Ezekiel 34:3
Ezekiel 34:3 in Multiple Translations
You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.
Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep.
You take the milk and are clothed with the wool, you put the fat beasts to death, but you give the sheep no food.
You eat the cream, you use the wool for clothes, and you slaughter the fattened sheep, but you don't feed the flock.
Yee eate the fat, and yee clothe you with the wooll: yee kill them that are fed, but ye feede not the sheepe.
The fat ye do eat, and the wool ye put on, The fed one ye slaughter, the flock ye feed not.
You eat the fat. You clothe yourself with the wool. You kill the fatlings, but you don’t feed the sheep.
Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe yourselves with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
You ate the milk, and you clothed yourselves with the wool, and you killed that which was fat: but my flock you did not feed.
It is as though you eat the curds, you slaughter the very good animals and wear clothes made from their wool. But you do not take care of the flock.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:3
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 34:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
הַ/חֵ֤לֶב
תֹּאכֵ֨לוּ֙
וְ/אֶת
הַ/צֶּ֣מֶר
תִּלְבָּ֔שׁוּ
הַ/בְּרִיאָ֖ה
תִּזְבָּ֑חוּ
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
לֹ֥א
תִרְעֽוּ
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/חֵ֤לֶב
cheleb
H2459
fat
Art | N-ms
תֹּאכֵ֨לוּ֙
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/צֶּ֣מֶר
tsemer
H6785
wool
Art | N-ms
תִּלְבָּ֔שׁוּ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
הַ/בְּרִיאָ֖ה
bârîyʼ
H1277
fat
Art | Adj
תִּזְבָּ֑חוּ
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִרְעֽוּ
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:3
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.
הַ/חֵ֤לֶב
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
תֹּאכֵ֨לוּ֙
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
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/צֶּ֣מֶר
tsemer
H6785
"wool"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to wool, like the kind used to make warm clothing, and is also used to describe something white or woolly.
Definition: 1) wool 1a) wool 1b) whiteness (metaph.) 1c) wool (in garments) Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (עֲמַר "wool" H6015)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: wool(-len). See also: Leviticus 13:47; Proverbs 31:13; Psalms 147:16.
תִּלְבָּ֔שׁוּ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
הַ/בְּרִיאָ֖ה
bârîyʼ
H1277
"fat"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means 'fat' or 'plump', describing something or someone that is well-fed and healthy. It is used to describe animals and people, like in the story of the fat calf in Luke 15:27.
Definition: 1) fat 2) (TWOT) fat, fatter, fed, firm, plenteous, rank Also means: ber.yah (בִּרְיָה "fat" H1274)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank. See also: Genesis 41:2; Judges 3:17; Psalms 73:4.
תִּזְבָּ֑חוּ
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִרְעֽוּ
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 34:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 34:3
Context — A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds
1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?
3You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.
4You 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. 5They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 11:16 | 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. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:30 | “I have struck your sons in vain; they accepted no discipline. Your own sword has devoured your prophets like a voracious lion.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 33:25–26 | Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’ |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:10 | Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! |
| 5 | Ezekiel 22:25–28 | The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken. |
| 6 | Isaiah 56:11–12 | Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 19:6 | He prowled among the lions, and became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. |
| 8 | Lamentations 4:13 | But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 21:13–16 | And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.” When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to give it to you for silver. For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.” And when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. |
| 10 | Micah 3:1–3 | Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” |
Ezekiel 34:3 Summary
[This verse is talking about spiritual leaders who are supposed to take care of their people, but instead they are only looking out for themselves. They are like shepherds who eat the best food and wear the warmest clothes, but they don't make sure their sheep have enough to eat. This is not what God wants, as seen in Jeremiah 3:15 where He promises to give His people shepherds who will care for them with knowledge and understanding. We should always try to put others first and make sure they have what they need, just like Jesus taught us in Matthew 25:31-46.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep' in Ezekiel 34:3?
This phrase is a metaphor for spiritual leaders who prioritize their own gain and comfort over the well-being of their flock, as seen in Ezekiel 34:2 where it says they 'only feed themselves' and also in Jeremiah 23:1-4 where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their selfish ways.
How does this verse relate to the role of spiritual leaders in the church?
