Ezekiel 34:2
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?
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 25
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הִנָּבֵ֣א
prophesy
H5012
הִנָּבֵ֣א
prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
3 of 25
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
H7462
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
5 of 25
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
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הִנָּבֵ֣א
prophesy
H5012
הִנָּבֵ֣א
prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
7 of 25
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
H7462
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
10 of 25
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
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
H7462
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
16 of 25
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
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
17 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיוּ֙
H1961
הָיוּ֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
19 of 25
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
H7462
הָרֹעִֽים׃
against the shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
20 of 25
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
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
22 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַצֹּ֔אן
the flocks
H6629
הַצֹּ֔אן
the flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
23 of 25
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:1Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.Jeremiah 3:15And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.Isaiah 40:11He 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.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Jeremiah 10:21For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.Acts 20:29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.Zechariah 11:17Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.Ezekiel 13:19And 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?Acts 20:26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Historical Context
Ezekiel prophesied against Judah's corrupt leadership (586 BC)—kings, priests, nobles who enriched themselves while neglecting people's spiritual welfare. These shepherds led Israel into idolatry, political alliances with Egypt, and social oppression. Archaeological evidence reveals extreme wealth disparity in pre-exilic Judah—luxury for elites, poverty for masses. The shepherds' failure culminated in exile and Davidic monarchy's collapse. This pattern repeats when church leaders pursue power, wealth, or prestige rather than faithful ministry. The passage warns that God holds shepherds accountable for flock's spiritual condition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this indictment challenge leaders who use ministry for personal advancement rather than serving God's people?
- What characteristics distinguish genuine shepherds from hirelings or exploiters?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" This indictment targets corrupt leaders who exploit rather than serve God's people. The shepherd metaphor appears throughout Scripture—leaders as shepherds, people as sheep. True shepherds feed, protect, and guide the flock; false shepherds exploit sheep for personal gain. This passage anticipates Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Reformed polity emphasizes plurality of elders and accountability to prevent shepherds becoming hirelings who flee danger or exploiters who fleece the flock.