King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:21 in the King James Version says “Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;

Ezekiel 34:21 · King James Version


Context

19

And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.

20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.

21

Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;

22

Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.

23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This passage employs the shepherd metaphor to contrast failed human leaders with God as true Shepherd of Israel. Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly used shepherd imagery for their rule; Ezekiel exposes how Israel's leaders failed this calling by exploiting rather than caring for God's flock. From a Reformed perspective, this anticipates Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10) who lays down His life for the sheep, and calls undershepherds (pastors/elders) to feed and protect God's flock (1 Peter 5:1-4). True shepherds serve the sheep's welfare, not their own interests, demonstrating Christlike servant leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
  2. What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
  3. How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
יַ֗עַן1 of 14
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

בְּצַ֤ד2 of 14

with side

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

וּבְכָתֵף֙3 of 14

and with shoulder

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

תֶּהְדֹּ֔פוּ4 of 14

Because ye have thrust

H1920

to push away or down

וּבְקַרְנֵיכֶ֥ם5 of 14

with your horns

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

תְּנַגְּח֖וּ6 of 14

and pushed

H5055

to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against

כָּל7 of 14
H3605

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

הַנַּחְל֑וֹת8 of 14

all the diseased

H2470

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

עַ֣ד9 of 14
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר10 of 14
H834

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

הֲפִיצוֹתֶ֛ם11 of 14

till ye have scattered

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

אוֹתָ֖נָה12 of 14
H853

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

אֶל13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחֽוּצָה׃14 of 14

them abroad

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors


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 34:21 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 34:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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