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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 34:20 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: 'Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/34-20.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_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 34:20 - The Good Shepherd" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: 'Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Behold, I, <i>even</i> I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/34.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />‘Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them: “Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says to them: “Behold, I, I Myself will also judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/34.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them, &#8220Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them, “Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore, thus says Lord Yahweh to them, “Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them, “Behold, I Myself will judge between the [well-fed] fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“ ‘Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says to them: See, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/34.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So I, the LORD God, will separate you strong sheep from the weak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/34.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them: Behold, I, even I, judge between the fat cattle and the lean cattle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />" 'So this is what the Almighty LORD says to them: I will judge disputes between the fat sheep and the skinny sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/34.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"So now, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge between you strong sheep and the weak sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/34.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: 'Watch me! I'm going to judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ?Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/34.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"'Therefore, this is what the sovereign LORD says to them: Look, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"'Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them: "Look, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD to them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/34.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Therefore the Lord Yahweh says to them: ‘Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, thus said Lord YHWH to them: Behold, I—even I, have judged between fat sheep and lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah to them: Lo, I -- even I, have judged between fat sheep and lean sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this, thus said the Lord Jehovah to them: Behold me I also judged between fat sheep and between lean sheep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore thus saith the Lord God to you: Behold, I myself will judge between the fat cattle and the lean. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of this, thus says the Lord God to you: Behold, I myself am judging between the fat cattle and the lean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/34.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Now I will judge between the fat and the lean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore thus says the LORD God to them: Behold, I myself will judge between the fat ewe and the lean ewe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of this, thus says THE LORD OF LORDS: behold I judge between a fat ewe and a sickly ewe<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and the lean cattle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will separate between the strong sheep and the weak sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=10161" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/34.htm">The Good Shepherd</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’ <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: lā·ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">Therefore</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.">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/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them:</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hin·nî- (Interjection:: 1cs) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">‘Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I Myself</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: wə·šā·p̄aṭ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To judge, govern. ">will judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên- (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/1274.htm" title="1274: ḇir·yāh (Adj-fs) -- Fat. From barah; fat.">the fat</a> <a href="/hebrew/7716.htm" title="7716: śeh (N-ms) -- Or sey; probably from sha'ah through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. A sheep or goat.">sheep</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/7330.htm" title="7330: rā·zāh (Adj-fs) -- Lean. From razah; thin.">the lean</a> <a href="/hebrew/7716.htm" title="7716: śeh (N-ms) -- Or sey; probably from sha'ah through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. A sheep or goat.">sheep.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-46</a></span><br />When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-16</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-4</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-4</a></span><br />“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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/2-12.htm">Micah 2:12-13</a></span><br />I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will collect the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in the midst of its pasture—a noisy throng. / One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/11-16.htm">Zechariah 11:16-17</a></span><br />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!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a></span><br />“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!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a></span><br />For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a></span><br />When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a></span><br />When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20-21</a></span><br />Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, / equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-6.htm">Jeremiah 50:6-7</a></span><br />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. / All who found them devoured them, and their enemies said, ‘We are not guilty, for they have sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Isaiah 56:11-12</a></span><br />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!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore thus said the Lord GOD to them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.</p><p class="hdg">Behold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Ezekiel 34:10,17</a></b></br> Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I <i>am</i> against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-12.htm">Psalm 22:12-16</a></b></br> Many bulls have compassed me: strong <i>bulls</i> of Bashan have beset me round… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-46</a></b></br> When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/34-17.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-17.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-23.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-2.htm">Lean</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-9.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-19.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-17.htm">Sovereign</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/34-22.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-18.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-22.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-22.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/genesis/41-20.htm">Lean</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-14.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-21.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-30.htm">Sovereign</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 34</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/34-1.htm">A reproof of the shepherds</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/34-7.htm">God's judgment against them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">His providence over his flock</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/34-20.htm">The kingdom of Christ</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them:</b><br>This phrase introduces a direct message from God, emphasizing divine authority and the seriousness of the proclamation. In the context of Ezekiel, God often speaks directly to His people through the prophet, underscoring the importance of the message. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) highlights both His sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. This phrase sets the stage for a divine intervention, indicating that what follows is not merely a human opinion but a decree from the Creator.<p><b>‘Behold, I Myself will judge:</b><br>The declaration "I Myself" emphasizes God's personal involvement in the judgment process, indicating that He will not delegate this task to others. This reflects God's intimate concern for justice and righteousness among His people. In the broader biblical narrative, God is often portrayed as the ultimate judge (<a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Psalm 50:6</a>, <a href="/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12</a>), ensuring that His standards are upheld. This personal involvement also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who will execute judgment (<a href="/john/5-22.htm">John 5:22</a>).<p><b>between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.</b><br>The imagery of "fat sheep" and "lean sheep" symbolizes the disparity between the powerful and the oppressed within the community of Israel. The "fat sheep" represent those who have exploited their position for personal gain, neglecting the needs of others, while the "lean sheep" symbolize those who have been marginalized and mistreated. This metaphor aligns with the broader biblical theme of God defending the oppressed and holding the powerful accountable (<a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>, <a href="/james/5.htm">James 5:1-6</a>). The judgment between these groups reflects God's commitment to justice and equity, ensuring that the wrongs are righted. This also points to the messianic role of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>), who cares for all His sheep and ensures justice within His flock.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD</a></b><br>The sovereign and divine authority who speaks and acts in judgment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>The prophet through whom God delivers His message to the people of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fat_sheep.htm">Fat Sheep</a></b><br>Symbolic of the leaders and those in power who have exploited others.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/lean_sheep.htm">Lean Sheep</a></b><br>Represent the oppressed and marginalized within the community.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the prophecy is directed, specifically addressing their leaders and people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_is_impartial.htm">God's Justice is Impartial</a></b><br>God Himself will judge between the fat and lean sheep, emphasizing His fairness and impartiality.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_accountability.htm">Leadership Accountability</a></b><br>Those in positions of power are held accountable for their treatment of others, especially the vulnerable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_care_for_the_oppressed.htm">God's Care for the Oppressed</a></b><br>The lean sheep symbolize those who are oppressed, and God promises to defend and vindicate them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives to ensure they are not acting as "fat sheep" in their relationships and responsibilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_for_restoration.htm">Hope for Restoration</a></b><br>God's judgment is not only punitive but also restorative, aiming to bring justice and healing to His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 34</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_anointing's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What qualities define a good shepherd in scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_difference_between_a_diocese_and_an_archdiocese.htm">How do sheep survive among wolves?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_role_of_the_good_shepherd.htm">What is the role of the Good Shepherd?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_destroy_both_justly.htm">In Ezekiel 21:3-4, how can God threaten to destroy both the righteous and the wicked without contradicting other texts that portray Him as just?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Therefore,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֵ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this is what</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(kōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">GOD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוִ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them:</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנְנִי־</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I Myself</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֕נִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will judge</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָֽׁפַטְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šā·p̄aṭ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּֽין־</span> <span class="translit">(bên-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the fat</span><br /><span class="heb">בִרְיָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇir·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1277.htm">Strong's 1277: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fatted, plump</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sheep</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׂ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7716.htm">Strong's 7716: </a> </span><span class="str2">A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the lean</span><br /><span class="heb">רָזָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·zāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7330.htm">Strong's 7330: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sheep.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7716.htm">Strong's 7716: </a> </span><span class="str2">A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/34-20.htm">Ezekiel 34:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/34-20.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 34:20 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/34-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 34:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 34:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/34-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 34:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 34:21" /></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>