BibleWord.ai› Bible› Jeremiah› Chapter 25› Verse 35

Jeremiah 25:35

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 25:35 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.
Jeremiah 25:35 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest shall be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth.
33And the slain of Jehovah shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the face of the ground.
34Wail, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow [in ashes], ye principal of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are fully come, and ye shall fall like a goodly vessel.
35And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.
36A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the principal of the flock! for Jehovah layeth waste their pasture.
37And the peaceable folds are brought to silence because of the fierce anger of Jehovah.
38He hath left his covert, as the lion; for their land is become an astonishment because of the fierceness of the oppressing [sword], and because of his fierce anger.
← Jeremiah 25:34Jeremiah 25:36 →
← Full Chapter 25 Jeremiah Overview

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 the shepherds shall have no way to flee, etc.] Or, “and flight shall perish from the shepherds”f527; though they may attempt it, they shall not be able to accomplish it; neither the dignity of their persons, the greatness of their power, or the abundance of their riches, would make a way for them; their enemies being so numerous, powerful, and watchful: nor the principal of the flock to escape; this was particularly verified in Zedekiah and his princes, (<243904>Jeremiah 39:4-6). The Targum is, “and the house of fugitives shall perish from the kings, and deliverance from the mighty of the people.””
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Literally, "Flight shall fail the shepherds . . . escaping (shall fail) the principal," &c. (Amo 2:14). The leaders will be the first objects for slaughter; escape by flight will be out of their power.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Principal of the flock - i. e., noble ones. Wallow yourselves in the ashes - Rather, roll yourselves on the ground. For ... - Read; “for your days for being slaughtered are accomplished, and I will scatter you” (or, (dash you in pieces). Fall like a pleasant vessel - The comparison suggests the idea of change from a thing of value into worthless fragments. Jeremiah 25:36 Hath spoiled - Or, spoileth. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the shepherds: etc. Heb. flight shall perish from the shepherds, and escaping from, etc. Jer 32:4, Jer 34:3, Jer 38:18, Jer 38:23; Job 11:20; Isa 2:12-22, Isa 24:21-23; Eze 17:15, Eze 17:18; Dan 5:30; Amo 2:14, Amo 9:1; Rev 6:14-17, Rev 19:19-21 nor: Jer 48:44, Jer 52:8-11, Jer 52:24-27; Amo 9:1-3 Jeremiah 25:36”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 25 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification