And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.

JEREMIAH 25:35KJV
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Jeremiah 25:35 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:35 mean?

Jeremiah 25:35 says that the leaders ("shepherds") and the most important people ("principal of the flock") will have no way to escape disaster or judgment. The verse paints a picture of complete helplessness for those who were supposed to guide and protect others.

In this chapter, Jeremiah is speaking God’s warning to the leaders of Judah and the surrounding nations. The “shepherds” are a common image for rulers or leaders, and “principal of the flock” refers to the most prominent among them. The verse emphasizes that when God’s judgment comes, even those in power will be unable to save themselves or find a way out.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:35

  • The word for “shepherds” is רֹעִים (ro‘im), which often means leaders or rulers, not just literal shepherds. This highlights that the warning is aimed at those in authority.
  • “Way” is דֶּרֶךְ (derekh), which means a path or route. Here, it stresses that there will be no possible route or means of escape for the leaders.
  • “Flee” comes from מָלַט (malat), which means to slip away or escape. The verse underscores that escape will be impossible.
  • “Principal” is אַיִל (ayil), meaning a chief or leader, often used for the strongest or most important members of a group.
  • “Flock” is צֹאן (tso’n), which can mean a group of people under a leader’s care, not just sheep.
  • “Escape” is פָּלַט (palat), another word for getting away safely, reinforcing the total lack of rescue for the leaders.

Why Jeremiah 25:35 matters

  • Jeremiah 25:35 makes clear that no amount of status or leadership can shield someone from accountability when judgment comes, correcting the idea that leaders are always protected.
  • The verse ties into the larger message of Jeremiah 25, where God’s warning is not just for ordinary people but especially for those responsible for others.
  • By using terms like “shepherds” and “principal of the flock,” the verse connects the fate of leaders directly to the fate of the people, showing that no one is exempt from consequences.

Where else these words appear

“way” Hebrew H4498 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
  • Psalms 59:16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
  • Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

“principal” Hebrew H117 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 15:10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
  • Psalms 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
  • Jeremiah 25:34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

“escape” Hebrew H6413 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 32:8 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
  • Isaiah 15:9 For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

“shepherds” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
  • Jeremiah 33:12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.