What does Jeremiah 23:3 mean?
"And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase." - Jeremiah 23:3

The verse Jeremiah 23:3 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase."
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks on behalf of God, promising to gather the remnant of His flock from all the nations where they have been scattered, and to bring them back to their own pastures. This verse, like many others in the book of Jeremiah, is filled with rich symbolism, and carries deep and powerful themes that resonate throughout the Old and New Testaments.
The context of Jeremiah 23:3 is within a larger passage in which Jeremiah is rebuking the false prophets and shepherds of Israel. These unfaithful leaders have led God's people astray, spreading lies and deceit and causing them to be scattered among foreign nations. But despite their sins and the consequences they are facing, God still promises to gather His people, to protect and care for them, and to restore them.
One of the key themes of this verse is that of restoration. Despite the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel and their leaders, God remains faithful to His covenant with them. This promise of gathering the remnant of His flock from all countries and bringing them back to their own pastures reflects God's unending love, mercy, and enduring commitment to His people. This theme of restoration is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, and is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who gathers all nations to Himself and brings about the ultimate restoration of creation.
Another important theme in this verse is that of fruitful increase. God promises that when He gathers His people and brings them back to their own land, they will be fruitful and increase. This echoes the language of the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in which God promises to make their descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore. This theme of increase and fruitfulness speaks to the abundant blessings that God bestows upon His people when they are in right relationship with Him.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The image of God gathering the remnant of His flock and bringing them back to their own folds evokes the idea of a loving and protective shepherd caring for his sheep. This image of God as the Good Shepherd is a recurring motif in the Bible, and is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who lays down His life for His sheep and gathers them from every nation into His fold. The idea of God gathering His people from all countries also points to the universal scope of God's redemptive work, encompassing people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 23:3 is a verse filled with rich symbolism and deep theological themes. It speaks to the enduring faithfulness of God, His promise of restoration and blessing to His people, and the universal scope of His redemptive work. This verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who gathers His flock from every nation and brings about the ultimate restoration and blessing for all who are His.
Have questions about Jeremiah 23:3?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat β an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Jeremiah 23:3 Artwork
Jeremiah 23:3 - "And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase."
"And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase." - Jeremiah 23:3
Jeremiah 3:23 - "Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."
Jeremiah 33:23 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,"
Jeremiah 23:23 - "Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?"
Jeremiah 13:23
Jeremiah 23:16,17
Jeremiah 23:18
"Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying," - Jeremiah 33:23
"Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel." - Jeremiah 3:23
Jeremiah 25:23 - "Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners,"
Jeremiah 5:23 - "But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone."
Jeremiah 48:23 - "And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon,"
Jeremiah 21:3 - "ΒΆ Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:"
"Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?" - Jeremiah 23:23
Jeremiah 23:1 - "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 3:2
Jeremiah 33:3
Jeremiah 4:23 - "I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light."
Genesis 23-3
Jeremiah 33:3
Jeremiah 3:1
Jeremiah 3:49
Jeremiah 23:40 - "And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten."
Genesis 3:23
Jeremiah 23:29 - "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?"
Jeremiah 50:23 (KJVA) 23 How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!
Jeremiah 23:31 - "Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith."
Jeremiah 17:23 - "But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction."
Jeremiah 11:23 - "And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation."