Ezekiel 34:5
Ezekiel 34:5 in Multiple Translations
They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts.
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered.
And they were wandering in every direction because there was no keeper: and they became food for all the beasts of the field.
They were scattered because they didn't have a shepherd. When they scattered they were preyed on by all the wild animals for food.
And they were scattered without a shepherde: and when they were dispersed, they were deuoured of all the beastes of the fielde.
And they are scattered from want of a shepherd, And are for food to every beast of the field, Yea, they are scattered.
They were scattered, because there was no shepherd. They became food to all the animals of the field, and were scattered.
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became food to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
And my sheep were scattered, because there was no shepherd: and they became the prey of all the beasts of the field, and were scattered.
So they were scattered, because you did not take care of them like [MET] a shepherd takes care of his sheep. And when they were scattered, it was as though wild animals attacked and killed them and ate their flesh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:5
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 34:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּפוּצֶ֖ינָה
מִ/בְּלִ֣י
רֹעֶ֑ה
וַ/תִּהְיֶ֧ינָה
לְ/אָכְלָ֛ה
לְ/כָל
חַיַּ֥ת
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
וַ/תְּפוּצֶֽינָה
וַ/תְּפוּצֶ֖ינָה
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
מִ/בְּלִ֣י
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Prep | N-ms
רֹעֶ֑ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
וַ/תִּהְיֶ֧ינָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
לְ/אָכְלָ֛ה
ʼoklâh
H402
food
Prep | N-fs
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
חַיַּ֥ת
chay
H2416
alive
N-fs
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
וַ/תְּפוּצֶֽינָה
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:5
וַ/תְּפוּצֶ֖ינָה
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
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.
מִ/בְּלִ֣י
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Prep | N-ms
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
רֹעֶ֑ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
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.
וַ/תִּהְיֶ֧ינָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/אָכְלָ֛ה
ʼoklâh
H402
"food"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means food or something to eat, like in Psalm 78:25 where it describes manna from heaven. It can also mean being consumed by something, like fire or wild beasts. This word is used in many Old Testament stories.
Definition: 1) food 1a) food, eating 1b) object of devouring, consuming 1b1) by wild beasts (figurative) 1b2) in fire 1b3) of judgment (figurative)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: consume, devour, eat, food, meat. See also: Genesis 1:29; Ezekiel 15:6; Jeremiah 12:9.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
חַיַּ֥ת
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וַ/תְּפוּצֶֽינָה
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 34:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
- Sermons on Ezekiel 34:5
Context — A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds
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.
6My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’ 7Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 9:36 | When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 18:16 | So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 23:2 | Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 34:8 | ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because My flock lacks a shepherd and has become prey and food for every wild beast, and because My shepherds did not search for My flock but fed themselves instead, |
| 5 | Zechariah 10:2–3 | For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd. “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts attends to His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His royal steed in battle. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 22:17 | So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 50:17 | Israel is a scattered flock, chased away by lions. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.” |
| 8 | Acts 20:29–31 | I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. |
| 9 | Isaiah 56:9 | Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 33:21 | In the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth day of the tenth month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and reported, “The city has been taken!” |
Ezekiel 34:5 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 34:5, is saying that when people don't have a good spiritual leader, they can become lost and hurt by the evil forces in the world, similar to what is described in Matthew 9:36. Without a shepherd, the people are like sheep without protection, and they can be attacked by 'wild beasts', which are like the spiritual enemies that try to harm us (1 Peter 5:8). We need a good shepherd to guide and protect us, and this is what Jesus provides for us as our Good Shepherd (John 10:11).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the people to be scattered for lack of a shepherd?
This means that without proper spiritual leadership, the people of God become lost and vulnerable to spiritual harm, as seen in Ezekiel 34:5, similar to what is described in Matthew 9:36, where the people were like sheep without a shepherd.
Who are the wild beasts that the scattered people become food for?
