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Should not the shepherds feed their flock?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/34-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/26_Ezk_34_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 34:2 - A Prophecy Against Israel's Shepherds" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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! 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Should not shepherds take care of the flock? <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/34.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds, the leaders of Israel. Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn’t shepherds feed their sheep? <a href="/esv/ezekiel/34.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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? <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/34.htm">King James Bible</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/34.htm">New King James Version</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should the shepherds not feed the flock? <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/34.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, &#8216Thus says the Lord GOD, &#8220Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been shepherding themselves! Should not the shepherds shepherd the flock? <a href="/amp/ezekiel/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to them, the [spiritual] shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe (judgment is coming) to the [spiritual] shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? <a href="/csb/ezekiel/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who have been feeding themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed their flock? <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and say to them: This is what the Lord GOD says to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who have been feeding themselves! Shouldn&#8217t the shepherds feed their flock? <a href="/asv/ezekiel/34.htm">American Standard Version</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep? <a href="/cev/ezekiel/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Ezekiel, son of man, Israel's leaders are like shepherds taking care of my sheep, the people of Israel. But I want you to condemn these leaders and tell them: I, the LORD God, say you shepherds of Israel are doomed! You take care of yourselves while ignoring my sheep. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/34.htm">English Revised Version</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep? <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy to these shepherds. Tell them, 'This is what the Almighty LORD says: How horrible it will be for the shepherds of Israel who have been taking care of only themselves. Shouldn't shepherds take care of the sheep? <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/34.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Mortal man," he said, "denounce the rulers of Israel. Prophesy to them, and tell them what I, the Sovereign LORD, say to them: You are doomed, you shepherds of Israel! You take care of yourselves, but never tend the sheep. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/34.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Son of Man, prophesy against Israel's shepherds. Tell those shepherds, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: "Woe to you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves and not the sheep. Shouldn't shepherds feed the sheep? <a href="/msb/ezekiel/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?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? <a href="/net/ezekiel/34.htm">NET Bible</a> "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them--to the shepherds: 'This is what the sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not shepherds feed the flock? <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and tell them, even to the shepherds, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves. Shouldn't the shepherds feed the sheep? <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, Thus saith the Lord GOD to the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? <a href="/web/ezekiel/34.htm">World English Bible</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and tell them, even the shepherds, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed the sheep? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Son of man, prophesy concerning shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and you have said to them, Thus said Lord YHWH to the shepherds: Woe [to] the shepherds of Israel, "" Who have been feeding themselves! Do the shepherds not feed the flock? <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Son of man, prophesy concerning shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and thou hast said unto them: To the shepherds, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, Who have been feeding themselves! The flock do not the shepherds feed? <a href="/slt/ezekiel/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, To the shepherds, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Wo! to the shepherds of Israel who were feeding themselves: shall not the shepherds feed the sheep?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Son of man, prophesy concerning the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to the shepherds: Thus saith the Lord God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, that fed themselves: should not the hocks be fed by the shepherds? <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Son of man, prophesy about the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and you shall say to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the flocks be fed by the shepherds? <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/34.htm">New American Bible</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to them: To the shepherds, thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! Should not shepherds pasture the flock? <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to them—to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to them, O shepherds, thus says the LORD God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed them! These shepherds do not feed the flock. <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the Shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to them: ‘Shepherds, thus says THE LORD OF LORDS: Woe, Shepherds of Israel, who feed themselves! It is not the sheep the Shepherds are feeding!<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that have fed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep? <a href="/sep/ezekiel/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord God; O shepherds of Israel, do shepherds feed themselves? do not the shepherds feed the sheep? <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=9945" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/34.htm">A Prophecy Against Israel's Shepherds</a> 1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2<a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">“Son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5012.htm" title="5012: hin·nā·ḇê (V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To prophesy. A primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. Speak by inspiration.">prophesy</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·w·‘ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">the shepherds</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5012.htm" title="5012: hin·nā·ḇê (V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To prophesy. A primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. Speak by inspiration.">Prophesy</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: lā·rō·‘îm (Prep-l, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">that this is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1945.htm" title="1945: hō·w (Interjection) -- Ah! alas! ha! A prolonged form of how; oh!">‘Woe</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘ê- (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">to the shepherds</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">only feed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">themselves!