Ezekiel 34:21
Ezekiel 34:21 in Multiple Translations
Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad,
Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;
Because ye thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;
Because you have been pushing with side and leg, pushing the diseased with your horns till they were sent away in every direction;
Since you push others around with your sides and your shoulders, and use your horns to attack all the weak ones until you have chased them away,
Because ye haue thrust with side and with shoulder, and pusht al the weake with your hornes, till ye haue scattered them abroade,
Because with side and with shoulder ye thrust away, And with your horns push all the diseased, Till ye have scattered them to the out-place,
Because you thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, until you have scattered them abroad,
Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;
Because you thrusted with sides and shoulders, and struck all the weak cattle with your horns, till they were scattered abroad:
Youwho are like strong sheep, it is as though with your shoulders and buttocks you have shoved away those who are like thin sheep, and you have butted them with your horns, until you have chased them all away from the good pastureland.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:21
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 34:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַ֗עַן
בְּ/צַ֤ד
וּ/בְ/כָתֵף֙
תֶּהְדֹּ֔פוּ
וּ/בְ/קַרְנֵי/כֶ֥ם
תְּנַגְּח֖וּ
כָּל
הַ/נַּחְל֑וֹת
עַ֣ד
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
הֲפִיצוֹתֶ֛ם
אוֹתָ֖/נָה
אֶל
הַ/חֽוּצָ/ה
יַ֗עַן
yaʻan
H3282
because
Conj
בְּ/צַ֤ד
tsad
H6654
side
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בְ/כָתֵף֙
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
Conj | Prep | N-fs
תֶּהְדֹּ֔פוּ
Hâdaph
H1920
to thrust
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וּ/בְ/קַרְנֵי/כֶ֥ם
qeren
H7161
horn
Conj | Prep | N-cd | Suff
תְּנַגְּח֖וּ
nâgach
H5055
to gore
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/נַּחְל֑וֹת
châlâh
H2470
be weak
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הֲפִיצוֹתֶ֛ם
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp
אוֹתָ֖/נָה
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/חֽוּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
outside
Art | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:21
יַ֗עַן
yaʻan
H3282
"because"
Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
בְּ/צַ֤ד
tsad
H6654
"side"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the side of something, like the side of a building or a person's side. It can also mean an enemy or adversary, like someone who opposes you. It is used in the Bible to describe locations or relationships.
Definition: side Aramaic equivalent: tsad (צַד "side" H6655)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: (be-) side. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 6:8; Psalms 91:7.
וּ/בְ/כָתֵף֙
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
תֶּהְדֹּ֔פוּ
Hâdaph
H1920
"to thrust"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To thrust means to push away or down, as seen in the Bible when driving out or expelling someone, like in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: 1) to thrust, push, drive, cast away, cast out, expel, thrust away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, push 1a2) to drive out, thrust out 1a3) to depose
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: cast away (out), drive, expel, thrust (away). See also: Numbers 35:20; 2 Kings 4:27; Proverbs 10:3.
וּ/בְ/קַרְנֵי/כֶ֥ם
qeren
H7161
"horn"
Conj | Prep | N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
תְּנַגְּח֖וּ
nâgach
H5055
"to gore"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to push or thrust with force, like an animal using its horns. It can also mean to fight or war against someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe violent or aggressive behavior.
Definition: 1) to push, thrust, gore 1a) (Qal) to gore 1b) (Piel) to push or thrust at 1c) (Hithpael) to engage in thrusting, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: gore, push (down, -ing). See also: Exodus 21:28; 2 Chronicles 18:10; Psalms 44:6.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/נַּחְל֑וֹת
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
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.
