Ezekiel 34 8

Ezekiel 34:8 kjv

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;

Ezekiel 34:8 nkjv

"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock"?

Ezekiel 34:8 niv

As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock,

Ezekiel 34:8 esv

As I live, declares the Lord GOD, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep,

Ezekiel 34:8 nlt

As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you abandoned my flock and left them to be attacked by every wild animal. And though you were my shepherds, you didn't search for my sheep when they were lost. You took care of yourselves and left the sheep to starve.

Ezekiel 34 verses

Ezekiel 34 8 Meaning

This verse speaks of the consequences of Israel's rebellion and infidelity against God. It declares that because they have turned away from God, their enemies will devastate their land, leaving it barren and desolate. The prosperity and fertility they once enjoyed were blessings contingent upon their faithfulness.

Ezekiel 34 8 Context

Ezekiel 34 addresses the failures of the spiritual leaders of Israel, often referred to as "shepherds." God condemns them for exploiting the flock (the people of Israel) rather than caring for them. These leaders, who were appointed to nurture and protect the people, instead prioritized their own gain, leading to the scattering and suffering of the flock.

Historically, this chapter speaks to a period of spiritual decay and political instability in Judah, leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. The people of Israel, intended to be God's treasured possession, were scattered due to their disobedience and the failure of their leaders. The promise of restoration and a true shepherd (God Himself and later fulfilled in Jesus Christ) is a central theme.

Ezekiel 34 8 Word Analysis

• As I live, declares the Lord GOD: This is a strong, emphatic oath, invoking God’s very being as confirmation of His statement. It highlights the absolute certainty of His judgment and promises. (Hebrew: Ḥay-Yᵉhōwah Élohim - "As the LORD God lives.")
• surely because: Indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The coming devastation is a consequence of specific actions. (Hebrew: kī-’im - "surely, if indeed.")
• my flock became a prey: Refers to the people of Israel, likened to sheep, who were vulnerable and defenseless. The "prey" suggests they were ravaged and consumed by external forces. (Hebrew: ṣōʾ nathan lāh maśśēṯ - "my flock given for prey.")
• and my flock has become food for all the wild beasts: This phrase emphasizes the extent of their vulnerability. Without proper shepherding, they were scattered and exposed to various dangers and enemies, which are compared to wild animals that readily devour sheep. (Hebrew: we-maśśēṯ li-ḵol ḥayyôṯ śādeh - "and my flock became food for all wild beasts of the field.")
• since there was no shepherd: This is the core indictment against the leaders. Their absence of care and oversight rendered the flock susceptible to destruction. The lack of a true shepherd is the direct cause of the flock’s demise. (Hebrew: mib-bĕlî rōʿēh - "without a shepherd.")
• and because my shepherds did not seek my flock: The negligence of the shepherds is explicitly stated. They made no effort to find or care for the sheep that were lost or in danger. (Hebrew: we-rōʿāy lōʾ darēšū li-maśśēh - "and my shepherds did not seek my flock.")
• but the shepherds fed themselves: This highlights the selfish motives of the corrupt leaders. Instead of nurturing the flock, they exploited the flock’s resources for their own benefit, consuming the "fat," the best parts, and disregarding the flock's needs. (Hebrew: way-yirʿū ’ĕṯ-maśśēh ‘aṭmōh - "and they fed themselves on the flock.")
• and did not feed my flock: This directly contrasts with the previous clause. Their feeding was self-serving, not nurturing. The flock starved or perished because of this neglect. (Hebrew: we-maśśēh lōʾ hirʿū - "and my flock they did not feed.")
• my flock was scattered: The inevitable outcome of such neglect is that the sheep were dispersed, lost, and unprotected. (Hebrew: nifōḵā maśśēh - "my flock was scattered.")

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "my flock became a prey, and my flock has become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd": This grouping paints a vivid picture of utter desolation and helplessness. The threefold repetition emphasizes the complete abandonment and vulnerability of Israel due to the failure of its appointed leaders. The "wild beasts" represent hostile nations and overwhelming difficulties.
• "my shepherds did not seek my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and did not feed my flock": This powerfully contrasts selfless leadership with selfish leadership. The original purpose of shepherds was to protect and nourish, but these false shepherds reversed the order, feeding on the flock they were meant to feed.

Ezekiel 34 8 Bonus Section

The concept of a shepherd was highly significant in ancient Israel. Shepherds were responsible for guiding their sheep to pastures and water, protecting them from predators, and tending to any sick or injured animals. This verse powerfully inverts that expectation. The shepherds, instead of protecting, actively contributed to the flock’s demise through their greed and negligence. The mention of "wild beasts" serving as food for the flock can be interpreted in multiple ways: literal predation by animals due to scattering, or figurative devouring by enemy nations who exploit the vulnerable. This chapter's themes of judgment and promised restoration provide a profound backdrop for understanding Jesus' self-identification as the "Good Shepherd" who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11-18). He embodies the shepherd that Israel's leaders failed to be, providing true guidance, protection, and eternal life.

Ezekiel 34 8 Commentary

This verse is a pivotal declaration of divine judgment against corrupt leadership. It explains why Israel experienced such devastation: the absence of true shepherding. The leaders failed in their sacred duty, turning God's sheep into prey for external enemies, much like wolves devouring unattended lambs. This speaks to a profound betrayal of trust, not just by the leaders, but a spiritual disloyalty to God Himself, who is the ultimate Shepherd. The scattering of the flock signifies not just geographical dispersal but spiritual lostness and vulnerability. The profound emptiness left by these selfish shepherds is highlighted by God's pronouncement that He will seek His own flock, promising a future where He will be their Shepherd and bring them back to safety and prosperity. This echoes the deep longing for authentic leadership and divine care that resonates throughout scripture, culminating in the figure of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.