</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō·w (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Should not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: hā·rō·‘îm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">the shepherds</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: yir·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">feed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">their flock?</a> 3You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-4</a> “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / 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. / Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. ... <a href="/zechariah/11-4.htm">Zechariah 11:4-17</a> This is what the LORD my God says: “Pasture the flock marked for slaughter, / 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. / For I will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, declares the LORD, but behold, I will cause each man to fall into the hands of his neighbor and his king, who will devastate the land, and I will not deliver it from their hands.” ... <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-16</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ... <a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Matthew 23:1-4</a> Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: / “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. ... <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-12</a> Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / 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!” <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. <a href="/jeremiah/50-6.htm">Jeremiah 50:6</a> My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. <a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a> “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!’ ... <a href="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-3</a> 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.” <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28-30</a> Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. / 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. <a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm">Zephaniah 3:3-4</a> Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. / Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law. <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a> Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD to the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?the shepherds.<a href="/ezekiel/33-24.htm">Ezekiel 33:24</a> Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.<a href="/jeremiah/2-8.htm">Jeremiah 2:8</a> The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.<a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a> And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.Woe<a href="/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8-10</a> As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; … <a href="/ezekiel/13-19.htm">Ezekiel 13:19</a> And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?<a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1</a> Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.feed<a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a> Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.<a href="/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71,72</a> From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance… <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/16-19.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-3.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/47-6.htm">Ho</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-28.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/30-2.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-21.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-6.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Shouldn't</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ezekiel/30-2.htm">Woe</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/hosea/13-10.htm">Ho</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/35-2.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-7.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/jonah/4-11.htm">Shouldn't</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/hosea/7-13.htm">Woe</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 34</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/34-1.htm">A reproof of the shepherds</a> 7. <a href="/ezekiel/34-7.htm">God's judgment against them</a> 11. <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">His providence over his flock</a> 20. <a href="/ezekiel/34-20.htm">The kingdom of Christ</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/34.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/34.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. The term "Son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. The "shepherds of Israel" refers to the leaders, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for guiding and caring for the people. In biblical context, shepherds symbolize leadership and care, as seen in <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a> and <a href="/john/10.htm">John 10</a>. The call to "prophesy against" indicates a divine judgment against these leaders for failing in their duties.Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: The repetition of "prophesy" underscores the urgency and importance of the message. "The Lord GOD" (YHWH Elohim) emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of God, who is delivering a direct message. This phrase establishes the divine origin of the prophecy, distinguishing it from human opinion.‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! "Woe" is a term of lament and impending judgment, often used by prophets to announce divine displeasure. The shepherds' self-serving behavior contrasts with their expected role of caring for the people. This selfishness is condemned in other scriptures, such as <a href="/jeremiah/23.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-2</a> and <a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17</a>, where leaders are criticized for neglecting their duties.Should not the shepherds feed their flock? This rhetorical question highlights the leaders' failure to fulfill their primary responsibility. The imagery of shepherds feeding their flock is a common biblical metaphor for leadership, as seen in <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a>, where Jesus instructs Peter to "feed my sheep." This expectation reflects God's care for His people, as exemplified by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is often referred to as "son of man" in the book. 2. <a href="/topical/s/shepherds_of_israel.htm">Shepherds of Israel</a> This term metaphorically refers to the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for guiding and caring for the people. