Ezekiel 34:2

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

Son

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

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הִנָּבֵ֣א

H5012

prophesy

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָרֹעִֽים׃

H7462

against the shepherds

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

H3478

of Israel

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

הִנָּבֵ֣א

H5012

prophesy

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֨ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

הָרֹעִֽים׃

H7462

against the shepherds

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

#11

כֹּ֥ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#12

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

#14

יְהוִ֗ה

H3069

GOD

god

#15

ה֤וֹי

H1945

Woe

oh!

#16

הָרֹעִֽים׃

H7462

against the shepherds

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

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

#18

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#19

הָיוּ֙

H1961

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

#20

הָרֹעִֽים׃

H7462

against the shepherds

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

#21

אוֹתָ֔ם

H853

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

#22

הֲל֣וֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

הַצֹּ֔אן

H6629

the flocks

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#24

הָרֹעִֽים׃

H7462

against the shepherds

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

#25

הָרֹעִֽים׃

H7462

against the shepherds

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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