King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:14 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 34:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Read Ezekiel 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Divine Shepherding Imagery: The Hebrew word for "feed" (ra'ah) carries the dual meaning of both pasturing and shepherding, emphasizing God's comprehensive care for His flock. The phrase "good pasture" (mir'eh tov) and "fat pasture" (mir'eh shamen) indicate abundance and richness, contrasting sharply with the poor shepherding described earlier in the chapter where Israel's leaders exploited rather than nourished the people.

Mountains of Israel: The "high mountains" (harei meron Yisrael) represent not just literal geography but the restored prominence and elevation of God's people in the messianic age. The word "fold" (naveh) suggests a secure dwelling place, a habitation of rest and safety where sheep can lie down without fear. This verse presents a messianic vision where God Himself becomes the shepherd, providing perfect pasture and complete security. The repetition of "good" emphasizes the quality and certainty of divine provision, pointing forward to Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) who leads His flock to abundant life. The promise encompasses both physical restoration to the land and spiritual restoration to relationship with God, fulfilled progressively through Israel's return from exile and ultimately in Christ's kingdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was given during Ezekiel's Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), when Israel's political and spiritual leaders had failed catastrophically. The "shepherds of Israel" (kings, priests, and prophets) had exploited rather than protected God's people, leading to national destruction and exile. The imagery of mountain pastures would resonate deeply with an agricultural society familiar with shepherding practices. Israel's mountainous terrain provided both summer grazing on high pastures and winter protection in valleys. This promise of restoration on Israel's mountains anticipates the return from exile and ultimately points to the messianic kingdom. Early church fathers saw this fulfilled in Christ's ministry, gathering scattered Israel and Gentiles into one flock.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to personally shepherd His people contrast with the failure of human leaders in Ezekiel 34:1-10?
  2. What is the significance of the "mountains of Israel" as the location for God's restored pasture?
  3. How does this passage foreshadow Jesus' teaching about being the Good Shepherd in John 10?
  4. What does the emphasis on both "good" and "fat" pasture reveal about the quality of God's provision?
  5. In what ways can believers today experience the security and abundance described in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וּמִרְעֶ֥ה1 of 19

“pasture”

H4829

pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals

טּ֔וֹב2 of 19

“in a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה3 of 19

“I will 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

אֹתָ֔ם4 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָרֵ֥י5 of 19

“mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מְרֽוֹם6 of 19

“and upon the high”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃7 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

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

יִהְיֶ֣ה8 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּנָ֣וֶה9 of 19

“fold”

H5116

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

שָׁ֤ם10 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

תִּרְבַּ֙צְנָה֙11 of 19

“be there shall they lie”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

בְּנָ֣וֶה12 of 19

“fold”

H5116

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

טּ֔וֹב13 of 19

“in a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּמִרְעֶ֥ה14 of 19

“pasture”

H4829

pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals

שָׁמֵ֛ן15 of 19

“and in a fat”

H8082

greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich

תִּרְעֶ֖ינָה16 of 19

“I will 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

אֶל17 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָרֵ֥י18 of 19

“mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 34:14 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 34:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:9Jeremiah 31:25Isaiah 40:11Jeremiah 31:12-14Ezekiel 34:27Psalms 31:8-10

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