Ezekiel 34 6

Ezekiel 34:6 kjv

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.

Ezekiel 34:6 nkjv

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them."

Ezekiel 34:6 niv

My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.

Ezekiel 34:6 esv

they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them.

Ezekiel 34:6 nlt

They have wandered through all the mountains and all the hills, across the face of the earth, yet no one has gone to search for them.

Ezekiel 34 verses

Ezekiel 34 6 Meaning

This verse declares that the flock would be delivered from the grasp of wicked shepherds. God's intervention is portrayed as an act of rescue and a turning point for the sheep.

Ezekiel 34 6 Context

This chapter in Ezekiel vividly contrasts the failures of the corrupt leadership of Israel (the shepherds) with God's perfect and devoted shepherding. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 34:1-5) detailed how these shepherds had selfishly exploited and neglected the flock, leading to their scattering and vulnerability. Ezekiel 34:6 addresses the direct consequence of this mismanagement: the sheep became scattered and vulnerable, falling prey to wild beasts. This context highlights God's righteous judgment upon the negligent leaders and His compassionate intervention to save His people.

Ezekiel 34 6 Word Analysis

• "My sheep":
  • (Hebrew: tsōʾnî / צֹאנִי)
  • Possessive pronoun indicating divine ownership and intimate relationship. God considers Israel His own.
  • Echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's covenant people.
• "were scattered":
  • (Hebrew: niphrədû / נִפְרְדוּ)
  • Passive form of "to separate" or "to divide." Implies they were driven apart, lost their unity and protection.
  • Reflects the consequences of failed leadership and scattering in exile.
• "they had no shepherd":
  • (Hebrew: wəʾên rōʿēh lammô / וְאֵין רֹעֶה לָמּוֹ)
  • "Shepherd" (Hebrew: rōʿēh / רֹעֶה) refers to a leader, protector, and provider. The absence of a true shepherd signifies total abandonment and lack of care.
• "and the sheep were scattered":
  • (Hebrew: wə▪tsōʾn niphreḏû / וְצֹאן נִפְרְדוּ)
  • Repetition reinforces the dire state of the flock.
• "they became food for all the wild beasts":
  • (Hebrew: wə·ḵə·ṯōʾ ·lə·mā·ḏāl / וַתְּהִי לְמַזָּד לְכָל־חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה / wə·ḵə·ṯōʾ ·lə·mā·ḏāl / וַתְּהִי לְמַזָּד לְכָל־חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה)
  • "Wild beasts" (Hebrew: ḥay·yaṯ / חַיַּת) and "field" (Hebrew: haś·śā·ḏeh / הַשָּׂדֶה) symbolize enemies and hostile forces that prey on the vulnerable.
  • This signifies the danger and destruction that came upon Israel due to its spiritual and political disintegration.

Ezekiel 34 6 Bonus Section

The imagery of scattered sheep without a shepherd is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, used to describe the consequences of disobedience and the failure of kings and priests who were meant to guide and protect the people. This passage serves as a powerful indictment of corrupt leadership. In the New Testament, Jesus adopts this imagery, presenting Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares deeply for the lost and scattered flock, even willing to lay down His life for them (John 10). The verse's prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work, gathering all believers into one fold.

Ezekiel 34 6 Commentary

Ezekiel 34:6 paints a stark picture of abandonment and peril. The "sheep" (God's people, Israel) are described as "scattered" and devoid of a "shepherd." This signifies a catastrophic failure in leadership, leaving them exposed to danger. The "wild beasts" represent the enemies and corrupting influences that prey upon a defenseless populace. This verse underscores God's keen awareness of His people's suffering due to the negligence of their appointed leaders and sets the stage for His ultimate act of redemption.