Ezekiel 34:4

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 1 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחוֹלָ֣ה The diseased H2470
הַחוֹלָ֣ה The diseased
Strong's: H2470
Word #: 2 of 23
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
לֹ֨א H3808
לֹ֨א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חִזַּקְתֶּ֜ם have ye not strengthened H2388
חִזַּקְתֶּ֜ם have ye not strengthened
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 4 of 23
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 #: 5 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחוֹלָ֣ה The diseased H2470
הַחוֹלָ֣ה The diseased
Strong's: H2470
Word #: 6 of 23
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רִפֵּאתֶ֗ם neither have ye healed H7495
רִפֵּאתֶ֗ם neither have ye healed
Strong's: H7495
Word #: 8 of 23
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֙רֶת֙ that which was broken H7665
וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֙רֶת֙ that which was broken
Strong's: H7665
Word #: 9 of 23
to burst (literally or figuratively)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חֲבַשְׁתֶּ֔ם neither have ye bound up H2280
חֲבַשְׁתֶּ֔ם neither have ye bound up
Strong's: H2280
Word #: 11 of 23
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנִּדַּ֙חַת֙ that which was driven away H5080
הַנִּדַּ֙חַת֙ that which was driven away
Strong's: H5080
Word #: 13 of 23
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 14 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֲשֵׁבֹתֶ֔ם neither have ye brought again H7725
הֲשֵׁבֹתֶ֔ם neither have ye brought again
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 15 of 23
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 16 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאֹבֶ֖דֶת that which was lost H6
הָאֹבֶ֖דֶת that which was lost
Strong's: H6
Word #: 17 of 23
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 18 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בִקַּשְׁתֶּ֑ם neither have ye sought H1245
בִקַּשְׁתֶּ֑ם neither have ye sought
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 19 of 23
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
וּבְחָזְקָ֛ה but with force H2394
וּבְחָזְקָ֛ה but with force
Strong's: H2394
Word #: 20 of 23
vehemence (usually in a bad sense)
רְדִיתֶ֥ם have ye ruled H7287
רְדִיתֶ֥ם have ye ruled
Strong's: H7287
Word #: 21 of 23
to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
אֹתָ֖ם H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 22 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּבְפָֽרֶךְ׃ and with cruelty H6531
וּבְפָֽרֶךְ׃ and with cruelty
Strong's: H6531
Word #: 23 of 23
fracture, i.e., severity

Analysis & Commentary

"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." This comprehensive indictment lists shepherds' failures: neglecting weak, ignoring sick, abandoning broken, not seeking lost. True pastoral ministry requires compassion, diligence, and sacrifice—strengthening the weak, healing the sick, restoring the fallen, seeking the lost. Christ perfectly fulfills this shepherd role, seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10). Reformed pastoral theology emphasizes shepherding as primary ministerial function, not just preaching but personal care, discipline, and restoration.

Historical Context

Judah's leaders (586 BC) failed every pastoral responsibility. Instead of strengthening faith, they promoted idolatry. Instead of healing spiritual sickness, they offered false assurances. Instead of restoring the fallen, they exploited them. Instead of seeking the lost, they drove them further away. This wholesale pastoral failure necessitated exile. The passage shaped Christian understanding of ministry—shepherds must actively care for individuals, not just manage institutions. Jesus's parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) echoes this passage, emphasizing God's concern for each individual.

Questions for Reflection

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