Ezekiel 34:11
Ezekiel 34:11 in Multiple Translations
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.
¶ For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.
For this is what the Lord has said: Truly, I, even I, will go searching and looking for my sheep.
For this is what the Lord God says: Watch as I myself will go looking for my sheep, searching to find them.
For thus sayeth the Lord God, Beholde, I will search my sheepe, and seeke them out.
For thus said the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I — even I, have required My flock, And I have sought it out.
“‘For the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I even I, will both search for my sheep, and seek them out.
For thus saith the Lord God: Behold I myself will seek my sheep, and will visit them.
This is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say to you leaders: I myself will search for my sheep and take care of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 34:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
כֹּ֥ה
אָמַ֖ר
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֑ה
הִנְ/נִי
אָ֕נִי
וְ/דָרַשְׁתִּ֥י
אֶת
צֹאנִ֖/י
וּ/בִקַּרְתִּֽי/ם
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
הִנְ/נִי
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
אָ֕נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וְ/דָרַשְׁתִּ֥י
dârash
H1875
to seek
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹאנִ֖/י
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
וּ/בִקַּרְתִּֽי/ם
bâqar
H1239
to enquire
Conj | V-Piel-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:11
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
הִנְ/נִי
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אָ֕נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וְ/דָרַשְׁתִּ֥י
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֹאנִ֖/י
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/בִקַּרְתִּֽי/ם
bâqar
H1239
"to enquire"
Conj | V-Piel-1cs | Suff
To enquire or investigate, like a farmer breaking new ground, as in seeking wisdom or guidance from God, as seen in Psalm 119:148.
Definition: 1) to seek, enquire, consider 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek, look for 1a2) to consider, reflect Aramaic equivalent: be.qar (בְּקַר "to enquire" H1240)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (make) inquire (-ry), (make) search, seek out. See also: Leviticus 13:36; Psalms 27:4; Proverbs 20:25.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 34:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:11
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 34:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
- Sermons on Ezekiel 34:11
Context — The Good Shepherd
9therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!’
10This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’
11For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.
12As 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. 13I 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 10:16 | I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. |
| 2 | Luke 19:10 | For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 23:3 | Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:10–11 | Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. 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. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 31:8 | Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly! |
| 6 | Psalms 80:1 | Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth |
| 7 | Isaiah 45:12 | It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host. |
| 8 | Isaiah 56:8 | Thus declares the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 51:12 | “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? |
| 10 | Matthew 13:11–12 | He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. |
Ezekiel 34:11 Summary
This verse means that God is taking personal responsibility to find and care for His people, because the leaders of Israel had failed to do so. He is like a shepherd who searches for his lost sheep, and He will stop at nothing to find and rescue them, as seen in Luke 15:4-7. This shows us that God loves us and wants a personal relationship with us, and we can trust in His love and care for us, just like it says in Jeremiah 29:13 and John 10:27-30. God's seeking and searching is a demonstration of His love and mercy towards us, and it should give us confidence and hope in our relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'search for' His flock?
This means that God is actively looking for and seeking out those who belong to Him, much like a shepherd searches for his lost sheep, as seen in Ezekiel 34:12 and also in Luke 15:4-7 where Jesus teaches about the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep.
Why is God taking personal responsibility to search for His flock?
God is taking personal responsibility because the shepherds, or leaders, of Israel have failed in their duty to care for the flock, as stated in Ezekiel 34:10, and now God must intervene to rescue and restore them, similar to how He intervened in Exodus 32:7-14 to rescue the Israelites from their own rebellion.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse showcases God's loving and merciful character, as seen in Psalm 103:8, where it says 'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.', and also in Jeremiah 31:3 where it says 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'
What does this mean for believers today?
For believers today, this verse reminds us that God is always seeking us out and desiring a personal relationship with us, as stated in John 10:27-30, where Jesus says 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.', and in Jeremiah 29:13 where it says 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, as a believer, can respond to God's searching and seeking in my life?
