King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:28 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:28 in the King James Version says “And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell s... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.

Ezekiel 34:28 · KJV


Context

26

And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

27

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.

28

And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.

29

And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. of renown: or, for renown consumed: Heb. taken away

30

Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid." God promises comprehensive security from both human enemies and natural dangers. The phrase "none shall make them afraid" depicts perfect peace and safety. This finds ultimate fulfillment not in earthly circumstances but in eternal security. Nothing can separate believers from Christ's love (Romans 8:38-39). The new creation will have no danger, fear, or threat. Present spiritual security anticipates future physical perfection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout history, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding nations and natural dangers. The promise (586 BC) of permanent security seemed impossible during exile. The return brought temporary improvement but not complete fulfillment. True security came through Christ defeating sin, death, and Satan. Believers experience spiritual security now—eternally saved—and will experience complete security in new creation. The promise demonstrates that earthly security is type and shadow of eternal safety in God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does present spiritual security in Christ relate to future complete safety in new creation?
  2. What practical difference does knowing "none shall make them afraid" make in daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְלֹא1 of 13
H3808

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

יִהְי֨וּ2 of 13
H1961

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

ע֥וֹד3 of 13
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בַּז֙4 of 13

And they shall no more be a prey

H957

plunder

לַגּוֹיִ֔ם5 of 13

to the heathen

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְחַיַּ֥ת6 of 13

neither shall the beast

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הָאָ֖רֶץ7 of 13

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֣א8 of 13
H3808

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

תֹאכְלֵ֑ם9 of 13

devour

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְיָשְׁב֥וּ10 of 13

them but they shall dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לָבֶ֖טַח11 of 13

safely

H983

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

וְאֵ֥ין12 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַחֲרִֽיד׃13 of 13

and none shall make them afraid

H2729

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)


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 34:28 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 34:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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