The wild beasts in Ezekiel 34:5 likely represent the spiritual forces of darkness and evil that prey on those who are not under the care of a godly shepherd, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8, where Satan is described as a roaring lion seeking to devour believers.
Is this verse only talking about ancient Israel or does it apply to the church today?
While Ezekiel 34:5 is specifically addressing the situation in ancient Israel, the principle of the need for spiritual shepherding applies to the church today, as seen in Acts 20:28-30, where church leaders are exhorted to watch over the flock and protect them from false teachers.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd?
Ezekiel 34:5 highlights the need for a shepherd, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, as described in John 10:11, where He lays down His life for the sheep, providing the ultimate example of spiritual leadership and care.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I, as a believer, be scattered or lost without a shepherd, and how can I seek out godly leadership in my life?
- What are some 'wild beasts' in my life that I need to be protected from, and how can I find safety in the care of my heavenly Shepherd?
- How can I, as a member of the body of Christ, help to care for and protect my fellow believers who may be scattered or lost?
- What does it mean for me to 'feed on the Word of God' and be nourished spiritually, rather than being preyed upon by the forces of darkness?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:5
And they were scattered because there is no shepherd,.... No good one; there were shepherds, but they were idol shepherds, good for nothing, and it was all one as if there were none: so, in Christ's
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:5
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
They, my neglected sheep, were scattered, by the inroads and invasions of their enemies, that broke in like devouring beasts. No shepherd; no vigilant, faithful, good shepherd that loved the flock, and of love studied its welfare. Became meat; were made a prey of, and devoured by Syrians, Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, &c., all their neighbours might the devour them. The beasts, signify men, troops of robbers, and spoilers. When they were scattered; as sheep scattered are easily devoured by every hungry wolf or fox.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
Ezekiel 34:5 And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.Ver. 5. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd.] None but an idol shepherd, a foolish shepherd; and the sheep, being a foolish creature, even to a proverb, and apt to wander into harm’ s way, will never return to the fold, if not fetched back, but stick in the thorns, or die in a ditch, or run into the wolf’ s mouth. προβατωνηθος; and προβατιουβιονζην.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
(5) They were scattered, because. . . .—The calamities of the people are attributed to the fault of the rulers, not because the people themselves were free from sin—the contrary has already been abundantly asserted in this book—but because the people’s sins were largely due to the evil example, the idolatries, the oppressions, and the disobedience of their rulers.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
Verse 5. And they were scattered] There was no discipline kept up; and the flock, the Church, became disorganized, and separated from each other, both in affection and fellowship. And the consequence was, the grievous wolves, false and worldly interested teachers, seized on and made a prey of them. Of the communion of saints such shepherds know nothing, farther than that it makes a part of the common creed.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:5
5. The allegory is simple enough. Owing to the evil and selfish government of the rulers the people became the prey of all the nations round about them. The figure of the flock indicates, however, the affection of Jehovah for his people and his compassion over their sufferings.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:5
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 34:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dangerous Shepards by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the state of preaching in North America, stating that skits and plays have replaced traditional sermons in some churches. The sp |
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Letter 96 by James Bourne | James Bourne reflects on the slow and steady work of God in our lives, contrasting it with our impatience and haste. He describes the refining process God takes us through, reveali |
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His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen |
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(Om Orientation) Our Situation - Warfare - Part 1 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the current state of the world and the shocking reality of billions of souls suffering physically and spiritually. He emphasizes the need fo |
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It's Harvest Time by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of harvest time and how it relates to the current generation. He emphasizes that God knew the unique challenges this generation wo |
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The Violent Overthrow of God's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, Pastor David speaks about the violent overthrow of God's house, referencing the story of Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem. The city was moved by Jesus' presen |
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Spurgeon a New Biography #5 by C.H. Spurgeon | The video is a sermon transcript about the preaching of the word of God. The speaker describes his experiences in the dungeons beneath the castle of despair, which had a positive i |