King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:16 in the King James Version says “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 34:16 · King James Version

Context

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.

17

And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. cattle: Heb. small cattle of lambs and kids he goats: Heb. great he goats

18

Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?

Read Ezekiel 34 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
"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." God promises comprehensive restoration for the weak and vulnerable but judgment for oppressors. The "fat and strong" are exploitative leaders who enriched themselves. God's justice involves both salvation and judgment—rescuing victims while punishing oppressors. This dual action reflects God's character: compassionate toward the humble, opposed to the proud. The gospel similarly offers salvation to repentant sinners while threatening judgment on the impenitent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pre-exilic Judah (586 BC) witnessed extreme oppression—wealthy elites exploiting the poor while priests and prophets offered false comfort. God promises to reverse this injustice: restoring the oppressed and judging oppressors. This pattern repeats throughout redemptive history—God raises the humble and humbles the proud (Luke 1:52-53). The Pharisees exemplified the "fat and strong" whom Jesus condemned, while tax collectors and sinners exemplified the broken whom He restored. The principle guides Christian social ethics—defending the vulnerable and confronting injustice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's dual promise of restoration and judgment shape your understanding of His character?
  2. What responsibility do believers have toward the "broken and sick" in society?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אֶת1 of 18
H853

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

הָאֹבֶ֤דֶת2 of 18

“that which was lost”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אֲבַקֵּשׁ֙3 of 18

“I will seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וְאֶת4 of 18
H853

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

הַנִּדַּ֣חַת5 of 18

“that which was driven away”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

אָשִׁ֔יב6 of 18

“and bring again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֣רֶת7 of 18

“that which was broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶחֱבֹ֔שׁ8 of 18

“and will bind up”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

וְאֶת9 of 18
H853

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

הַחוֹלָ֖ה10 of 18

“that which was sick”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

אֲחַזֵּ֑ק11 of 18

“and will strengthen”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְאֶת12 of 18
H853

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

הַשְּׁמֵנָ֧ה13 of 18

“the fat”

H8082

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

וְאֶת14 of 18
H853

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

הַחֲזָקָ֛ה15 of 18

“and the strong”

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

אַשְׁמִ֖יד16 of 18

“but I will destroy”

H8045

to desolate

אֶרְעֶ֥נָּה17 of 18

“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

בְמִשְׁפָּֽט׃18 of 18

“them with judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 34:16 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 34:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:10Ezekiel 34:4Ezekiel 34:11Isaiah 49:26Luke 5:31-32Luke 15:4-7

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