This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual leaders prioritizing the spiritual nourishment and care of their flock, rather than seeking personal gain or power, as taught in 1 Peter 5:2-3 where elders are instructed to 'shepherd the flock of God among you' with humility and integrity.
What is the consequence of not feeding the flock as mentioned in Ezekiel 34:3?
The consequence is that the flock will be scattered and become prey for wild beasts, as seen in Ezekiel 34:5, highlighting the importance of spiritual leaders fulfilling their responsibility to care for and feed their flock, as also warned in Acts 20:28-31.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives as believers?
We can apply this verse by examining our own motivations and actions, ensuring that we are prioritizing the spiritual well-being of those around us, whether in a leadership role or in our personal relationships, and striving to serve others with humility and love, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28 and Philippians 2:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'eating the fat' or prioritizing my own interests over the needs of others in my life?
- How can I ensure that I am 'feeding the flock' and prioritizing the spiritual nourishment of those around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be neglecting the needs of others, and how can I make a change to prioritize their well-being?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the responsibility to care for and serve others, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:3
Ye eat the fat,.... The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions, render it, "the milk"; the words for fat and milk differ only in the points; and this was not unlawful, for who feedeth a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:3
Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
The fat; rather the milk, which insatiably and without measure you devour; you exhaust their purses and weaken their estates by tributes, exacted by extortions: so the temporal rulers and the spiritual rulers had their methods and arts to milk them dry, these lived on the sins of the people. With the wool; with best and finest, as best suiting with your pride and luxury, on which you force the people to bestow so much that they have not to clothe themselves and theirs; this was mighty oppression. Ye kill them; contrive methods for a seeming legal course to forfeit first the life, and next the estate, of the well-fed, the rich, and wealthy, and then make merry and feast, as voluptuous, unfaithful shepherds feast on the fattest of the sheep in their masters’ fold. Ye feed not the flock; take no care to lead, protect, provide for, and watch over them, but, as idle shepherds feasted with the fattest, let the rest starve for any thing they care.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
Ezekiel 34:3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.Ver. 3. Ye eat the fat.] Ecce, lac et lanam recipitis. This ye might do, if in measure, for the workman is worthy of his wages, but ye gorge yourselves with the best of the best. Et si ventri bene, si lateri, as Epicurus in Horace, If the belly may be filled, the back fitted, that is all you take care for. In parabola ovis capras quaeritis, et vestrum maxime compendium spectatis; ye are all for your own ends, nourishing your hearts as in a day of slaughter, or of good cheer. Ye kill them that are fed.] Heb., Ye sacrifice them; so ye pretend, but mind your own fat paunches. See Proverbs 7:14. But ye feed not the flock.] As being falsi et ficti imo picti pastores, mock shepherds.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
Verse 3. Ye eat the fat] I think החלב hacheleb should be translated the milk; and so most of the Versions understand it. Or they lived on the fat sheep, and took the wool of all. "The priests," says Calmet, "ate the tithes, the first-fruits, and the offerings of the people; the princes received the tributes and imposts; and instead of instructing and protecting them, the latter took away their lives by the cruelties they practiced against them: the former destroyed their souls by the poison of their doctrine, and by their bad example. The fat sheep point out the rich, to whom these pastors often disguised the truth, by a cruel condescension and complaisance."
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:3
3. Ye eat the fat] LXX. the milk (the consonants are the same). Cf. Isaiah 7:22; Zechariah 11:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:3
1-10. The shepherds of the people, instead of feeding the flock, were feeding upon the flock, eating the fat (LXX., milk), and living in ease and luxury, while “my sheep” (Ezekiel 34:5, LXX.) were
Sermons on Ezekiel 34:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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Let the Abbot Be Most Solicitous by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of the Abbot's care for delinquent brethren, drawing inspiration from the words of Jesus that the sick need a physician. The Abbot |
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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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We Glorify christ... by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the mission and vision of their faith community, which is to glorify Christ by making disciples of all nations. They emphasize the importance |
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Drawing Nigh to God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting for God's word. He refers to Isaiah 50:4-7, which speaks of Christ having the tongue of the learned and |
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Obedience of Faith by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the idea of God experiencing human emotions such as sadness, weariness, and discouragement. He emphasizes that Jesus, as the embodiment of Go |