Jeremiah 23:4I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, says Yahweh.
The setting
Jerusalem, ~605 BC. The people have suffered under corrupt kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. Jeremiah promises God will provide leaders who actually care for people, not exploit them.
The emotion here: angry at corrupt leaders but tender toward the people they've wounded
The original word
ro'im (רֹעִים) — shepherds, those who feed and protect, from ra'ah meaning to pasture
Why it matters
The last four kings of Judah before exile were all disasters — three were puppets of foreign powers
Read with care
What most readers miss in Jeremiah 23:4
The phrase 'shall fear no more' specifically addresses the terror people felt under violent, unpredictable rulers
Common misconceptionThis isn't about pastors or church leadership primarily — it's about political rulers. Jeremiah is promising good government after experiencing tyrants.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Jeremiah 23:4
Bible Genome reading
Jeremiah 23:4 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Jeremiah 23:4 comes from the book of Jeremiah, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 95% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the prophecy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include peace, security, good leadership. Notable phrases: fear no more; nor be dismayed. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Jeremiah 23:4 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "resting"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.