Jeremiah 23:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Leaders who neglect and harm the people will face divine punishment.
The Context of Jeremiah 23:2
God specifies the charge: the pastors scattered the flock and never cared for them.
What Does Jeremiah 23:2 Mean?
In Israel's covenant framework, leaders were appointed to care for the community in God's name. To 'scatter' them and 'not visit them'—that is, not check on their welfare—represents a complete abdication of duty. This was not mere negligence but active harm followed by indifference.
God's response is personal: 'I will visit upon you the evil of your doings.' The word 'visit' flips their own failure back on them—God will show them the attention they refused to show others. The principle is one of reckoning and reversal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 23:2
What does Jeremiah 23:2 mean?
Leaders who neglect and harm the people will face divine punishment.
What is the context of Jeremiah 23:2?
God specifies the charge: the pastors scattered the flock and never cared for them.