He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

ISAIAH 40:11KJV
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Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:11 mean?

Isaiah 40:11 describes God caring for His people like a gentle shepherd, feeding them, gathering the young and vulnerable close, and leading mothers with special care. The verse uses the image of a shepherd’s tender actions to show how God looks after every part of His flock, especially those who need extra protection.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are weary and uncertain about their future. In this part of the book, Isaiah is offering comfort by describing God’s character as compassionate and attentive, promising that God will guide and protect them just as a shepherd does for his sheep, especially the most fragile members.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:11

  • The word for "feed" is רָעָה (ra‘ah), which means to tend or shepherd. This highlights not just providing food, but ongoing care and guidance.
  • "Gather" is קָבַץ (qavats), which means to collect or bring together. This shows God’s active role in bringing the scattered or vulnerable close to Himself.
  • "Lambs" is טָלֶה (taleh), referring to the youngest and weakest sheep, emphasizing God’s special attention to those most in need.
  • "Carry" is נָשָׂא (nasa’), meaning to lift up or bear. The image of carrying in the bosom (חֵיק, kheq) suggests deep affection and protection, not just physical support.

Why Isaiah 40:11 matters

  • Isaiah 40:11 clears up the idea that God is distant or harsh by showing a picture of God as gentle and nurturing, especially toward the weak.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s care is personal and attentive, not just for the group as a whole but for each individual, especially those who are vulnerable.
  • This image connects to the wider passage, which shifts from God’s power and greatness (earlier in Isaiah 40) to His kindness and closeness, balancing awe with comfort.

Where else these words appear

“young” Hebrew H5763 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 33:13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.
  • 1 Samuel 6:7 Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:
  • 1 Samuel 6:10 And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:

“lead” Hebrew H5095 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 33:14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:15 And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.
  • Psalms 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

“flock” Hebrew H5739 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 29:2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.
  • Proverbs 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

“bosom” Hebrew H2436 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
  • Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.