Ezekiel Chapter 34 · Verse 5
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
Original Language Analysis
וַתְּפוּצֶֽינָה׃
And they were scattered
H6327
וַתְּפוּצֶֽינָה׃
And they were scattered
Strong's:
H6327
Word #:
1 of 9
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
מִבְּלִ֣י
H1097
מִבְּלִ֣י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
רֹעֶ֑ה
because there is no shepherd
H7462
רֹעֶ֑ה
because there is no shepherd
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
3 of 9
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
וַתִּהְיֶ֧ינָה
H1961
וַתִּהְיֶ֧ינָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַיַּ֥ת
to all the beasts
H2416
חַיַּ֥ת
to all the beasts
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 9
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.2 Chronicles 18:16Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.Jeremiah 23:2Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.Ezekiel 34:8As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;Isaiah 56:9All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.Jeremiah 50:17Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.1 Kings 22:17And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.
Historical Context
Israel's corrupt leadership (586 BC) left people spiritually defenseless against Babylonian conquest. The scattered sheep represented both physical dispersion and spiritual vulnerability. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread scattering of Judeans throughout Mesopotamia. Without faithful leaders, people abandoned Yahweh worship for pagan practices. This pattern repeats when churches lack faithful shepherding: members scatter into error or worldliness. The passage emphasizes ministry's crucial importance: faithful shepherding prevents catastrophic scattering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does absence of faithful shepherding leave believers vulnerable to spiritual predators?
- What characteristics distinguish faithful shepherds from neglectful hirelings?
Analysis & Commentary
"And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered." Absence of faithful shepherds leaves sheep vulnerable to predators. The imagery depicts both physical danger and spiritual corruption. Without godly leadership, people fall prey to false teaching, immorality, and exploitation. This emphasizes pastoral responsibility: shepherds must actively protect, guide, and feed the flock. Christ as the Good Shepherd provides what human shepherds fail to give—perfect protection, complete provision, eternal security.