵרִ֣ית צֹאנִ֔/י מִ/כֹּל֙ הָ/אֲרָצ֔וֹת אֲשֶׁר הִדַּ֥חְתִּי אֹתָ֖/ם שָׁ֑ם וַ/הֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י אֶתְ/הֶ֛ן עַל נְוֵ/הֶ֖ן וּ/פָר֥וּ וְ/רָבֽוּ

וַ/אֲנִ֗י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

אֲקַבֵּץ֙ qâbats H6908 to gather V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שְׁאֵרִ֣ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 remnant N-fs

צֹאנִ֔/י tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) N-cs | Suff

מִ/כֹּל֙ kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

הָ/אֲרָצ֔וֹת ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הִדַּ֥חְתִּי nâdach H5080 to banish V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs

אֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

שָׁ֑ם shâm H8033 there Adv

וַ/הֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

אֶתְ/הֶ֛ן ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

נְוֵ/הֶ֖ן nâveh H5116 pasture N-cs | Suff

וּ/פָר֥וּ pârâh H6509 be fruitful Conj | V-Qal-3cp

וְ/רָבֽוּ râbâh H7235 to multiply Conj | V-Qal-3cp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:3

וַ/אֲנִ֗י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

אֲקַבֵּץ֙ qâbats H6908 "to gather" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.

Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שְׁאֵרִ֣ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 "remnant" N-fs

The Hebrew word for remnant refers to what is left after something has been destroyed or taken away, like the Israelites who survived the Babylonian exile. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The concept of a remnant is key to God's plan for his people.

Definition: 1) rest, residue, remainder, remnant 1a) rest, what is left 1b) remainder, descendants

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 45:7; Jeremiah 42:19; Psalms 76:11.

צֹאנִ֔/י tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" N-cs | Suff

This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.

Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)

Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.

מִ/כֹּל֙ kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/אֲרָצ֔וֹת ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cp

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

הִדַּ֥חְתִּי nâdach H5080 "to banish" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs

To banish or drive away, used in various contexts, such as expelling someone from a community, as seen in the story of David and Absalom.

Definition: 1) to impel, thrust, drive away, banish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to impel 1a2) to thrust away, banish 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be impelled 1b2) to be thrust out, be banished 1b2a) banished, outcast (participle) 1b3) to be driven away 1b4) to be thrust away, thrust aside 1c) (Pual) to be thrust into 1c1) thrust (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to thrust, move, impel 1d2) to thrust out, banish 1d3) to thrust away, thrust aside 1e) (Hophal) to be chased, be hunted 1e1) chased, hunted (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw. See also: Deuteronomy 4:19; Isaiah 27:13; Psalms 5:11.

אֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שָׁ֑ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

וַ/הֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֶתְ/הֶ֛ן ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

נְוֵ/הֶ֖ן nâveh H5116 "pasture" N-cs | Suff

A dwelling is a home or a pleasant place, like a sheepfold or a temple. It can describe a place where people or animals live, and is used in many Bible books, including Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) abode, habitation, abode of shepherds or flocks, pasture 1a) abode (of sheep) 1b) abode (of shepherds) 1c) meadow 1d) habitation

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: comely, dwelling (place), fold, habitation, pleasant place, sheepcote, stable, tarried. See also: Exodus 15:13; Isaiah 35:7; Psalms 68:13.

וּ/פָר֥וּ pârâh H6509 "be fruitful" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.

Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.

וְ/רָבֽוּ râbâh H7235 "to multiply" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.

Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:3
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:3
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:3

Context — David’s Righteous Branch

1“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. 2Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Amos 9:14–15	I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will firmly plant them in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.
2	Jeremiah 32:37	I will surely gather My people from all the lands to which I have banished them in My furious anger and great wrath, and I will return them to this place and make them dwell in safety.
3	Isaiah 43:5–6	Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth—
4	Jeremiah 29:14	I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and places to which I have banished you, declares the LORD. I will restore you to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
5	Jeremiah 30:3	For behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore from captivity My people Israel and Judah, declares the LORD. I will restore them to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it.’”
6	Zephaniah 3:19–20	Behold, at that time, I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; and I will appoint praise and fame for the disgraced throughout the earth. At that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you. For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your captives before your very eyes,” says the LORD.
7	Ezekiel 37:21–27	you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the Israelites out of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols or detestable images, or with any of their transgressions. I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned, and I will cleanse them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. 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. They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever. And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people.
8	Ezekiel 11:17	Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you from the countries to which you have been scattered, and I will give back to you the land of Israel.’
9	Ezekiel 34:11–31	For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats. Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another. 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. I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season—showers of blessing. The trees of the field will give their fruit, and the land will yield its produce; My flock will be secure in their land. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and delivered them from the hands that enslaved them. They will no longer be prey for the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not consume them. They will dwell securely, and no one will frighten them. And I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are My people,’ declares the Lord GOD. ‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
10	Jeremiah 31:8	Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly!

