Isaiah 40:11
New International Version
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

New Living Translation
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

English Standard Version
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Berean Standard Bible
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

King James Bible
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

New King James Version
He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.

New American Standard Bible
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in the fold of His robe; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

NASB 1995
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

NASB 1977
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

Legacy Standard Bible
Like a shepherd He will shepherd His flock; In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

Amplified Bible
He will protect His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom; He will gently and carefully lead those nursing their young.

Christian Standard Bible
He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He protects His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them in the fold of His garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.

American Standard Version
He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD cares for his nation, just as shepherds care for their flocks. He carries the lambs in his arms, while gently leading the mother sheep.

English Revised Version
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that give suck.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Like a shepherd he takes care of his flock. He gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them in his arms. He gently helps the sheep and their lambs.

Good News Translation
He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers.

International Standard Version
Like a shepherd, he tends his flock. He gathers the lambs in his arms, carries them close to his heart, and gently leads the mother sheep."

Majority Standard Bible
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

NET Bible
Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along.

New Heart English Bible
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.

Webster's Bible Translation
He will feed his flock like a shepherd: he will gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that are with young.

World English Bible
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He feeds His flock as a shepherd, "" He gathers lambs with His arm, "" And He carries [them] in His bosom: He leads suckling ones.

Young's Literal Translation
As a shepherd His flock He feedeth, With His arm He gathereth lambs, And in His bosom He carrieth them: Suckling ones He leadeth.

Smith's Literal Translation
As a shepherd he will feed his flock: with his arm he will gather the lambs, and will lift up into his bosom, he will lead those coming up.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather together the lambs with his arm, and shall take them up in his bosom, and he himself shall carry them that are with young.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He will pasture his flock like a shepherd. He will gather together the lambs with his arm, and he will lift them up to his bosom, and he himself will carry the very young.

New American Bible
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, leading the ewes with care.

New Revised Standard Version
He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom, and shall feed again those who give suck.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Like a Shepherd who shepherds his flock, and in his arm gathers the lambs, and holds them in his lap, and he feeds those that are nursing
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Even as a shepherd that feedeth his flock, That gathereth the lambs in his arm, And carrieth them in his bosom, And gently leadeth those that give suck.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He shall tend his flock as a shepherd, and he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and shall soothe them that are with young.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Here is Your God!
10Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. 11He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. 12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?…

Cross References
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Psalm 23:1-4
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...

Ezekiel 34:11-16
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ...

John 10:14-15
I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, / just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.

Matthew 18:12-14
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

Luke 15:4-7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ...

Micah 5:4
He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

Jeremiah 31:10
Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.

1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Psalm 78:52-53
He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness. / He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies.

Zechariah 10:2
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.


Treasury of Scripture

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

feed

Isaiah 49:9,10
That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places…

Isaiah 63:11
Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Genesis 49:24
But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

he shall gather

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Genesis 33:13
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

Ezekiel 34:16
I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

shall gently lead.

are with young.

Jump to Previous
Arm Arms Bosom Breast Carries Carrieth Carry Close Feed Feedeth Flock Food Gather Gathereth Gathers Gently Guiding Heart Keeper Lambs Leads Nursing Sheep Shepherd Suck Suckling Tend Tends Together Young
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Arm Arms Bosom Breast Carries Carrieth Carry Close Feed Feedeth Flock Food Gather Gathereth Gathers Gently Guiding Heart Keeper Lambs Leads Nursing Sheep Shepherd Suck Suckling Tend Tends Together Young
Isaiah 40
1. The promulgation of the Gospel
3. The preaching of John Baptist foretold
9. The preaching of the apostles foretold
12. The prophet, by the omnipotence of God
18. And his incomparableness
26. Comforts the people.














