Jeremiah 6:3
Jeremiah 6:3 in Multiple Translations
Shepherds and their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents all around her, each tending his own portion:
The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.
Shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.
Keepers of sheep with their flocks will come to her; they will put up their tents round her; everyone will get food in his place.
“Shepherds” and their “flocks” will come to attack her; they will set up their tents all around her, each one looking after his own.
The pastors with their flockes shall come vnto her: they shall pitche their tentes rounde about by her, and euery one shall feede in his place.
Unto her come do shepherds and their droves, They have stricken tents by her round about, They have fed each [in] his own station.
Shepherds with their flocks will come to her. They will pitch their tents against her all around. They will feed everyone in his place.”
The shepherds with their flocks shall come to her; they shall pitch their tents against her on every side; they shall feed every one in his place.
The shepherds shall come to her with their flocks: they have pitched their tents against her round about: every one shall feed them that are under his hand.
Enemy kings, not shepherds [MET], will come with their armies and set up their tents around the city, and each king will choose a part of the city for his soldiers to destroy like [MET] shepherds divide their pastures for their flocks of sheep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 6:3
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 6:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵלֶ֛י/הָ
יָבֹ֥אוּ
רֹעִ֖ים
וְ/עֶדְרֵי/הֶ֑ם
תָּקְע֨וּ
עָלֶ֤י/הָ
אֹהָלִים֙
סָבִ֔יב
רָע֖וּ
אִ֥ישׁ
אֶת
יָדֽ/וֹ
אֵלֶ֛י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יָבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
רֹעִ֖ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
וְ/עֶדְרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻêder
H5739
flock
Conj | N-mp | Suff
תָּקְע֨וּ
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָלֶ֤י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אֹהָלִים֙
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-mp
סָבִ֔יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
רָע֖וּ
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 6:3
אֵלֶ֛י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יָבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
רֹעִ֖ים
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
וְ/עֶדְרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻêder
H5739
"flock"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
תָּקְע֨וּ
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
עָלֶ֤י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
אֹהָלִים֙
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
סָבִ֔יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
רָע֖וּ
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 6:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 6:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:3
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
- Sermons on Jeremiah 6:3
Context — Jerusalem’s Final Warning
1“Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction.
2Though she is beautiful and delicate, I will destroy the Daughter of Zion.
3Shepherds and their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents all around her, each tending his own portion:
4‘Prepare for battle against her; rise up, let us attack at noon. Woe to us, for the daylight is fading; the evening shadows grow long. 5Rise up, let us attack by night and destroy her fortresses!’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:43 | For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 39:1–3 | In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army and laid siege to the city. And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city was breached. Then all the officials of the king of Babylon entered and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 24:10–12 | At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 25:1–4 | So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year. By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, |
| 5 | Jeremiah 4:16–17 | Warn the nations now! Proclaim to Jerusalem: “A besieging army comes from a distant land; they raise their voices against the cities of Judah. They surround her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 12:10 | Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard; they have trampled My plot of ground. They have turned My pleasant field into a desolate wasteland. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 24:2 | And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. |
| 8 | Nahum 3:18 | O king of Assyria, your shepherds slumber; your officers sleep. Your people are scattered on the mountains with no one to gather them. |
Jeremiah 6:3 Summary
[Jeremiah 6:3 is a warning that Jerusalem will be surrounded by enemy armies, who will each take their own portion of the city, as seen in the context of Jeremiah 6:1-5. This is a result of the city's rebellion against God, similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:49-50. Just like Jerusalem, we can become so focused on our own beauty and delicacy that we forget about God, as stated in Jeremiah 6:2. We must remember to stay humble and dependent on God, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4, and not let the world corrupt our hearts, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'Shepherds and their flocks' represent in Jeremiah 6:3?
The phrase 'Shepherds and their flocks' in Jeremiah 6:3 likely represents the invading armies that will come against Jerusalem, as seen in Jeremiah 6:3, with each shepherd tending to their own portion, or assigned area of conquest, similar to how God divides the spoils of war among the victors in Isaiah 53:12.
Why will these shepherds and their flocks come against Jerusalem?
The shepherds and their flocks will come against Jerusalem because of the city's rebellion against God, as stated in Jeremiah 6:1-2, where God declares His intention to destroy the Daughter of Zion due to her beauty and delicacy having become corrupted, much like the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:49-50.
What is the significance of pitching tents all around Jerusalem?
