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Jeremiah 23:3

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 23:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
Jeremiah 23:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Woe unto the shepherds that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith Jehovah.
2Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, against the shepherds 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 Jehovah.
3And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
4And I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith Jehovah.
5Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.
← Jeremiah 23:2Jeremiah 23:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I will gather the remnant of my flock, out of all countries, etc.] Such of them as did not perish by the sword, famine, and pestilence, or died not in captivity, and chose not to remain in the kingdom where they were; for all did not return upon the edict of Cyrus: though some think this is to be understood of the gathering of God’s elect, the remnant according to the election of grace, the children of God that were scattered abroad, by the sufferings and death of Christ, the Shiloh, to whom the gathering of the people should be, hereafter prophesied of: whither I have driven them; this, which is before charged upon the pastors, is taken by the Lord to himself; because this was not only…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Restoration of Judah from Babylon foretold in language which in its fulness can only apply to the final restoration of both "Judah" and "Israel" (compare Jer 23:6); also "out of all countries," in this verse and Jer 23:8; also, "neither shall they be lacking," that is, none shall be missing or detached from the rest: a prophecy never yet fully accomplished. It holds good also of the spiritual Israel, the elect of both Jews and Gentiles (Mal 3:16-17; Joh 10:28; Joh 17:12). As to the literal Israel also, see Jer 32:37; Isa 54:13; Isa 60:21; Eze 34:11-16. shepherds . . . shall feed them-- (Jer 3:15; Eze 34:23-31). Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Maccabees were but typical of the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“While there is no promise of restoration for the kings, there is for the people (see Jeremiah 4:27), because they had been led astray by their rulers. Have driven them - The evil shepherds drove the people into exile by leading them into sin: and God by inflicting punishment. Their folds - Or, their pastures. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“23:3 As a good shepherd, the Lord would gather the exiles and place them in their own sheepfold, the land of Judah. There, they would be fruitful and increase in number (cp. Gen 1:28; 17:6-8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jer 29:14, Jer 30:3, Jer 31:8, Jer 32:37; Deu 30:3-5; Psa 106:47; Isa 11:11-16; Isa 27:12, Isa 27:13, Isa 43:5, Isa 43:6; Eze 11:17, 34:13-31, Eze 36:24, Eze 36:37, Eze 37:21-27; Eze 39:27, Eze 39:28; Amo 9:14, Amo 9:15; Mic 7:12; Zep 3:19, Zep 3:20; Zac 10:8-12 Jeremiah 23:4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification