A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.

JEREMIAH 25:36KJV
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Jeremiah 25:36 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:36 mean?

Jeremiah 25:36 describes the sound of distress coming from the leaders of the people, pictured as shepherds and those in charge of the flock, because the LORD has brought destruction to what they once cared for. The verse uses the image of ruined pastures to show that those responsible for others are now powerless and mourning over what has been lost.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about the coming judgment from God due to their unfaithfulness. The "shepherds" and "principal of the flock" refer to the leaders—both political and spiritual—who are now crying out because their land and people are being devastated. The verse is part of a larger passage where Jeremiah describes the consequences of ignoring God's warnings.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:36

  • "voice" (קוֹל, qol): This word often means not just a sound, but a significant outcry or proclamation. Here, it emphasizes the public and unmistakable nature of the distress.
  • "cry" (זְעָקָה, ze‘aqah): This term means a loud cry for help or in pain, highlighting the depth of the leaders' anguish.
  • "shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro‘im): In the Hebrew Bible, "shepherds" is a common metaphor for leaders. The verse points to those responsible for guiding and protecting the people.
  • "spoiled" (שָׁדַד, shadad): This word means to devastate or destroy completely. The use of this verb shows that the loss is total and leaves nothing behind.

Why Jeremiah 25:36 matters

  • The verse clarifies that even those in authority are not exempt from consequences when the nation turns away from God; their cries signal how severe the judgment is.
  • The shepherd imagery connects this verse to a broader biblical theme where leaders are expected to care for their people, making their failure and grief especially pointed.
  • Understanding the original words for "cry" and "spoiled" deepens the sense of total loss and helplessness, showing that the devastation affects everyone, not just the ordinary people.

Where else these words appear

“howling” Hebrew H3215 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 15:8 For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beerelim.
  • Zephaniah 1:10 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.
  • Zechariah 11:3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

“pasture” Hebrew H4830 · used in 10 verses

  • Psalms 74:1 Maschil of Asaph. O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?
  • Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
  • Jeremiah 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

“cry” Hebrew H6818 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Exodus 12:30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
  • Job 34:28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

“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.