Ezekiel 34:16
I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאֹבֶ֤דֶת
that which was lost
H6
הָאֹבֶ֤דֶת
that which was lost
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
אֲבַקֵּשׁ֙
I will seek
H1245
אֲבַקֵּשׁ֙
I will seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
3 of 18
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנִּדַּ֣חַת
that which was driven away
H5080
הַנִּדַּ֣חַת
that which was driven away
Strong's:
H5080
Word #:
5 of 18
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
אָשִׁ֔יב
and bring again
H7725
אָשִׁ֔יב
and bring again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֣רֶת
that which was broken
H7665
וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֣רֶת
that which was broken
Strong's:
H7665
Word #:
7 of 18
to burst (literally or figuratively)
אֶחֱבֹ֔שׁ
and will bind up
H2280
אֶחֱבֹ֔שׁ
and will bind up
Strong's:
H2280
Word #:
8 of 18
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחוֹלָ֖ה
that which was sick
H2470
הַחוֹלָ֖ה
that which was sick
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
אֲחַזֵּ֑ק
and will strengthen
H2388
אֲחַזֵּ֑ק
and will strengthen
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
11 of 18
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֲזָקָ֛ה
and the strong
H2389
הַחֲזָקָ֛ה
and the strong
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
15 of 18
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
Cross References
Luke 19:10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.Isaiah 49:26And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.Ezekiel 34:11For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.Ezekiel 34:4The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.Mark 2:17When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Isaiah 10:16Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.Isaiah 5:17Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.Ezekiel 39:18Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.Jeremiah 10:24O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.Micah 7:14Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.
Historical Context
Pre-exilic Judah (586 BC) witnessed extreme oppression—wealthy elites exploiting the poor while priests and prophets offered false comfort. God promises to reverse this injustice: restoring the oppressed and judging oppressors. This pattern repeats throughout redemptive history—God raises the humble and humbles the proud (Luke 1:52-53). The Pharisees exemplified the "fat and strong" whom Jesus condemned, while tax collectors and sinners exemplified the broken whom He restored. The principle guides Christian social ethics—defending the vulnerable and confronting injustice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's dual promise of restoration and judgment shape your understanding of His character?
- What responsibility do believers have toward the "broken and sick" in society?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment." God promises comprehensive restoration for the weak and vulnerable but judgment for oppressors. The "fat and strong" are exploitative leaders who enriched themselves. God's justice involves both salvation and judgment—rescuing victims while punishing oppressors. This dual action reflects God's character: compassionate toward the humble, opposed to the proud. The gospel similarly offers salvation to repentant sinners while threatening judgment on the impenitent.