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.

JEREMIAH 31:10KJV
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Jeremiah 31:10 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:10 mean?

Jeremiah 31:10 is a call for all nations, even those far away, to listen to God’s message: the same God who scattered Israel among the nations will also gather them back and care for them like a shepherd watches over his sheep. The verse promises that Israel’s scattering is not the end of their story—God will actively bring them back and protect them.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s words to people both near and far, emphasizing that what happens to Israel is important for the whole world to hear. The image of God as a shepherd highlights gentle care and protection, assuring listeners that God’s actions are purposeful and loving, not random or neglectful.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:10

  • "Hear" (שְׁמָעוּ, shema‘u): This word is not just about listening, but about paying attention and taking the message seriously. It is a call for active engagement from the nations.
  • "Scattered" (זָרָה, zarah): This word means to disperse or spread out, often used for sowing seed. It suggests that Israel’s scattering was not chaos, but something allowed by God with a purpose.
  • "Gather" (קָבַץ, qavatz): This word means to collect or bring together, often used for gathering people. It emphasizes God’s intention to restore and reunite Israel.
  • "Keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard or watch over, like a shepherd does for sheep. It stresses God’s ongoing care and protection, not just a one-time action.

Why Jeremiah 31:10 matters

  • Jeremiah 31:10 corrects the idea that Israel’s exile was a final rejection; instead, it promises restoration and care from God.
  • The verse highlights that God’s actions with Israel are meant to be noticed by all nations, not just Israel itself, showing the global significance of God’s promises.
  • By comparing God to a shepherd, Jeremiah 31:10 connects to a familiar image of guidance and protection, making God’s intentions clear and reassuring for anyone who hears the message.

Where else these words appear

“off” Hebrew H4801 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
  • Isaiah 10:3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
  • Jeremiah 4:16 Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

“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 13:20 Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?

“isles” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 41:5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
  • Jeremiah 25:22 And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,

“scattered” Hebrew H2219 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 32:20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
  • Proverbs 20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
  • Ezekiel 6:5 And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.