Jeremiah 23:3 Summary

In Jeremiah 23:3, God promises to gather and return His faithful people to a place of spiritual abundance, where they will thrive and grow. This is a beautiful picture of God's love and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4, where He is the Good Shepherd who guides and protects His flock. Just as a shepherd tends to his sheep, God will tend to His people and help them bear fruit and multiply (as in John 15:1-8), leading to a life of purpose and joy. This promise is a reminder that God is always with us, guiding and caring for us, even when we feel lost or alone (as in Isaiah 40:11).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does God mean by 'the remnant of My flock' in Jeremiah 23:3?

The remnant refers to the faithful believers who remain loyal to God, even in times of spiritual decline, as seen in Isaiah 10:20-22 and Romans 11:5.

Why does God promise to 'gather' and 'return' His people to their pasture?

God's promise is a demonstration of His love and care for His people, as expressed in Psalm 23:1-4, where He is the Good Shepherd who guides and protects His flock.

How does Jeremiah 23:3 relate to God's overall plan of salvation?

This verse is part of God's larger plan to redeem and restore His people, as prophesied in Ezekiel 34:11-16 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, as seen in John 10:11-18.

What does it mean for God's people to be 'fruitful and multiply' in Jeremiah 23:3?

This phrase suggests spiritual growth and abundance, as seen in Psalm 1:3 and John 15:1-8, where believers are called to bear fruit and multiply in their faith, disciple others, and spread the gospel.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can remain faithful to God, even in challenging times, and be part of the 'remnant' He promises to gather?
How can I trust in God's promise to 'return' me to a place of spiritual abundance and fruitfulness, even when I feel lost or stray?
In what ways can I experience God's care and guidance as my Good Shepherd, as described in Psalm 23 and Jeremiah 23:3?
How can I contribute to the spiritual growth and multiplication of God's people, as hinted at in Jeremiah 23:3 and other scriptures?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:3

And I will gather the remnant of my flock, out of all countries,.... Such of them as did not perish by the sword, famine, and pestilence, or died not in captivity, and chose not to remain in the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:3

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3

God puts a difference betwixt those that were misled by the examples of others, and the rulers who set them such an ill example; he threatened Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, or Jeconiah, that they should return no more; but for the people, he here promiseth them a return, at least a remnant of them, when he should have punished the goats, as he speaketh, . By their folds, he meaneth Jerusalem, and other cities, the towns of Judah which they had formerly inhabited. And they shall be fruitful and increase; where they should once more be in prosperity. He speaks here concerning the return of this people out of the captivity of Babylon, though there be some that think this text is primarily to be understood of the gathering together in one the people of God scattered abroad in and by Christ, according to the prophecy of Caiaphas, .

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3

Jeremiah 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.Ver. 3. And I will gather the remnant of my flock.] I will bring them back from Babylon, but especially from out of this present evil world, into the bosom of my Church, by Christ the Arch-shepherd, and by such under-shepherds as he shall make use of to that purpose. And they shall be fruitful and increase.] Gignendo gentes, by begetting the Gentiles unto Christ, through the preaching of the gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3

(3) To their folds.—Better, habitations, or pastures. There was hope, as in Isaiah 1:9; Isaiah 6:13, for the “remnant” of the people, though the sentence on their rulers, as such, was final and irreversible.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:3

3. folds] rather, “homestead,” as Dr. Cp. Jeremiah 10:25, Jeremiah 25:30.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:3

While there is no promise of restoration for the kings, there is for the people (see Jeremiah 4:27), because they had been led astray by their rulers.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:3

3. I have driven — Here God appropriates to himself the very term he had just applied to the evil shepherds to their blame. So we have brought into view two aspects of the same event.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:3

	Sermon	Description
	Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights
	Joash the Boy King by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Athaliah's wicked reign, highlighting the evil deed of destroying her own grandchildren and the wise measures taken by Jehoiada to protect Jo
	The Parable of the Treasure by A.W. Pink	A.W. Pink expounds on 'The Parable of the Treasure' from Matthew 13:44, emphasizing that the treasure represents Israel, hidden in the world, and that the man who finds it symboliz
	Ezra #2: Revival Starts at the Altar by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why people quit and fail to complete their spiritual journey. He uses the example of the Israelites building the temple in the boo
	You Are Dearly Loved by God (Clip) by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration with the current state of preaching and the lack of supernatural power in the church. He emphasizes the need for preachers who are
	(October 1986) 02 - God Does Not Change by Ray Lowe	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of the current times and the need for the congregation to take God seriously. He highlights the signs of the end times that
	Dauntless Faith by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the concept of 'Dauntless Faith' in his sermon, drawing from Acts 18:10, where God assures Paul of His protection while he carries out His work in Corinth.