Ezekiel 34:21 kjv
Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;
Ezekiel 34:21 nkjv
Because you have pushed with side and shoulder, butted all the weak ones with your horns, and scattered them abroad,
Ezekiel 34:21 niv
Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away,
Ezekiel 34:21 esv
Because you push with side and shoulder, and thrust at all the weak with your horns, till you have scattered them abroad,
Ezekiel 34:21 nlt
For you fat sheep pushed and butted and crowded my sick and hungry flock until you scattered them to distant lands.
Ezekiel 34 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 34 | Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: | Context: Introduction of rebuke |
| Ezekiel 34 | "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel." | Context: God's accusation |
| Ezekiel 34 | "I am against the shepherds and will demand My sheep from them..." | Polemic: Against corrupt leaders |
| Psalm 23:1 | The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. | Fulfillment: God as the Shepherd |
| Isaiah 40:11 | He will tend his flock like a shepherd... | Fulfillment: God's shepherding |
| John 10:11 | "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life..." | Fulfillment: Jesus as the Shepherd |
| Jeremiah 23:4 | "I will raise up shepherds over them who will feed them..." | Fulfillment: Messianic promise |
| Psalm 72:13 | He will have compassion on the weak and the needy... | Parallel: Divine care for needy |
| Micah 4:6 | "In that day," declares the LORD, "I will gather the lame..." | Fulfillment: Restoration of flock |
| Matthew 25:31-46 | Judgment of nations: separating sheep from goats. | Parallel: Divine judgment |
| Luke 15:4-7 | Parable of the lost sheep. | Parallel: God's seeking care |
| Romans 10:12 | "For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile..." | Context: Inclusivity of salvation |
| 1 Peter 5:2 | "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care..." | Application: Pastoral responsibility |
| Hebrews 13:20 | "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the..." | Fulfillment: Covenant through Christ |
| Isaiah 65:10 | Sharon will become a pasture for flocks... | Fulfillment: Prosperity of restoration |
| Jeremiah 30:17 | "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds..." | Fulfillment: Healing and restoration |
| Ezekiel 37:24 | "My servant David will be their king..." | Fulfillment: Davidic King |
| Zechariah 11:17 | "Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock!" | Polemic: Against bad shepherds |
| Nahum 3:12 | "All your fortresses are like fig trees with first ripe figs..." | Context: Judgment of Nineveh |
| Ezekiel 22:26 | "Her priests do violence to my law..." | Context: Corruption in Jerusalem |
Ezekiel 34 verses
Ezekiel 34 21 Meaning
This verse, spoken by God through Ezekiel, outlines His future judgment and separation of the righteous from the wicked among the sheep (His people). God will drive out those who have violated His covenant and acted unjustly, especially the strong and powerful who oppressed the weak. He will then act as their Shepherd, personally caring for and vindicating the true flock, bringing them to peace and prosperity. It signifies a divine intervention to restore order and justice within His people.
Ezekiel 34 21 Context
In Ezekiel chapter 34, God vehemently condemns the unfaithful shepherds of Israel—the kings and religious leaders—for exploiting and neglecting the flock entrusted to them. They have feasted on the sheep, scattered them, and shown no concern for the lost, injured, or sick. The chapter vividly describes their selfish actions and the dire consequences for the people.
Historically, this prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile. The people of Judah had suffered greatly due to the corruption and failure of their leaders, which ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem and their exile. Ezekiel's message is a strong indictment of those leaders and a promise of future divine intervention.
Ezekiel 34 21 Word Analysis
- וְגָרַעְתִּי (we-ga-ra`-ti): "And I will remove" or "And I will cut off." This emphasizes a decisive action of separation.
- אֶת־הַחֶזְקִים (et-ha-chaz-qim): "The strong ones." Refers to the powerful, mighty, or robust.
- וְסַרְתִּי (we-sar-ti): "And I will remove" or "And I will cause to go away." Similar to the previous verb, indicating removal.
- מִקִּרְבְּכֶם (mi-qir-be-chem): "From your midst" or "From within you." Highlights the removal from within the community.
- מִשְׁפָּט (mish-pat): "Judgment" or "Justice." Refers to righteous decree or ruling.
- עֶצֶב (etzev): "Violence," "oppression," or "injury." Denotes unjust acts or harm inflicted.
Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis
- "I will remove the strong ones from your midst and I will remove violence": This phrase highlights a two-pronged divine action: the removal of the oppressors themselves and the cessation of the oppressive acts they perpetrate.
- "that they may have no more might to do violence": This clause underscores the completeness of God's intended judgment – not just temporary removal, but a disabling of their capacity for further oppression.
Ezekiel 34 21 Bonus Section
The imagery of "strong ones" doing "violence" points to those who misused their position, wealth, or influence to harm others, likely the wealthy elite and corrupt rulers mentioned earlier in the chapter. The concept of God acting as the Shepherd ("I Myself will search for My sheep") directly contrasts with the failure of human shepherds and serves as a promise of His active and personal care for His people. This divine shepherding anticipates a time of peace and security where the sheep will graze without fear, a theme powerfully echoed in prophetic and New Testament passages describing the blessings of God's Kingdom.
Ezekiel 34 21 Commentary
This verse is pivotal in God's discourse on shepherding. It marks the turning point from judgment to restoration. God declares He will act decisively against the wicked, specifically targeting the powerful oppressors within the community. Their strength will be neutralized, and their violent practices will cease. This is not mere punishment but a purging to pave the way for genuine shepherding. God Himself will then step in to tend to the true flock, ensuring their safety, peace, and well-being. This foretells a divine reordering of leadership and care, culminating in a restored covenant community under God's direct guidance. It foreshadows Christ's work as the Good Shepherd who defeats oppressive spiritual powers and cares for His sheep.