Ezekiel 34:8
As 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;
Original Language Analysis
חַיַּ֤ת
As I live
H2416
חַיַּ֤ת
As I live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
1 of 31
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 31
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 31
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַ֣עַן
H3282
יַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
8 of 31
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
הֱיֽוֹת
H1961
הֱיֽוֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 31
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
H6629
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
10 of 31
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וַתִּֽהְיֶינָה֩
H1961
וַתִּֽהְיֶינָה֩
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 31
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
H6629
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
13 of 31
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 31
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַיַּ֤ת
As I live
H2416
חַיַּ֤ת
As I live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
16 of 31
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
מֵאֵ֣ין
H369
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
H7462
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
19 of 31
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
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
20 of 31
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דָרְשׁ֥וּ
search
H1875
דָרְשׁ֥וּ
search
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
21 of 31
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
H7462
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
22 of 31
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
23 of 31
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
H6629
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
24 of 31
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
H7462
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
25 of 31
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
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
H7462
רָעֽוּ׃
because there was no shepherd
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
26 of 31
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 #:
27 of 31
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
28 of 31
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
H6629
צֹאנִ֖י
and my flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
29 of 31
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
Historical Context
This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life for the sheep, and calls undershepherds (pastors/elders) to feed and protect God's flock (1 Peter 5:1-4). True shepherds serve the sheep's welfare, not their own interests, demonstrating Christlike servant leadership.