Ezekiel 34 14

Ezekiel 34:14 kjv

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 34:14 nkjv

I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 34:14 niv

I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 34:14 esv

I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 34:14 nlt

Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills.

Ezekiel 34 verses

Ezekiel 34 14 Meaning

This verse promises restoration and spiritual nourishment for God's people. It signifies a future time when they will be brought back to their own land and will graze in good pastures, experiencing abundance and security. It also speaks to a renewed relationship with God, who will provide for them and lead them personally.

Ezekiel 34 14 Context

Ezekiel 34 is a powerful lament and prophecy concerning the unfaithful shepherds of Israel (its leaders). God contrasts these corrupt leaders with Himself, promising to be the true Shepherd of His people. This chapter follows Ezekiel's pronouncements of judgment against Israel's neighbors and comes within the broader context of the Babylonian exile, where God's people were scattered and oppressed. This verse, specifically, shifts from condemnation to a glorious promise of future restoration and care. It speaks of a return from exile and a new era of divine leadership and provision, highlighting a deeply personal and abundant relationship between God and His redeemed flock.

Ezekiel 34 14 Word Analysis

• I (אָנֹכִי - anokhi): First-person singular pronoun. Emphasizes God's direct involvement and personal commitment to His people. It is a declaration of His intent and power.

• will feed (רָעִיתִי - ra'iti): From the root רָעַע (ra'a'), meaning "to pasture," "to feed," "to tend." It signifies providing sustenance, care, and leadership, aligning with the metaphor of God as a shepherd. This is a promise of active and ongoing care.

• them (בָּהֶם - bahem): Refers back to the flock, God's people, who have been scattered and mistreated. The pronoun connects this promise directly to those who have suffered.

• with good pasture (בְּמִרְעֵה־טֹוב - bemir'eh-tov): "Mir'eh" signifies a pasture, a place of grazing and sustenance. "Tov" means good, excellent, pleasant. This denotes not just physical nourishment but also spiritual abundance, satisfaction, and well-being, far superior to anything previously experienced. It implies fertile ground for spiritual growth.

• and their folds (וּפְלַטְתָּם - ufelettam): "Peletah" can mean a place of escape, deliverance, or a refuge. In the context of sheepfolds, it implies secure places for the flock. "U" is "and," connecting this promise of secure dwelling to the provision of pasture. The possessive suffix "-tam" indicates that these folds are for "them" (God's people).

• shall be (תִּהְיֶינָה - tihyena): Future tense verb "to be," indicating a future reality for God's people and their folds.

• in high places (בְּמִרְמְסֵי־טֹוב - bemirmsei-tov): This phrase has several possible interpretations and scholarly debate. While the common interpretation suggests "high places," some scholars understand the Hebrew word more accurately as connected to "fatness," "richness," or "best pastures." Given the context of "good pasture" (מִרְעֵה־טֹוב), this likely reinforces the idea of exceptionally fertile and desirable grazing grounds, elevated by quality rather than literal altitude, or perhaps signifying places of safety and prominence within the land. However, the LXX renders this "in the high mountains of Israel" (ἐν τοῖς ὄρεσιν τοῖς ὑψηλοῖς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ - en tois oresin tois hypsēlois tou Israēl). The intent is a place of prosperity and security.

• of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yisra'el): Identifies the recipient of this divine promise as the nation of Israel. The high places of Israel could refer to the elevated terrains of the land itself, but more likely symbolize places of blessing and divine favor within their promised territory.

• Words group by words:

  • "I will feed them with good pasture": This forms a complete promise of sustenance and well-being, using the shepherd metaphor to express God's dedicated care. It's a core Messianic promise found in many prophetic passages.
  • "and their folds shall be in high places of Israel": This phrase complements the promise of pasture by assuring safety, security, and elevated status or quality of dwelling within their own restored land. It paints a picture of peace and prosperity.

Ezekiel 34 14 Bonus Section

This verse stands in stark contrast to the actions of the "shepherds" condemned in the preceding verses (Ezek 34:1-10). Those leaders, driven by self-interest, left the sheep to scatter and become prey. God's promise here is a direct reversal of their failure. The "good pasture" represents the richness of God's provision and covenant blessings, encompassing all that is needed for life and godliness. The imagery of folds in "high places" evokes a sense of secure elevation and distinctness for God's people, distinguishing them as a people set apart and protected under divine rule, rather than being cast down or hidden away in shame. It also signifies a reign of God's presence and sovereignty over Zion, which is often depicted as elevated.

Ezekiel 34 14 Commentary

Ezekiel 34:14 signifies God's ultimate commitment to His people, acting as their Shepherd. After condemning the false shepherds who have exploited and scattered the flock, God declares His own direct and benevolent care. He will lead them to lush pastures, ensuring their complete physical and spiritual nourishment. The "high places of Israel" represent a place of safety, prominence, and divine blessing within the restored land, free from the dangers and oppressions they endured under failing leadership. This verse looks forward to a time of unparalleled security, abundance, and intimate relationship with God, fulfilled supremely in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who provides eternal life and spiritual nourishment for all believers.