- How can I, like the shepherd in Ezekiel 34:12, demonstrate God's love and care to those around me who may be lost or hurting?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'scattered' or lost, and how can I allow God to rescue and restore me?
- How does the knowledge of God's seeking and searching affect my sense of identity and purpose as a child of God?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:11
For thus saith the Lord God,.... Since the shepherds are so negligent, careless, and cruel: behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out; as he did the Jews, in all countries where
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:11
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
I, even I: the construction is emphatical in the Hebrew and well expressed here; I, the Owner, the Lover, the Maker, the great Shepherd, even I, who committed them to your care, never submitted them to your rapine and cruelty, am as angry with you for devouring them as I am zealous for their welfare. Search; will demand the them of you. I know how many I delivered to your keeping and I expect an account of so many again; I will see in what state and condition they are too. Seek them out: see ,6: under your hand many are, but under my hand not one shall be lost.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
Ezekiel 34:11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. Ver. 11. Behold, I, even I, will both search.] Ego, ego reposcam et anquiram. Rather than the work shall be undone, I will do all myself, and then it is sure to be well done. Aristotle telleth of a certain Persian, who, being asked, What did most of all feed the horse? answered, The master’ s eye; and of a certain African, of whom, when it was demanded, What was the best manure or soil for a field? answered, The owner’ s footsteps - that is, his presence and perambulation. Praesul ut praesit et prosit suis, ab iis non absit, Shepherds should reside with their flocks; the Arch-shepherd will not fail to do so. Ego, ego, nominativus absolute positus - OEconom., lib. i.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
(11) Behold, I, even I.—The rich promises of the following verses are all essentially contained in this, that Jehovah Himself will be the Shepherd of His flock. It is the same assurance as that given by the Saviour in John 10, and here, as there, must necessarily be understood spiritually. In the following verses many promises are given of an earthly and temporary character, and these were fulfilled partly in the. restoration from exile, partly in the glorious deliverance of the Church from its foes under the Maccabees. But these deliverances themselves were but types of the more glorious Messianic deliverance of the future, and necessary means whereby it was secured. The promise of that deliverance could only be brought at all within the comprehension of the people by setting it forth in earthly language, just as even now it is impossible for us to understand the glories of the Church triumphant, except by the aid of the sensible images in which Scripture has portrayed them. Far less was it possible to this people, so much behind us in spiritual education and enlightenment.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:11
11–16. Jehovah himself will undertake the care of his flock
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 34:11
Yahweh is the shepherd of His people. He will do all which the shepherds should have done and did not.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11
11-16. Jehovah himself is the Good Shepherd (compare Psalms 23; Matthew 9:36; John 10:1-16) who will feed his flock and make them lie down in good pastures, and will care tenderly for the sick and
Sermons on Ezekiel 34:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 31-35 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches putting on entertaining programs to draw crowds instead of focusing on sound doctrine. He emphasizes that people with it |
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The State of the church...pray Ye Therefore by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in fulfilling the duty of Christians to share the gospel with the world. The speaker highlights the condition of the |
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Testimonies of Those Who Were Seekers and Finders in the Hebrides Revival by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell shares testimonies from the Hebrides Revival, emphasizing the transformative power of prayer and the seeking love of God. He recounts the experiences of individuals |
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An Expert Searcher by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the Lord's unwavering commitment to seek and save His wandering sheep, illustrating how Jesus, as the Great Shepherd, actively searches for His elect who m |
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The Seeker and Saviour of the Lost by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the mission of Jesus Christ as the Seeker and Savior of the lost, highlighting that He came specifically to save humanity, including children, who are equ |
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The Fold and the Flock by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in the context of His ministry to Israel, illustrating how His role is not just to lead but to provide s |
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Shepherds and Hirelings by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the role of shepherds in the church, drawing from Ezekiel 34 to highlight the contrast between hirelings who seek their own gain and true shepherds who sacri |