King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 34:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 34:4 in the King James Version says “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which w...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 34:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. because: or, without a shepherd

6

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.

Read Ezekiel 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." This comprehensive indictment lists shepherds' failures: neglecting weak, ignoring sick, abandoning broken, not seeking lost. True pastoral ministry requires compassion, diligence, and sacrifice—strengthening the weak, healing the sick, restoring the fallen, seeking the lost. Christ perfectly fulfills this shepherd role, seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10). Reformed pastoral theology emphasizes shepherding as primary ministerial function, not just preaching but personal care, discipline, and restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's leaders (586 BC) failed every pastoral responsibility. Instead of strengthening faith, they promoted idolatry. Instead of healing spiritual sickness, they offered false assurances. Instead of restoring the fallen, they exploited them. Instead of seeking the lost, they drove them further away. This wholesale pastoral failure necessitated exile. The passage shaped Christian understanding of ministry—shepherds must actively care for individuals, not just manage institutions. Jesus's parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) echoes this passage, emphasizing God's concern for each individual.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of these pastoral responsibilities do you most neglect in caring for others?
  2. How does this comprehensive list challenge narrow views of ministry focused only on preaching or administration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
אֶֽת1 of 23
H853

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

הַחוֹלָ֣ה2 of 23

“The diseased”

H2470

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

לֹ֨א3 of 23
H3808

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

חִזַּקְתֶּ֜ם4 of 23

“have ye not strengthened”

H2388

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

וְאֶת5 of 23
H853

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

הַחוֹלָ֣ה6 of 23

“The diseased”

H2470

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

לֹֽא7 of 23
H3808

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

רִפֵּאתֶ֗ם8 of 23

“neither have ye healed”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֙רֶת֙9 of 23

“that which was broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֣א10 of 23
H3808

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

חֲבַשְׁתֶּ֔ם11 of 23

“neither have ye bound up”

H2280

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

וְאֶת12 of 23
H853

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

הַנִּדַּ֙חַת֙13 of 23

“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.)

לֹ֣א14 of 23
H3808

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

הֲשֵׁבֹתֶ֔ם15 of 23

“neither have ye brought again”

H7725

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

וְאֶת16 of 23
H853

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

הָאֹבֶ֖דֶת17 of 23

“that which was lost”

H6

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

לֹ֣א18 of 23
H3808

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

בִקַּשְׁתֶּ֑ם19 of 23

“neither have ye sought”

H1245

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

וּבְחָזְקָ֛ה20 of 23

“but with force”

H2394

vehemence (usually in a bad sense)

רְדִיתֶ֥ם21 of 23

“have ye ruled”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

אֹתָ֖ם22 of 23
H853

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

וּבְפָֽרֶךְ׃23 of 23

“and with cruelty”

H6531

fracture, i.e., severity

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 34:4 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 34:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:12-13Matthew 9:36Ezekiel 34:16Matthew 10:6Zechariah 11:15-161 Peter 5:2-3

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