Ezekiel 34:4

Authorized King James Version

The 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶֽת

H853

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

הַחוֹלָ֣ה

H2470

The diseased

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

לֹ֨א

H3808

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

חִזַּקְתֶּ֜ם

H2388

have ye not strengthened

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְאֶת

H853

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

הַחוֹלָ֣ה

H2470

The diseased

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

לֹֽא

H3808

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

רִפֵּאתֶ֗ם

H7495

neither have ye healed

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֙רֶת֙

H7665

that which was broken

to burst (literally or figuratively)

#10

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#11

חֲבַשְׁתֶּ֔ם

H2280

neither have ye bound up

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

#12

וְאֶת

H853

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

#13

הַנִּדַּ֙חַת֙

H5080

that which was driven away

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

#14

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#15

הֲשֵׁבֹתֶ֔ם

H7725

neither have ye brought again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#16

וְאֶת

H853

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

#17

הָאֹבֶ֖דֶת

that which was lost

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

#18

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#19

בִקַּשְׁתֶּ֑ם

H1245

neither have ye sought

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#20

וּבְחָזְקָ֛ה

H2394

but with force

vehemence (usually in a bad sense)

#21

רְדִיתֶ֥ם

H7287

have ye ruled

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

#22

אֹתָ֖ם

H853

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

#23

וּבְפָֽרֶךְ׃

H6531

and with cruelty

fracture, i.e., severity

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

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