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, which at this time was in a state of exile and spiritual decline due to the failure of its leaders. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD</a> The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who holds the leaders accountable for their actions. 5. <a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a> A divine message delivered by Ezekiel, calling out the failures of Israel's leaders and warning them of God's judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/accountability_of_leaders.htm">Accountability of Leaders</a> Leaders are accountable to God for the care and guidance of those they lead. They must prioritize the well-being of their people over personal gain. <a href="/topical/s/selfless_leadership.htm">Selfless Leadership</a> True leadership in God's eyes involves selflessness and a commitment to serving others, reflecting the heart of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_nourishment.htm">Spiritual Nourishment</a> Just as shepherds are to feed their flock, spiritual leaders must ensure their communities are nourished with sound doctrine and spiritual guidance. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_neglect.htm">Consequences of Neglect</a> Neglecting the responsibilities of leadership can lead to spiritual decline and judgment, as seen in the history of Israel. <a href="/topical/c/call_to_repentance.htm">Call to Repentance</a> Leaders who have failed in their duties are called to repent and realign their priorities with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 34</a> <a href="/q/how_to_verify_ezekiel_34_2's_leaders.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 – How can we verify historically or archaeologically that corrupt leaders were truly the “shepherds” described here? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_micah_3_3_align_with_history.htm">In Micah 3:3, the graphic language seems hyperbolic—how can it be reconciled with historical or archeological records of Israelite practices? </a> <a href="/q/ezekiel_34__judgment_inconsistencies.htm">Ezekiel 34 – Are there any inconsistencies with other prophetic books about how judgment is executed and who is held accountable? </a> <a href="/q/theme_of_'clouds_without_water'.htm">What is the theme of "Clouds Without Water"?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Shepherds of Israel.--This is a common Scriptural expression for rulers, and the whole context shows that these are the persons here intended. In the passage in Jeremiah 23 they are treated under this name separately from the prophets and priests, and also in <a href="/jeremiah/2-8.htm" title="The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.">Jeremiah 2:8</a> they are distinguished from prophets and priests. The name itself is a peculiarly appropriate one, and seems to have been in use throughout the East, but especially in Israel, from the time when David was taken from the care of the flocks to feed the Lord's people. (Comp. <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm" title="Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were he that led out and brought in Israel: and the LORD said to you, You shall feed my people Israel, and you shall be a captain over Israel.">2Samuel 5:2</a>; <a href="/context/psalms/78-70.htm" title="He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:">Psalm 78:70-71</a>.)That do feed themselves.--This selfishness is characteristic of the unfaithful shepherd (comp. <a href="/context/john/10-1.htm" title="Truly, truly, I say to you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.">John 10:1-17</a>), and is enlarged upon in <a href="/context/ezekiel/34-3.htm" title="You eat the fat, and you clothe you with the wool, you kill them that are fed: but you feed not the flock.">Ezekiel 34:3-4</a>. The history shows that for a long time it had been eminently true of the rulers, and especially of the kings of Israel. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/34.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, etc. Our modern associations with the words, our use of terms like" the pastoral office," "the pastoral Epistles," lead us to think of the priests and prophets, the spiritual guides of the people, as being those whom the prophet has in view. In the language of the Old Testament, however, as in that of Homer ('Iliad,' 1:1. 263; 2:1. 85, etc.), the shepherds of the people are always its kings and other civil rulers (<a href="/1_kings/22-17.htm">1 Kings 22:17</a>; <a href="/psalms/77-20.htm">Psalm 77:20</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-6</a>), and those whom Ezekiel had in his thoughts were the tyrannous rulers of the house of David, like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah and their satellites. Our Christian thoughts of the word are the outcome of the leading of <a href="/john/10-1.htm">John 10:1-16</a>; <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a>; <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a>; but it is probably true that even there the original thought is still dominant. Christ is the "good Shepherd," because he is the true King. His ministers are shepherds as being officers in his kingdom. Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? The question is an appeal to the universal conscience of Israel and of mankind. No shepherd was worthy of his name who did not do that which the very name implied. He that neglects that duty is simply as a hireling or a robber (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10, 12</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of man, אָדָ֕ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being prophesy הִנָּבֵ֖א (hin·nā·ḇê) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5012.htm">Strong's 5012: </a> To prophesy, speak, by inspiration against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the shepherds רוֹעֵ֣י (rō·w·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with of Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Prophesy הִנָּבֵ֣א (hin·nā·ḇê) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5012.htm">Strong's 5012: </a> To prophesy, speak, by inspiration and tell וְאָמַרְתָּ֩ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say them אֲלֵיהֶ֨ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to that this is what כֹּ֥ה‪‬ (kōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord GOD יְהוִ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> YHWH says: אָמַ֣ר ׀ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Woe ה֤וֹי (hō·w) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1945.htm">Strong's 1945: </a> Ah! alas! ha! to the shepherds רֹעֵֽי־ (rō·‘ê-) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc who אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that only feed רֹעִ֣ים (rō·‘îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with themselves! אוֹתָ֔ם (’ō·w·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case Should not הֲל֣וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the shepherds לָרֹעִ֜ים (lā·rō·‘îm) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with feed יִרְע֖וּ (yir·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with their flock? הָרֹעִֽים׃ (hā·rō·‘îm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man prophesy against the shepherds (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/34-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 34:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 34:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 34:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 34:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>