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הֲפִיצוֹתֶ֛ם
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
אוֹתָ֖/נָה
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/חֽוּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Art | N-ms | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Good Shepherd
19Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’
20Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
21Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad,
22I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 11:5 | whose buyers slaughter them without remorse. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 33:17 | His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” |
| 3 | Luke 13:14–16 | But the synagogue leader was indignant that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. “There are six days for work,” he told the crowd. “So come and be healed on those days and not on the Sabbath.” “You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?” |
| 4 | Zechariah 11:16–17 | For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves. Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 34:3–5 | You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. 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. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts. |
| 6 | Daniel 8:3–10 | Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. I saw the ram charging toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and there was no deliverance from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. As I was contemplating all this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came out of the west, crossing the surface of the entire earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and rushed at him with furious power. I saw him approach the ram in a rage against him, and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him, and the goat threw him to the ground and trampled him, and no one could deliver the ram from his power. Thus the goat became very great, but at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off, and four prominent horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven. From one of these horns a little horn emerged and grew extensively toward the south and the east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew as high as the host of heaven, and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the earth, and trampled them. |
Ezekiel 34:21 Summary
[Ezekiel 34:21 describes a scene where the stronger sheep are pushing around and hurting the weaker ones, using their power to dominate and scatter them. This is a picture of how some people treat others, especially those who are more vulnerable. In contrast, God wants us to care for and protect the weak, as taught in Psalm 82:3-4 and Matthew 25:40. By looking at how Jesus treated the outcasts and the poor, we can learn how to reflect God's love and care for all people, regardless of their strength or status.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'shove with flank and shoulder' in Ezekiel 34:21?
This phrase is a metaphor for how the stronger, more powerful sheep are mistreating the weaker ones, using their physical strength to push them away and dominate them, much like the oppression described in Isaiah 58:4 and Ezekiel 22:29.
Why are the weak ones being 'butted with horns' in this verse?
The image of butting with horns signifies a violent and aggressive behavior, where the stronger sheep are using their power to attack and scatter the weaker ones, highlighting the stark contrast between the selfish actions of the strong and God's care for the weak, as seen in Psalm 68:5-6 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Is this verse only talking about sheep, or is there a deeper meaning?
While the verse uses sheep as a metaphor, it is ultimately speaking about God's people and how they treat one another, particularly how those in positions of power or influence can either care for or exploit the more vulnerable, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:31-46 and James 1:27.
How does God respond to this kind of behavior among His people?
According to the surrounding verses, especially Ezekiel 34:22-23, God promises to intervene, to judge between the strong and the weak, and to appoint a righteous shepherd who will care for all His flock, reflecting God's heart of justice and compassion as seen in Isaiah 11:4 and Acts 10:34-35.
Reflection Questions
- How do I treat those who are weaker or less influential than I am, and what does this reveal about my heart before God?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the impact my actions have on others, especially those who are more vulnerable or marginalized?
- What does it mean for me to be a 'shepherd' to others, and how can I reflect God's care and compassion in my relationships?
- How can I balance the need to stand up for myself with the command to care for and protect the weak, as taught in Proverbs 31:8-9 and 1 Corinthians 12:22?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:21
Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder,.... As the stronger cattle do the lesser: and pushed all the diseased with your horns; as horned cattle do those they dislike, and bear an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:21
Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; Because ye have thrust ... with your horns, until ye have
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:21
Ezekiel 34:21 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;Ver. 21. Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder,] i.e., With pretence of law on your side, and with power in your hand to do what you list; for who can withstand you? And pushed all the diseased with your horns,] i.e., With your excommunications and persecutions. See Isaiah 66:5. Till ye have scattered them abroad.] For how should they abide it? They drive them out of the fold, flock, pasture, so that they must either fly or die. Toto corpore et conatu.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:21
17-22. The divine Shepherd will not permit the strong, proud rams and the fat he goats (the priests, the prophets, and the rulers) to drive away or take advantage of their weaker companions.
Sermons on Ezekiel 34:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
2 Peter 2:3 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the dangers of false teachers who, driven by covetousness, exploit their followers for personal gain. He warns that these teachers use deceptive and flattering |
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Five Principles of Revival by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in bringing about revival. He emphasizes that revival is initiated, controlled, and concluded by the Lord, |
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The Unicorn by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook discusses the mysterious animal mentioned in the Bible that starts with the letter U, known as the unicorn. The true identity of this creature remains uncertain, wi |
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Jesus Interprets the Law by Paul Bramsen | Paul Bramsen preaches about the wisdom of interpreting daily experiences, making personal rules for living, considering others' experiences, and ultimately obeying the words of God |
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Sanctification Through the Blood by Andrew Murray | The preacher delves into the Greek word 'exegeiro,' which signifies bringing forward or lifting up historical figures to prominence, awakening from sleep, and causing to appear. Th |
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Beauty and Bonds by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of having a generous heart that God blesses, contrasting it with a stingy heart that restricts ministry and seeks to minimize influence. He h |
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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 |