Condemnation of Bad Shepherds and Promise of a Good Shepherd
Ezekiel 34:1-31
Eze.34.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Ezekiel 1:3 (verbal): Same introductory formula—'the word of the LORD came to me'—appearing earlier in the same prophetic book, framing prophetic revelation to Ezekiel.
- Jeremiah 1:4 (verbal): Identical wording introducing a prophetic oracle—'Now the word of the LORD came unto me'—showing a common prophetic opening across books.
- Joel 1:1 (thematic): 'The word of the LORD that came to Joel' serves the same function of announcing divine revelation to a prophet, marking the start of an oracle.
- Haggai 1:1 (structural): A prophetic opening ('the word of the LORD came by Haggai') with a dated historical setting; structurally parallels Ezekiel's formula for introducing oracles.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
- And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Eze.34.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנבא: VERB,hitp,imp,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- רועי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנבא: VERB,hitp,imp,2,m,sg
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- לרעים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוי: INTJ
- רעי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- רעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- הלוא: PART
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ירעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (verbal): Uses the same prophetic indictment—'Woe to the shepherds'—condemning leaders who scatter and destroy God's flock; closely parallels Ezekiel's rebuke of negligent shepherds.
- Zechariah 11:15-17 (verbal): Declares 'Woe to the worthless shepherd' and portrays a shepherd who harms the flock; echoes Ezekiel's denunciation of corrupt leaders and failed shepherding.
- John 10:11-13 (thematic): Christ's contrast of the 'good shepherd' who lays down his life with the hireling who abandons the sheep—frames Ezekiel's critique by contrasting true pastoral care with selfish leaders.
- Matthew 9:36 (thematic): Jesus observes the people as 'sheep without a shepherd,' highlighting pastoral neglect and vulnerability—a similar concern to Ezekiel's charge against Israel's shepherds.
- Ezekiel 34:11-16 (structural): Immediate literary parallel within the same prophet: God responds to the indictment by promising to seek, rescue, and personally shepherd the scattered sheep—resolution of the charge in v.2.
Alternative generated candidates
- Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?
- Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves—should not the shepherds feed the flock?
Eze.34.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- החלב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,2,mp
- ואת: CONJ
- הצמר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תלבשו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- הבריאה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תזבחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- תרעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:2-4 (verbal): Immediate context—condemns shepherds who eat the best of the flock (milk, wool, fatlings) and fail to feed the sheep; close verbal and thematic continuity.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Condemns leaders ('shepherds') who scatter and destroy the flock—same prophetic critique of exploitative shepherds/leaders.
- Zechariah 11:15-17 (thematic): Denounces worthless shepherds and their failure to care for the flock; echoes prophetic imagery of failed leadership and its consequences.
- John 10:11-13 (thematic): Contrast between the caring 'good shepherd' and the hireling who abandons the sheep; New Testament reflection on proper shepherding vs. neglect/exploitation.
- 1 Peter 5:2-4 (thematic): Pastoral exhortation to 'shepherd the flock' willingly and faithfully—presents the opposite ideal to the exploitative behavior condemned in Ezekiel 34:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- You eat the milk, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings—but you do not feed the flock.
- You eat the milk, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do not feed the flock.
Eze.34.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- הנחלות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- חזקתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- החולה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- רפאתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ולנשברת: CONJ+PREP+ADJ,ptcp,pas,3,f,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- חבשתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- הנדחת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- השבתם: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- האבדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- בקשתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ובחזקה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רדיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ובפרך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:2-6 (structural): Immediate context that expands the charge against the shepherds: accuses them of feeding themselves, not caring for the flock, and letting sheep be scattered and plundered—same theme and language of neglect and abuse.
- Ezekiel 34:16 (structural): Divine response and reversal of the shepherds' failure: God promises to seek the lost, bring back the strayed, bind up the injured and strengthen the weak—direct thematic contrast to v.4.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Yahweh condemns shepherds who destroy and scatter his flock and promises to gather the remnant—uses the same shepherd/sheep motif to accuse leaders of neglect and harm.
- Zechariah 11:16-17 (thematic): Prophecy against a worthless/ruinous shepherd whose rule brings harm to the flock; parallels the critique of leaders who fail to care for and protect the sheep.
- Matthew 9:36 (thematic): Jesus observes the crowds as 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,' echoing the image of leaderless, vulnerable people resulting from failed shepherding in Ezekiel 34:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost; with force and harshness you have ruled them.
- You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have bound up the broken, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost; with force and harshness you have ruled them.
Eze.34.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותפוצינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- מבלי: PREP
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותהיינה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- לאכלה: PREP
- לכל: PREP
- חית: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותפוצינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:6 (structural): Immediate continuation/parallel within the same chapter: repeats that the flock was scattered and became prey because there was no shepherd (directly echoes v.5).
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (verbal): Condemns shepherds who have scattered the sheep of God's pasture—uses the same imagery of leaders scattering the flock and exposing them to harm.
- Matthew 9:36 (verbal): Jesus describes the crowds as 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,' echoing the image of people left vulnerable when leaders fail to shepherd them.
- Mark 6:34 (verbal): Parallel Gospel account to Matthew 9:36: the crowd is compared to sheep without a shepherd, emphasizing the same theme of pastoral neglect and vulnerability.
