Ezekiel 34:16
Ezekiel 34:16 in Multiple Translations
I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
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.
I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.
I will go in search of that which had gone wandering from the way, and will get back that which had been sent in flight, and will put bands on that which was broken, and give strength to that which was ill: but the fat and the strong I will give up to destruction; I will give them for their food the punishment which is theirs by right.
I will go looking for the lost, bring home the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak. However, I will destroy those who are fat and strong. Because I do what's right, I will be sure to take care of them.
I will seeke that which was lost, and bring againe that which was driue away, and will binde vp that which was broken, and will strengthen the weake but I wil destroy the fat and the strong, and I will feede them with iudgement.
The lost I seek, and the driven away bring back, And the broken I bind up, and the sick I strengthen, And the fat and the strong I destroy, I feed it with judgment.
“I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back 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 in justice.”’
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.
I will seek that which was lost: and that which was driven away, I will bring again: and I will bind up that which was broken, and I will strengthen that which was weak, and that which was fat and strong I will preserve: and I will feed them in judgment.
I will search for those who are lost and bring back the ones who have strayed away. I will bandage those who have been injured and strengthen those who are weak. But I will get rid of those who are fat and powerful. I will act fairly toward the people who are like [MET] my sheep. That is what I, Yahweh, promise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:16
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 34:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
הָ/אֹבֶ֤דֶת
אֲבַקֵּשׁ֙
וְ/אֶת
הַ/נִּדַּ֣חַת
אָשִׁ֔יב
וְ/לַ/נִּשְׁבֶּ֣רֶת
אֶחֱבֹ֔שׁ
וְ/אֶת
הַ/חוֹלָ֖ה
אֲחַזֵּ֑ק
וְ/אֶת
הַ/שְּׁמֵנָ֧ה
וְ/אֶת
הַ/חֲזָקָ֛ה
אַשְׁמִ֖יד
אֶרְעֶ֥/נָּה
בְ/מִשְׁפָּֽט
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֹבֶ֤דֶת
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Art | V-Qal
אֲבַקֵּשׁ֙
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/נִּדַּ֣חַת
nâdach
H5080
to banish
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
אָשִׁ֔יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
וְ/לַ/נִּשְׁבֶּ֣רֶת
shâbar
H7665
to break
Conj | Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-c
אֶחֱבֹ֔שׁ
châbash
H2280
to saddle/tie
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/חוֹלָ֖ה
châlâh
H2470
be weak
Art | V-Qal
אֲחַזֵּ֑ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁמֵנָ֧ה
shâmên
H8082
rich
Art | Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/חֲזָקָ֛ה
châzâq
H2389
strong
Art | Adj
אַשְׁמִ֖יד
shâmad
H8045
to destroy
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶרְעֶ֥/נָּה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
בְ/מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:16
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.
הָ/אֹבֶ֤דֶת
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Art | V-Qal
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
אֲבַקֵּשׁ֙
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הַ/נִּדַּ֣חַת
nâdach
H5080
"to banish"
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
To banish or drive away, used in various contexts, such as expelling someone from a community, as seen in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to impel, thrust, drive away, banish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to impel 1a2) to thrust away, banish 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be impelled 1b2) to be thrust out, be banished 1b2a) banished, outcast (participle) 1b3) to be driven away 1b4) to be thrust away, thrust aside 1c) (Pual) to be thrust into 1c1) thrust (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to thrust, move, impel 1d2) to thrust out, banish 1d3) to thrust away, thrust aside 1e) (Hophal) to be chased, be hunted 1e1) chased, hunted (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw. See also: Deuteronomy 4:19; Isaiah 27:13; Psalms 5:11.
אָשִׁ֔יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וְ/לַ/נִּשְׁבֶּ֣רֶת
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
Conj | Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-c
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
אֶחֱבֹ֔שׁ
châbash
H2280
"to saddle/tie"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to tie or bind something firmly, like a turban or a saddle. It is also used figuratively to mean stopping or ruling something. In 1 Kings 20:12, it describes the binding of a wound.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, bind on, bind up, saddle, restrain, bandage, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, bind on 1a2) to bind up 1b) (Piel) to bind, restrain 1c) (Pual) to be bound up
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), gird about, govern, healer, put, saddle, wrap about. See also: Genesis 22:3; Job 34:17; Psalms 147:3.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הַ/חוֹלָ֖ה
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
Art | V-Qal
To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.
Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.
אֲחַזֵּ֑ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הַ/שְּׁמֵנָ֧ה
shâmên
H8082
"rich"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone as rich or fat, implying a sense of abundance or prosperity. It can also describe food that is rich or plentiful, or people who are strong and healthy. In the Bible, it is used to describe fertile land and abundant resources.
Definition: 1) fat, rich, robust 1a) fat, rich (of food) 1b) stout, robust (of men)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: fat, lusty, plenteous. See also: Genesis 49:20; Nehemiah 9:35; Isaiah 30:23.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הַ/חֲזָקָ֛ה
châzâq
H2389
"strong"
Art | Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
אַשְׁמִ֖יד
shâmad
H8045
"to destroy"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.
אֶרְעֶ֥/נָּה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
בְ/מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:16
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Context — The Good Shepherd
14I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
15I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.
