King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:13 in the King James Version says “And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, an... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Ezekiel 34:13 · KJV


Context

11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

12

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. As: Heb. According to the seeking

13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

14

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.

15

I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country." God promises comprehensive restoration: regathering from exile, return to homeland, abundant provision. The threefold promise emphasizes divine initiative. This had partial fulfillment in post-exilic return but awaits complete fulfillment in Christ's gathering elect from all nations. The Reformed view sees spiritual fulfillment: God gathering His people into the church, feeding them with Word and sacrament, providing eternal security.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The promise (586 BC) addressed exiles mourning dispersion. Cyrus's decree (539 BC) began fulfillment, allowing Jewish return. However, most remained scattered, and even returnees faced hardship. Complete fulfillment came through Christ gathering elect from every nation into spiritual Israel (the church). The physical geography (mountains of Israel, rivers, inhabited places) foreshadows spiritual realities: abundant provision in Christ, security in God's kingdom, eternal fellowship in new creation. What God promised Israel He fulfills expansively in the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to gather and feed encourage believers experiencing spiritual exile?
  2. What is the relationship between physical restoration promises and spiritual realities in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהוֹצֵאתִ֣ים1 of 17

And I will bring them out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִן2 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעַמִּ֗ים3 of 17

from the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְקִבַּצְתִּים֙4 of 17

and gather

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

מִן5 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָֽרֶץ׃6 of 17

of the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַהֲבִֽיאוֹתִ֖ים7 of 17

and will bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל8 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַדְמָתָ֑ם9 of 17

them to their own land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

וּרְעִיתִים֙10 of 17

and feed

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אֶל11 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָרֵ֣י12 of 17

them upon the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל13 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בָּאֲפִיקִ֕ים14 of 17

by the rivers

H650

properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero

וּבְכֹ֖ל15 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מוֹשְׁבֵ֥י16 of 17

and in all the inhabited places

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

of the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 34:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 34:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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