He tends His flock like a shepherd
The imagery of God as a shepherd is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, evoking a sense of care, guidance, and protection. The Hebrew word for "shepherd" is "רֹעֶה" (ro'eh), which implies not only the act of leading but also nurturing and providing for the flock. This metaphor is rich with pastoral imagery, suggesting a personal and intimate relationship between God and His people. Historically, shepherds were responsible for the well-being of their sheep, ensuring they were fed, safe, and healthy. This phrase reassures believers of God's constant vigilance and tender care, much like a shepherd who knows each sheep by name and attends to their needs.

He gathers the lambs in His arms
The act of gathering signifies inclusion and protection. The Hebrew root "קָבַץ" (qavats) means to collect or assemble, indicating God's initiative in bringing His people together. The image of lambs being held in His arms conveys vulnerability and innocence, highlighting God's compassion and strength. In ancient times, lambs were often seen as symbols of purity and sacrifice, and this phrase underscores God's willingness to embrace and protect the most vulnerable among His people. It is a powerful reminder of the personal attention and love God extends to each individual.

and carries them close to His heart
Carrying the lambs close to His heart speaks of deep affection and intimacy. The Hebrew concept here is one of closeness and warmth, suggesting that God holds His people not just physically but emotionally and spiritually near. This phrase emphasizes the depth of God's love and the personal relationship He desires with His followers. In a historical context, carrying a lamb close to the heart would ensure its safety and comfort, symbolizing God's commitment to the well-being of His people. It is an assurance of His unwavering love and the peace that comes from being in His presence.

He gently leads the nursing ewes
The word "gently" reflects the Hebrew "נָהַל" (nahal), which means to lead with care and consideration. This phrase highlights God's understanding and patience, particularly with those who are nurturing the next generation. The nursing ewes represent those who are responsible for others, and God's gentle leadership ensures they are guided without being overwhelmed. Historically, shepherds had to be particularly attentive to the needs of nursing ewes, as they were vital for the continuation of the flock. This imagery reassures believers that God is mindful of their burdens and provides guidance that is considerate of their circumstances. It is a testament to His wisdom and the gentle nature of His leadership.

(11) He shall feed his flock . . .--Psalms 23 is the great embodiment of the thought in the Old Testament, as John 10 is in the New, but the thought itself is everywhere (Psalm 77:20; Psalm 80:1; Jeremiah 13:17; Jeremiah 31:10; Jeremiah 1:19; Ezekiel 34:11-16; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 18:12; Luke 15:4, &c). The tender care of the shepherd for the ewes and lambs finds a parallel in Jacob's pleas (Genesis 33:13). . . . Verse 11. - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd. The similitude is a favourite one with the psalmists (Psalm 77:20; Psalm 78:52; Psalm 80:1), and occurs again later on in Isaiah (Isaiah 49:9, 10). Its beauty and sweetness have been widely recognized. He shall gather the lambs; collect them, i.e., when they have strayed from the flock. Shall gently lead those that are with young; rather, those that give suck (comp. Genesis 33:3, where the same word is used). Ewes that are suckling their lambs require specially tender treatment.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He tends
כְּרֹעֶה֙ (kə·rō·‘eh)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

His flock
עֶדְר֣וֹ (‘eḏ·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5739: An arrangement, muster

like a shepherd;
יִרְעֶ֔ה (yir·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

He gathers
יְקַבֵּ֣ץ (yə·qab·bêṣ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6908: To gather, collect

the lambs
טְלָאִ֔ים (ṭə·lā·’îm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2922: A lamb

in His arms
בִּזְרֹעוֹ֙ (biz·rō·‘ōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2220: The arm, the foreleg, force

and carries them
יִשָּׂ֑א (yiś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

close to His heart.
וּבְחֵיק֖וֹ (ū·ḇə·ḥê·qōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2436: The bosom

He gently leads
יְנַהֵֽל׃ (yə·na·hêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5095: To lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a place of rest, refresh

the nursing [ewes].
עָל֖וֹת (‘ā·lō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 5763: To suckle, give milk


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 40:10
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