Pitching tents all around Jerusalem, as mentioned in Jeremiah 6:3, signifies a siege, where the invading army surrounds the city, cutting off all escape routes and supply lines, similar to the siege of Jerusalem described in 2 Kings 25:1-2, which ultimately led to the city's downfall.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Jeremiah 6?
Jeremiah 6:3 is part of a larger warning to Jerusalem of an impending invasion, as seen in Jeremiah 6:1-5, where God calls the people to flee and warns of the disaster that is coming from the north, much like the warnings given in Jeremiah 1:14-15, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning back to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the spiritual 'shepherds and flocks' that I need to be aware of in my own life, and how can I protect myself from their influence?
- In what ways have I allowed the 'beauty and delicacy' of the world to corrupt my heart, and how can I return to a pure and simple devotion to God?
- How can I apply the lesson of Jerusalem's siege to my own life, recognizing the areas where I may be under 'siege' by the enemy and seeking God's deliverance?
- What are the 'tents' that I have pitched in my life, and are they aligned with God's purposes, as seen in Jeremiah 6:3, or are they hindering my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:3
The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her,.... Kings and their armies, as the Targum paraphrases it; kings and generals are compared to shepherds, and their armies to flocks, who are under
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:3
The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her: the prophet here proceeds in his metaphor, and possibly the rather, because he chooseth to speak in the style of his own education, which may also give some countenance to the supplement of pasture or land in the former verse instead of woman: the meaning is, the Chaldean princes, with their armies, as so many flocks, shall come into this pleasant land; see ; in which expression there is something of a scoff, as ,17. They shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall so place their warlike tents, as to form a siege to begirt her round, . Every one in his place, Heb. hand, i.e. near hand, or beside or near one another; thus : thus hand is taken for place; i.e. each one in his quarter or station, not a man but shall do his part, and shall be skilful and powerful to destroy wherever he comes: it intimates also that every thing shall be so much at the enemy’ s own disposal, that they shall be able to choose their own quarters; they shall place their army in wings, and troops, and regiments, as they see good, to their best advantage, to be helpful one unto another, as shepherds are wont to do their flocks; or, they shall fight in several parties, and each destroy his part assigned him through the whole country, and they shall join as it were in one body against Jerusalem.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
Jeremiah 6:3 The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch [their] tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.Ver. 3. The shepherds.] See on Jeremiah 6:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
(3) Shall come unto her.—Better, Unto it (sc., the pasture) shall come shepherds with their flocks—i.e., the leaders and the armies of the invaders. The other verbs are in the past tense, the future being seen, as it were realised, They have pitched, they have pastured.Every one in his place.—Literally, each on his hand, or perhaps, “they shall feed, each his hand,” i.e., shall let it rove in plunder at will by the side of his own tent. The work of plunder was to go on everywhere. The imagery is drawn from the attack of a nomadic tribe on a richly-cultivated plain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
Verse 3. The shepherds with their flocks] The chiefs and their battalions. The invading army is about to spoil and waste all the fertile fields round about the city, while engaged in the siege.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:3
3. For shepherds in the sense of leaders, rulers cp. chs. Jeremiah 2:8, Jeremiah 3:15. every one in his place] The Heb. is lit. each his hand. They shall not need to encroach upon one another, finding abundance in their own portion.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:3
To it shall come “shepherds with their flocks:” They have pitched upon it “their tents round about:” They have pastured each his hand, “i. e., side.” The pasture is so abundant that each feeds his flock, i.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:3
3. The shepherds… shall come — The coming destruction is set forth under the familiar figure of shepherds with their flocks, who eat up the substance of the land. The figure of shepherds is a common one for princes and people.
Sermons on Jeremiah 6:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jeremiah 37-39 by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sad lesson of the children of Israel being exiled from their land and the judgment of God taking effect. The speaker emphasizes the deep |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories and lessons from the 2nd book of Kings, highlighting the different kings who ruled Israel and Judah, the consequences of their actions, the impo |
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From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites. From the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians to the appo |
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Commentary Notes - Ii Kings by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the Book of 2 Kings, highlighting the division of the book into two parts and the continuous history it provides of God's people. The message of the boo |
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The Church of Samuel Versus Today by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that we do not deserve to be alive today, but we are blessed by a loving God. However, the preacher criticizes the state of the church, stat |
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You Are Mine! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that believers are cherished by God, who created, redeemed, and called them by name. He highlights that each individual is precious in G |