Ezekiel 34:5 kjv
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
Ezekiel 34:5 nkjv
So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.
Ezekiel 34:5 niv
So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals.
Ezekiel 34:5 esv
So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered;
Ezekiel 34:5 nlt
So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd, and they are easy prey for any wild animal.
Ezekiel 34 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 34:6 | My sheep were scattered, and there was no one to search or rescue them. | Ezek 34:6 (Immediate context) |
| Jeremiah 23:1 | "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" | Jer 23:1 (Judgment on bad shepherds) |
| Psalm 23:1-3 | "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures..." | Psa 23:1-3 (The Lord as the true shepherd) |
| John 10:11 | "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." | John 10:11 (Jesus as the good shepherd) |
| Matthew 9:36 | When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. | Matt 9:36 (Jesus' compassion for the lost sheep) |
| 1 Peter 5:2-3 | "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly..." | 1 Pet 5:2-3 (Exhortation to shepherds) |
| Zechariah 11:17 | "Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock!..." | Zech 11:17 (Woe to worthless shepherd) |
| Isaiah 56:10-11 | His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are mute dogs that cannot bark, but lie dreaming, loving to sleep. | Isa 56:10-11 (Critique of negligent watchmen) |
| Ezekiel 3:18-20 | "If I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way... his blood will be required at your hand." | Ezek 3:18-20 (Responsibility of the prophet) |
| Psalm 78:52 | But he led his own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. | Psa 78:52 (God leading His people like sheep) |
| Numbers 27:17 | "...and who may go out before them and come in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep that have no shepherd.” | Num 27:17 (Moses praying for a shepherd for Israel) |
| Jeremiah 50:6 | "My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray..." | Jer 50:6 (Israel as lost sheep) |
| 2 Chronicles 18:24-26 | ...And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, "Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?" | 2 Chron 18:24-26 (False prophecy leading astray) |
| Psalm 107:38-40 | He blessed them also, so that they multiplied greatly, and he did not let their livestock diminish. Yet they were diminished and bowed down through oppression, calamity, and sorrow. | Psa 107:38-40 (Consequences of hardship without divine guidance) |
| John 1:16 | For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. | John 1:16 (Christ as source of grace) |
| Luke 1:77 | to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, | Luke 1:77 (John the Baptist's mission) |
| Isaiah 40:11 | He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. | Isa 40:11 (Promise of the tender shepherd) |
| Acts 20:28 | Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. | Acts 20:28 (Exhortation to church elders) |
| Romans 8:14 | For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. | Rom 8:14 (Led by the Spirit) |
| 1 Corinthians 6:20 | for you have been bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. | 1 Cor 6:20 (Belonging to God) |
Ezekiel 34 verses
Ezekiel 34 5 Meaning
This verse describes the dire consequence of a lack of shepherdly care for God's flock (Israel). The sheep are scattered and become prey for wild animals due to negligence. This highlights God's profound concern for His people and His judgment upon ineffective spiritual leaders.
Ezekiel 34 5 Context
This verse is found in Ezekiel chapter 34, a powerful indictment against the faithless shepherds (leaders) of Israel. God, through the prophet Ezekiel, expresses His disappointment and anger over their selfish practices that have harmed the flock. Historically, this chapter addresses the spiritual and political corruption prevalent during the Babylonian exile, when Israel's leaders failed to protect and guide their people. The imagery of scattered sheep is a stark reminder of the consequences of spiritual neglect, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament concerning the leadership of Israel.
Ezekiel 34 5 Word Analysis
- "and": (Hebrew: וְ, wə) A conjunctive particle, linking this clause to the preceding description of the leaders' actions.
- "my sheep": (Hebrew: צֹאנִי, tsoʾnî) Possessive pronoun indicating that the flock belongs to God, emphasizing His ownership and care.
- "were scattered": (Hebrew: נָפֹ֫צוּ, nāpōtsū) Plural verb, past tense (Qal perfect), meaning to be dispersed, spread abroad, or scattered. This implies a loss of order and protection.
- "and": (Hebrew: וְ, wə) Conjunction.
- "there was no shepherd": (Hebrew: וְאֵין־רֹעֶה, wəʾên rōʿeh) Lit. "and there is no shepherd." This highlights the complete absence of proper leadership or guidance.
- "and": (Hebrew: וְ, wə) Conjunction.
- "they became": (Hebrew: וַתִּהְיֶ֫ינָה, wattîhyejnāh) Feminine plural, past tense (Qal perfect), indicating a state of being or transformation.
- "prey": (Hebrew: מַאֲכָל, maʾăḵāl) Lit. "food" or "that which is to be eaten." Refers to something that can be consumed or devoured.
- "to": (Hebrew: לְ, lə) Preposition indicating purpose or destination.
- "all": (Hebrew: כָּל, kāl) Emphasizes the totality of the wild animals.
- "the wild beasts": (Hebrew: חַיּוֹת, ḥayyōt) Plural noun for animals, beasts, or living creatures. In this context, it specifically refers to wild animals that would prey on livestock.
Group by Words Analysis:
- "my sheep were scattered": This phrase succinctly captures the tragic state of God's people when lacking divinely appointed and faithful leadership. The scattering implies vulnerability and loss of direction.
- "there was no shepherd": This is a powerful statement of spiritual abandonment. It underscores the responsibility of shepherds (leaders) and the dire consequences when that responsibility is abdicated or mishandled.
- "they became prey to all the wild beasts": This part of the verse illustrates the immediate and severe repercussions of the scattering. The vulnerability created by the lack of a shepherd results in danger and destruction from external threats, representing spiritual adversaries or negative influences.
Ezekiel 34 5 Bonus Section
The imagery of sheep and shepherds is rich in biblical tradition. From Genesis, where shepherds were important figures, to the Psalms and the prophetic books, this metaphor highlights relationship, care, protection, and leadership. Jesus' declaration of Himself as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10 directly fulfills the promise inherent in this critique of bad shepherds. The concept of scattering also has a prophetic dimension, sometimes associated with judgment or the dispersion of God's people before a restoration. This verse emphasizes not only the failure of human leadership but also God's unwavering commitment to His flock.
Ezekiel 34 5 Commentary
The absence of faithful shepherding leads directly to the flock's vulnerability. God's people, His sheep, are scattered when their leaders are self-serving and negligent. This scattering leaves them exposed to spiritual dangers, likened to wild beasts. The prophet Ezekiel, speaking God's words, contrasts the destructive actions of the current leaders with God's desire for His sheep to be well-cared-for and safe. This verse sets the stage for God's intervention as the ultimate Shepherd, promising to restore and care for His scattered flock personally.