Deep Dive

Ezekiel 34:31

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‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

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Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 31

The iniquities and calamities of God's Israel had been largely and pathetically lamented before, in this book. Now in this chapter the shepherds of Israel, their rulers both in church and state, are called to an account, as having been very much accessory to the sin and ruin of Israel, by their neglecting to do the duty of their place. Here is, I. A high charge exhibited against them for their negligence, their unskillfulness, and unfaithfulness in the management of public affairs (Eze 34:1-6 and Eze 34:8). II. Their discharge from their trust, for their insufficiency and treachery (Eze 34:7-10). III. A gracious promise that God would take care of his flock, though they did not, and that it should not always suffer as it had done by their mal-administrations (Eze 34:11-16). IV. Another charge exhibited against those of the flock that were fat and strong, for the injuries they did to those that were weak and feeble (Eze 34:17-22). V. Another promise that God would in the fulness of time send the Messiah, to be the great and good Shepherd of the sheep, who should redress all grievances and set every thing to rights with the flock (Eze 34:23-31).

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 31

אַתָּה (ʼattâh, H859) — thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you צֹאן (tsôʼn, H6629) — a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men) מִרְעִית (mirʻîyth, H4830) — pasturage; concretely, a flock אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נְאֻם (nᵉʼum, H5002) — an oracle אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) יְהֹוִה (Yᵉhôvih, H3069) — {YHWH}

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Psalms 100:3rank 11

Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

John 10:16rank 9

I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.

Psalms 78:52rank 8

He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.

Ezekiel 36:38rank 8

Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

Psalms 80:1rank 7

Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth

Acts 20:28rank 6

Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

John 10:11rank 6

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Isaiah 40:11rank 5

He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Psalms 95:7rank 5

For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice,

Luke 12:32rank 4

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

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