Ezekiel 34:14

Authorized King James Version

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמִרְעֶ֥ה

H4829

pasture

pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals

טּ֔וֹב

H2896

in a good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה

H7462

I will feed

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אֹתָ֔ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָרֵ֥י

H2022

mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מְרֽוֹם

H4791

and upon the high

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יִהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּנָ֣וֶה

H5116

fold

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

#10

שָׁ֤ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#11

תִּרְבַּ֙צְנָה֙

H7257

be there shall they lie

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

#12

בְּנָ֣וֶה

H5116

fold

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

#13

טּ֔וֹב

H2896

in a good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#14

וּמִרְעֶ֥ה

H4829

pasture

pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals

#15

שָׁמֵ֛ן

H8082

and in a fat

greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich

#16

תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה

H7462

I will feed

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

הָרֵ֥י

H2022

mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#19

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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