Isaiah 40:11
What does Isaiah 40:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:11 means
Contrasting with the powerful imagery of the previous verse, this verse reveals the compassionate nature of God's rule. He is likened to a shepherd who tenderly cares for his flock. He will not only feed them but also gather the weakest, the lambs, carrying them close to His heart, and gently lead those with young. This vivid imagery emphasizes God's personal, protective, and gentle care for His people, demonstrating His nurturing love and attentive provision for every need.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He will give food to his flock like a keeper of sheep; with his arm he will get it together, and will take up the lambs on his breast, gently guiding those which are with young.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As a shepherd His flock He feedeth, With His arm He gathereth lambs, And in His bosom He carrieth <FI>them<Fi> : Suckling ones He leadeth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He will feed his flock like a shepherd: he will gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom; he will gently lead those that give suck.
Context
This verse beautifully balances the preceding depiction of God's mighty reign with an image of His tender, pastoral care. It provides a more intimate and comforting perspective of the same powerful God. This dual presentation of strength and gentleness serves as a comprehensive introduction to God's character before the prophet delves into rhetorical questions about His incomparable might in the subsequent verses.
v.10Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him: Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
v.11This passage
v.12Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 37:24
And my servant David shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in mine ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them.
- Isaiah 63:11
Then he remembered the days of old, Mosesandhis people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit in the midst of them?
- Hebrews 13:20
Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,
- Psalms 23:1
Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- 1 Peter 2:25
For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
- Revelation 7:17
for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 40
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 40.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Burnout
Scripture offers solace and guidance for those experiencing burnout, encouraging rest, renewed hope, and reliance on God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Creation
Explore the biblical understanding of creation, God's awesome power, and His eternal purposes revealed in the world around us
Topic
Bible Verses About Gentleness
The Bible consistently calls believers to lives of gentleness, showing kindness and humility in all interactions.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Stuck in Life
When nothing's moving and you don't know why — verses for the in-between.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Postpartum Depression
Tender scripture for the season no one warns you about.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.