16I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
17This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats. 18Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:10 | For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 34:4 | You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 34:11 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. |
| 4 | Isaiah 49:26 | I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” |
| 5 | 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!’ In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. |
| 6 | Luke 5:31–32 | Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” |
| 7 | Micah 4:6–7 | “On that day,” declares the LORD, “I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those whom I have afflicted. And I will make the lame into a remnant, and the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 39:18 | You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan. |
| 9 | Mark 2:17 | On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 5:17 | Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy. |
Ezekiel 34:16 Summary
In Ezekiel 34:16, God promises to take care of His people by finding those who are lost, helping those who are hurt, and making the weak strong. He will also judge those who are proud and think they don't need Him. This means that God loves us and wants to help us, but He also wants us to be humble and recognize our need for Him (as seen in James 4:6-10). God wants to guide us with fairness and justice, just like a good shepherd takes care of his sheep (as seen in Psalm 23:1-4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'seek the lost' in Ezekiel 34:16?
This phrase means that God will actively search for and rescue those who have wandered away from Him, much like a shepherd searches for a lost sheep, as seen in Luke 15:4-7, where Jesus teaches about the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep.
Why does God say He will 'destroy' the 'sleek and strong' in this verse?
God is saying that He will judge and discipline those who are self-sufficient and proud, who do not recognize their need for Him, as seen in 1 Peter 5:5, where it says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
What does it mean to 'shepherd them with justice'?
This means that God will guide and care for His people with fairness and righteousness, making sure that each one is treated according to their needs and actions, as seen in Psalm 23:3, where it says that God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is a loving and just Shepherd who cares for each of us, and that He will judge us according to our hearts and actions, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches about the sheep and the goats and how God will separate them on the day of judgment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have wandered away from God, and how can I return to Him?
- How can I trust in God's justice and fairness, even when things seem unfair in my life?
- What are some areas of my life where I need God's healing and strengthening, and how can I ask for His help?
- How can I be a reflection of God's justice and fairness in my own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:16
And I will seek that which was lost,.... As all men are in Adam, and through his fall, and by their own actual transgressions; and so the elect of God among the rest; who are lost not with respect to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:16
In the former part of the 16th verse, God promiseth to his people that he will do all the offices of a good, watchful, tender, and faithful shepherd, which those shepherds did neglect. See also . I will destroy; severely punish; which is threatened, and was fulfilled in the ruin of the rulers of this people. The fat; the powerful and rich, who by oppressing and devouring my people grew fat, proud, troublesome, and dangerous to the poor sheep. The strong; by their authority I gave, and by the encroachments they have made to increase their power. I will feed them with judgment: it is an irony; I will feed them, but with wormwood and gall, my sore but just judgments and displeasure, so some: but others refer judgment here to reason, decency, and fitness, the most convenient, beneficial, and safe way; as a wise shepherd will I feed these my sheep. And either may consist with the context.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:16
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.Ver. 16. I will seek that which was lost, &c.] As he did Peter, Paul, the good thief, Matthew, Zaccheus, the disciples after their shameful flight, Augustine, all us who, like sheep, were gone astray, &c. But I will destroy the fat.] Pinguem et petulcam; such as in whom fulness breedeth forgetfulness, as in Jeshurun. Queen Elizabeth was told, in a sermon by Mr Deering, that once she was tanquam ovis, like a meek sheep, but now tanquam indomita iuvenca, as an untamed heifer; and therefore wished her to meet God by repentance. Here good Oecolampadius complaineth, and cause enough he had, of some of Christ’ s fatter sheep who were too too haunty and troublesome to their fellows. The Lutherans of Suevia he might well mean, who, in their Syngramma, used him very coarsely; and Luther himself, in his book of private mass, set forth A.D. 1533, passeth a very uncharitable censure upon his disease and death. And I will feed them with judgment.] Putting a difference, and dealing with them as it is fit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:16
(16) The fat and the strong.—While fatness is in general an emblem of prosperity, it is frequently used in Scripture, as here, for that prosperity which begets hardness of heart and forgetfulness of God. (See Deuteronomy 32:15; Acts 28:27, &c.) With judgment.—This does not mean, as the ambiguous sense of the English word might make it possible to suppose, with wisdom, but with righteousness and authority, as is plainly seen from the connection with the following verses.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:16
Verse 16. I will destroy the fat and the strong] I will destroy those cruel and imperious shepherds who abuse their authority, and tyrannize over the flock.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:16
16. The Lord’s treatment of his flock will be in all things the reverse of the treatment given them by the evil shepherds. with judgment] i.e. just judgment; in rectitude and justice. Cf. such demands as those in Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 3:15; Isaiah 5:8; Micah 2:1-2; Micah 3:1-4.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 34:16
With judgment - It is characteristic of Yahweh as a shepherd that He judges between sheep and sheep, rejecting the proud and accepting the penitent and broken-hearted.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:16
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 34:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Why Revival Tarries - Part 2 by Henry Blackaby | This sermon emphasizes the importance of shepherding God's people with a shepherd's heart, ensuring that none are lost but all are guided and kept in the full character and nature |
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(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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Two Things God Promises to Do for His Church by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a little boy who disobeys his mother's warning and ventures into the woods outside their house. The boy gets lost and becomes scare |
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The Power of Purity by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the power of purity, highlighting the importance of being pure in heart and action as vessels for the Holy Spirit. It discusses the struggle with imperfectio |
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Lost Four Things Brainerd Learned by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the truth of the Gospel to lost people rather than trying to prove doctrines to them. He emphasizes the need to c |
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The God Who Seeks by Selwyn Hughes | Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unique aspect of Christianity's focus on personal salvation, highlighting how Christianity is a rescue religion that proclaims the good news of God co |
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The Good Shepherd and His Work by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the heavy charges brought against the false shepherds of Israel, highlighting their sins of commission and omission, including greediness, selfishness, |