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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 34:8 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,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/34-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/26_Ezk_34_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 34:8 - A Prophecy Against Israel's Shepherds" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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," /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/34-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/34-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/34.htm">Chapter 34</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/34-7.htm" title="Ezekiel 34:7">◄</a> Ezekiel 34:8 <a href="/ezekiel/34-9.htm" title="Ezekiel 34:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ezekiel/34.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/34.htm">New International Version</a> As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/34.htm">New Living Translation</a> As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you abandoned my flock and left them to be attacked by every wild animal. And though you were my shepherds, you didn’t search for my sheep when they were lost. You took care of yourselves and left the sheep to starve. <a href="/esv/ezekiel/34.htm">English Standard Version</a> As I live, declares the Lord GOD, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep, <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> ‘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, <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/34.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/ezekiel/34.htm">New King James Version</a> “As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock”— <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “certainly, because My flock has become plunder, and My flock has become food for all the animals of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock, <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/34.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220As I live,&#8221 declares the Lord GOD, &#8220surely because My flock has become a prey, My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock; <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “surely because My flock has become a prey, My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock; <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “As I live,” declares Lord Yahweh, “surely because My flock has become plunder, My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not seek for My flock, but rather the shepherds shepherded themselves and did not shepherd My flock; <a href="/amp/ezekiel/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “certainly because My flock has become prey, My flock has even become food for every predator of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock; <a href="/csb/ezekiel/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—because my flock, lacking a shepherd, has become prey and food for every wild animal, and because my shepherds do not search for my flock, and because the shepherds feed themselves rather than my flock, <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> As I live"—the declaration of the Lord GOD—"because My flock has become prey and food for every wild animal since they lack a shepherd, for My shepherds do not search for My flock, and because the shepherds feed themselves rather than My flock, <a href="/asv/ezekiel/34.htm">American Standard Version</a> As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely forasmuch as my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my sheep; <a href="/erv/ezekiel/34.htm">English Revised Version</a> As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely forasmuch as my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became meat to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my sheep; <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As I live, declares the Almighty LORD, because there is no shepherd, my sheep have become prey. My sheep have become food for every wild animal. My shepherds haven't searched for my sheep. They have taken care of only themselves, not my sheep. <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/34.htm">Good News Translation</a> As surely as I am the living God, you had better listen to me. My sheep have been attacked by wild animals that killed and ate them because there was no shepherd. My shepherds did not try to find the sheep. They were taking care of themselves and not the sheep. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/34.htm">International Standard Version</a> As certainly as I'm alive and living, my sheep have truly become victims, food for all of the wild animals because there are no shepherds. My shepherds did not go searching for my flock. Instead, the shepherds fed themselves, and my flock they would not feed!' <a href="/msb/ezekiel/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?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, <a href="/net/ezekiel/34.htm">NET Bible</a> As surely as I live, declares the sovereign LORD, my sheep have become prey and have become food for all the wild beasts. There was no shepherd, and my shepherds did not search for my flock, but fed themselves and did not feed my sheep, <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely because my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the animals of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and didn't feed my sheep'; <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became food 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="/web/ezekiel/34.htm">World English Bible</a> “As I live,” says the Lord Yahweh, “surely because my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the animals of the field, because there was no shepherd, and my shepherds didn’t search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and didn’t feed my sheep, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> [As] I live—a declaration of Lord YHWH, "" If not, because of My flock being for a prey, "" Indeed, My flock is for food to every beast of the field, "" Because there is no shepherd, "" And My shepherds have not sought My flock, "" And the shepherds feed themselves, "" And they have not fed My flock. <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I live -- an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, If not, because of My flock being for a prey, Yea, My flock is for food to every beast of the field, Because there is no shepherd, And My shepherds have not sought My flock, And the shepherds do feed themselves, And My flock they have not fed. <a href="/slt/ezekiel/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I live, says the Lord Jehovah, if not my sheep were for plunder and my sheep will be for consuming to all the beasts of the field from no shepherd; and the shepherds sought not my sheep, and the shepherds will feed themselves, and my sheep they fed not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> As I live, saith the Lord God, forasmuch as my flocks have been made a spoil, and my sheep are become a prey to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd: for my shepherds did not seek after my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flocks: <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> As I live, says the Lord God, since my flocks have become a prey, and my sheep have been devoured by all the wild beasts of the field, since there