What does Isaiah 56:11 mean?
"Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter." - Isaiah 56:11
Isaiah 56:11 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."
This verse is a scathing condemnation of the leaders of Israel during Isaiah's time. It uses vivid and unflattering imagery to convey the message that the leaders are selfish, greedy, and lacking in understanding and care for their people.
The term "greedy dogs" is particularly striking and conveys a sense of contempt and disgust. In biblical times, dogs were often viewed as unclean and scavengers, and so the use of this term to describe the leaders is a potent and derogatory metaphor. It suggests that the leaders are rapacious and voracious in their pursuit of personal gain, and that they are willing to trample over others in their quest for wealth and power.
The reference to shepherds who cannot understand is also significant. In biblical imagery, shepherds were supposed to care for and protect their flock, but these shepherds are portrayed as inept and indifferent. They do not understand the needs of their people, nor do they take their responsibilities to care for them seriously. Instead, they are solely focused on their own interests, adding to the image of selfishness and neglect.
The phrase "they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter" reinforces the idea that the leaders are self-serving and unconcerned with the well-being of others. They are only interested in advancing their own agendas and accruing wealth and power for themselves. This selfishness is contrasted with the selflessness and care that should be characteristic of good leaders, and makes their actions all the more despicable.
The broader context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. Throughout the book of Isaiah, there is a consistent theme of moral and ethical judgment, as well as a call for repentance and righteousness. The prophet Isaiah frequently chastises the people of Israel for their lack of faithfulness and their abandonment of God's laws. In this verse, Isaiah is specifically targeting the leaders of Israel, who bear a greater responsibility for the well-being of the people.
The verse can also be interpreted as a critique of leaders in a more general sense. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and selfishness in positions of power, and the harm that can be inflicted upon a society when its leaders are more concerned with their own gain than with the welfare of those they are supposed to be serving.
Symbolically, the "greedy dogs" and negligent shepherds represent not only the leaders of ancient Israel, but also serve as archetypes for leaders throughout history who have failed in their responsibilities to care for and protect their people. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, compassion, and selflessness in leadership, and as a warning against the perils of unchecked greed and selfishness.
In conclusion, Isaiah 56:11 is a powerful and damning indictment of the leaders of Israel during Isaiah's time, using vivid and potent imagery to convey the moral and ethical failings of those in positions of power. It serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of selfishness and neglect in leadership, and a reminder of the qualities that are required for true and noble leadership. It continues to resonate as a timeless and universal warning about the perils of greed and the importance of ethical and moral leadership.
Have questions about Isaiah 56:11?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — 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
Isaiah 56:11 Artwork
Isaiah 56:11 - "Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."
"Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter." - Isaiah 56:11
Isaiah 56:3-5
Isaiah 56:9 - "¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest."
Isaiah 56:10 - "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber."
John 11:56 - "Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?"
Isaiah 56:12 - "Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant."
Isaiah 56:1 - "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed."
Isaiah 56:4 - "For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;"
Isaiah 56:8 - "The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."
Isaiah 56:2 - "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil."
Psalms 56:11 - "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."
Isaiah 56:9 All you beasts of the field, come to devour, All you beasts in the forest.
Isaiah 56:6 - "Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;"
Isaiah 56:5 - "Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."
"¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest." - Isaiah 56:9
Isaiah 56:3 - "¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree."
Isaiah 56:7 - "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."
"His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber." - Isaiah 56:10
"Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." - Isaiah 56:1
Isaiah 56:7 Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
"Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?" - John 11:56
"For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;" - Isaiah 56:4
Isaiah 11
"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." - Psalms 56:11
Isaiah 56:1-2 - "This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the one who does this— the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.”"
"Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant." - Isaiah 56:12
"The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him." - Isaiah 56:8
Isaiah 11:1
Isaiah 55:11