unfoldingWord_en_tn/jer/25/34.md

# shepherds

Yahweh speaks of the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds who are responsible for protecting and caring for the people, who, implicitly, are spoken of as if they are the sheep. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# Roll about in the dust

This is a sign of sorrow, mourning or distress. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

# you leaders of the flock

This phrase also refers to the leaders of Israel who are responsible to care for the people, who are spoken of as if they were a flock of sheep. Alternate translation: "you leaders of the people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# for the days of your slaughter have come

Usually it is the sheep that are slaughtered, but here Yahweh says that he will slaughter the shepherds. The word "slaughter" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "for the time has come for me to slaughter you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

# you will be scattered when you fall like fine pottery

Yahweh speaks of the leaders of Israel being destroyed as if they are pieces of pottery that shatter when they fall to the ground. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will fall like fine pottery and your shattered pieces will scatter on the ground" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])