was no shepherd, for my shepherds did not seek my flock, but instead the shepherds fed themselves, and they did not feed my flocks: <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/34.htm">New American Bible</a> As I live—oracle of the Lord GOD—because my sheep became plunder, because my sheep became food for wild beasts, for lack of a shepherd, because my shepherds did not look after my sheep, but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep, <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> As I live, says the Lord GOD, because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild animals, since there was no shepherd; and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> As I live, says the LORD God, because my flock became a prey and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd; neither did the shepherds feed my flocks, but the shepherds fed themselves and have not fed my flock; <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> As I am alive, says THE LORD OF LORDS, because my sheep were for prey and my sheep were food for every animal of the wilderness which is without a Shepherd, and the Shepherds did not feed my sheep, but the Shepherds fed themselves and they did not feed my sheep<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely forasmuch as My sheep became a prey, and My sheep became food to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did My shepherds search for My sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not My sheep; <a href="/sep/ezekiel/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became meat to all the wild beasts of the field, because there were no shepherds, and the shepherds sought not out my sheep, and the shepherds fed themselves, but fed not my sheep. <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/34-8.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=10009" 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> …7Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 8<a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">‘As surely as I</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</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/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3282.htm" title="3282: ya·‘an (Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to pay attention; properly, heed; by implication, purpose; used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause.">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">My flock</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: mê·’ên (Prep-m:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">a shepherd</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hĕ·yō·wṯ- (V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and has become</a> <a href="/hebrew/957.htm" title="957: lā·ḇaz (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Spoiling, robbery, spoil, booty. From bazaz; plunder.">prey</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wat·tih·ye·nāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- 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/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/402.htm" title="402: lə·’āḵ·lāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Food, eating. Feminine of 'Ukal; food.">food</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">for every</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: haś·śā·ḏeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">wild</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yaṯ (N-fsc) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">beast,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘ay (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">and because My shepherds</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: ḏā·rə·šū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">search</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">for My flock</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: way·yir·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">but fed</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."></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/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">instead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rā·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively."></a> 9therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!’…<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="/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="/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="/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="/isaiah/56-9.htm">Isaiah 56:9-12</a> Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest. / 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: ... <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="/jeremiah/50-6.htm">Jeremiah 50:6-7</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. / 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.’ <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="/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="/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="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/jeremiah/10-21.htm">Jeremiah 10:21</a> For the shepherds have become senseless; they do not seek the LORD. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. <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="/zechariah/10-2.htm">Zechariah 10:2</a> 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. <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>As I live, said 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;prey<a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Ezekiel 34:5,6,31</a> And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered… the shepherds<a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2,3,10</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="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33</a> I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">1 Corinthians 9:15</a> But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-32.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Field</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-7.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Food</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-27.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-19.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-6.htm">Search</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-6.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-7.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-33.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Themselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/34-25.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-28.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-25.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-15.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-18.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-27.htm">Field</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-9.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Food</a> <a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-25.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-22.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Search</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-12.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-9.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/ezekiel/35-6.