King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:2 in the King James Version says “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shep... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Ezekiel 34:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

3

Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.

4

The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" This indictment targets corrupt leaders who exploit rather than serve God's people. The shepherd metaphor appears throughout Scripture—leaders as shepherds, people as sheep. True shepherds feed, protect, and guide the flock; false shepherds exploit sheep for personal gain. This passage anticipates Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Reformed polity emphasizes plurality of elders and accountability to prevent shepherds becoming hirelings who flee danger or exploiters who fleece the flock.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel prophesied against Judah's corrupt leadership (586 BC)—kings, priests, nobles who enriched themselves while neglecting people's spiritual welfare. These shepherds led Israel into idolatry, political alliances with Egypt, and social oppression. Archaeological evidence reveals extreme wealth disparity in pre-exilic Judah—luxury for elites, poverty for masses. The shepherds' failure culminated in exile and Davidic monarchy's collapse. This pattern repeats when church leaders pursue power, wealth, or prestige rather than faithful ministry. The passage warns that God holds shepherds accountable for flock's spiritual condition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this indictment challenge leaders who use ministry for personal advancement rather than serving God's people?
  2. What characteristics distinguish genuine shepherds from hirelings or exploiters?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
בֶּן1 of 25

Son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם2 of 25

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הִנָּבֵ֣א3 of 25

prophesy

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

עַל4 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָרֹעִֽים׃5 of 25

against the shepherds

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙6 of 25

of Israel

H3478

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

הִנָּבֵ֣א7 of 25

prophesy

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אָמַ֣ר׀8 of 25

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֨ם9 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָרֹעִֽים׃10 of 25

against the shepherds

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

כֹּ֥ה11 of 25
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר׀12 of 25

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י13 of 25

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֗ה14 of 25

GOD

H3069

god

ה֤וֹי15 of 25

Woe

H1945

oh!

הָרֹעִֽים׃16 of 25

against the shepherds

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙17 of 25

of Israel

H3478

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר18 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָיוּ֙19 of 25
H1961

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

הָרֹעִֽים׃20 of 25

against the shepherds

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

אוֹתָ֔ם21 of 25
H853

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

הֲל֣וֹא22 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הַצֹּ֔אן23 of 25

the flocks

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

הָרֹעִֽים׃24 of 25

against the shepherds

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

הָרֹעִֽים׃25 of 25

against the shepherds

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


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 34:2 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 34:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study