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Themselves</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>As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, This phrase emphasizes the certainty and authority of God's declaration. It is a solemn oath, underscoring the seriousness of the message. Similar expressions are found throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/numbers/14-21.htm">Numbers 14:21</a> and <a href="/isaiah/49-18.htm">Isaiah 49:18</a>, where God swears by His own life, highlighting His unchanging nature and the reliability of His promises.because My flock lacks a shepherd The imagery of a flock without a shepherd is a common biblical metaphor for people without guidance or leadership. In the historical context, this refers to the leaders of Israel who failed to care for the people. The shepherd motif is prevalent in Scripture, with God often depicted as the ultimate Shepherd (<a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>). This also foreshadows Jesus Christ, who identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>, providing the care and leadership that was lacking.and has become prey and food for every wild beast, This phrase illustrates the vulnerability and danger faced by the people of Israel due to the absence of proper leadership. Wild beasts symbolize the surrounding nations and external threats that took advantage of Israel's weakened state. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic warnings, such as in <a href="/jeremiah/50-17.htm">Jeremiah 50:17</a>, where Israel is described as scattered sheep devoured by lions.and because My shepherds did not search for My flock The shepherds, representing the leaders and priests of Israel, are criticized for their negligence. They failed in their duty to seek out and care for the people, leading to their dispersion and suffering. This neglect is condemned in other prophetic writings, such as in <a href="/jeremiah/23.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-2</a>, where God promises to punish the shepherds who destroy and scatter His flock.but fed themselves instead, This phrase highlights the selfishness and corruption of the leaders, who prioritized their own needs over the welfare of the people. This self-serving behavior is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Isaiah 56:11</a>, where the leaders are described as greedy dogs who never have enough. This contrasts with the selfless nature of Christ, who came to serve and give His life for the sheep (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD</a> The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks with authority and judgment. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_flock.htm">The Flock</a> Represents the people of Israel, God's chosen people, who are in need of guidance and protection. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shepherds.htm">Shepherds</a> Symbolic of the leaders of Israel, including kings, priests, and prophets, who were responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the people. 4. <a href="/topical/w/wild_beasts.htm">Wild Beasts</a> Metaphorically represents the enemies and oppressors of Israel who take advantage of the people's vulnerability. 5. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> The prophet through whom God delivers this message, serving as a watchman for the house of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_leadership.htm">The Responsibility of Leadership</a> Leaders are accountable to God for the care and guidance of those entrusted to them. Neglect and self-interest lead to judgment. <a href="/topical/g/god's_compassion_for_his_people.htm">God's Compassion for His People</a> Despite the failure of human leaders, God remains committed to His people and will intervene to protect and restore them. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_neglect.htm">The Danger of Neglect</a> When leaders fail to fulfill their duties, the people suffer and become vulnerable to external threats. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_ultimate_shepherd.htm">Christ as the Ultimate Shepherd</a> Jesus fulfills the role of the perfect Shepherd, providing an example for all leaders to follow. <a href="/topical/c/call_to_faithful_service.htm">Call to Faithful Service</a> Believers are called to serve others selflessly, reflecting God's love and care in their communities.<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/why_no_external_records_of_ezekiel_34.htm">Ezekiel 34 - Why didn't contemporary historical records outside the Bible mention this supposed divine intervention in Israel's leadership crisis?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_the_magi_observe_in_the_east.htm">What does 'One Shepherd and One Flock' mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_angels_sin_in_sinless_heaven.htm">What does 'Sheep Without a Shepherd' mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_some_bad_leaders_go_unpunished.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-2: How can God condemn 'shepherds' who mislead the flock while, historically, many oppressive leaders seem to go unpunished?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>‘As surely as I אָ֜נִי (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I live, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life declares נְאֻ֣ם ׀ (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> An oracle 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 because יַ֣עַן (ya·‘an) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3282.htm">Strong's 3282: </a> Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause My flock צֹאנִ֣י ׀ (ṣō·nî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock lacks מֵאֵ֣ין (mê·’ên) Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle a shepherd רֹעֶ֔ה (rō·‘eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with and has become הֱיֽוֹת־ (hĕ·yō·wṯ-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be prey לָבַ֡ז (lā·ḇaz) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_957.htm">Strong's 957: </a> Spoiling, robbery, spoil, booty [and] צֹאנִ֨י (ṣō·nî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock food לְאָכְלָ֜ה (lə·’āḵ·lāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_402.htm">Strong's 402: </a> Food, eating for every לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every wild הַשָּׂדֶה֙ (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land beast, חַיַּ֤ת (ḥay·yaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and because My shepherds רֹעַ֖י (rō·‘ay) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with did not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no search דָרְשׁ֥וּ (ḏā·rə·šū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship for My flock צֹאנִ֑י (ṣō·nî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock but fed וַיִּרְע֤וּ (way·yir·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive 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 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 [instead], וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Ezekiel 34:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-8.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 34:8 As I live says the Lord Yahweh (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/34-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 34:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 34:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/34-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 34:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 34:9" /></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>