- John 10:12-13 (thematic): Contrasts the true shepherd with the hireling who abandons the sheep to predators—parallels the consequences described in Ezek.34:5 of sheep becoming food for wild animals when no faithful shepherd protects them.
Alternative generated candidates
- They were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food for every beast of the field, and were scattered.
- They were scattered because there was no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast as they were scattered.
Eze.34.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ישגו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ההרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- גבעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- נפצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- דורש: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- מבקש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 53:6 (verbal): Uses the sheep image and the verb 'go astray'/'turn aside'—like Ezek.34:6's scattered/wandered sheep to portray Israel's dispersion and waywardness.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Condemns negligent shepherds who 'scatter the flock'—parallels Ezekiel's indictment of leaders whose failure leaves sheep dispersed and unsearched.
- Matthew 9:36 (thematic): Jesus sees the crowds 'as sheep without a shepherd,' echoing the image of people scattered and lacking leaders who care or seek them.
- Mark 6:34 (thematic): Jesus' compassion on the crowd described as sheep without a shepherd parallels Ezekiel's picture of scattered, unsearched flocks needing a shepherd.
- Ezekiel 34:11 (structural): Within the same prophetic unit: 34:6 depicts the problem (sheep scattered and unsearched), while 34:11 announces God's intention 'to search and seek' his sheep—directly responding to v.6.
Alternative generated candidates
- My sheep wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; my flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek.
- My sheep wandered over all the mountains, and on every high hill; my flock was scattered over the whole face of the land, and there was no one to search or seek.
Eze.34.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לכן: ADV
- רעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:2 (verbal): Same prophetic address to 'shepherds' (רעים) and the call to pronounce God's message against Israel's leaders—closely parallels wording and audience.
- Ezekiel 34:10 (structural): Immediate continuation of the theme: God declares judgment 'against the shepherds,' showing Ezekiel 34.7 is part of a larger denunciation of leaders.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Jeremiah likewise condemns corrupt shepherds/pastors who scatter God's flock and introduces divine judgment—same shepherd‑leader imagery and moral critique.
- Zechariah 11:16-17 (thematic): Zechariah portrays worthless shepherds and their removal, using the shepherd metaphor to condemn bad leaders and anticipate God's corrective action.
- John 10:11-14 (allusion): Jesus contrasts the true 'Good Shepherd' with hirelings, echoing the prophetic shepherd motif (care vs. neglect) and reinterpreting the condemnation of bad shepherds.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
- Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD.
Eze.34.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יען: CONJ
- היות: VERB,qal,inf
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- לבז: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ותהיינה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- לאכלה: PREP
- לכל: PREP
- חית: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאין: ADV,interrog
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- דרשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- רעי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- את: PRT,acc
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- וירעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- ואת: CONJ
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- לא: PART_NEG
- רעו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:2-4 (verbal): Immediate context: condemns the shepherds who fed themselves, failed to seek the flock—language and accusation that lead directly to v.8's description of the flock as prey.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Charges against false shepherds who 'destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture'—uses pasture/shepherd imagery to indict leaders whose negligence leaves the flock vulnerable.
- Zechariah 11:7-17 (thematic): Shepherding imagery used to criticize worthless shepherds and pronounce woe; parallels the theme of failed leaders and a scattered, mistreated flock.
- John 10:12-13 (verbal): Jesus contrasts the caring shepherd with the hireling who 'abandons the sheep' and allows wolves to scatter them—echoes Ezekiel's charge that negligent shepherds left the flock prey.
- Matthew 9:36 (thematic): Jesus sees the crowds 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd'—a similar motif of a leaderless, vulnerable flock resulting from failed leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- As I live, declares the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey and my flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd—and my shepherds did not search for my flock but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed my flock—
- As I live, declares the Lord GOD, if my sheep had not become prey and food for every wild beast—because there was no shepherd and no one sought—then the shepherds would have fed themselves and would not have fed the sheep.
Eze.34.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לכן: ADV
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:2 (verbal): Same prophetic address against the shepherds; both verses confront irresponsible shepherds and call for hearing the word of the LORD.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Condemns shepherds (leaders) who scatter and destroy God's flock—same theme of criticizing unfaithful leaders responsible for the people.
- Zechariah 10:3 (thematic): God's anger against the shepherds and punishment of leaders echoes Ezekiel's rebuke of those who mislead the flock.
- Ezekiel 34:11 (structural): Follows the same unit: after rebuking the bad shepherds (34:1–10), God promises to search for and care for his sheep—structural contrast and resolution to the denunciation in 34:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
- Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD.
Eze.34.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ודרשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- מידם: PREP
- והשבתים: VERB,hif,perf,1,_,sg
- מרעות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ירעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- והצלתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,m,sg
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- מפיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- תהיין: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לאכלה: PREP
Parallels
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (verbal): Both passages condemn unfaithful 'shepherds' and use near-identical language about God 'requiring' or taking account of his flock from their hands (demanding the sheep from the shepherds).
- Isaiah 56:11 (thematic): Isaiah likewise portrays the leaders as failing shepherds—ignorant/unable to feed the flock—echoing Ezekiel's charge that the shepherds do not properly feed God's sheep.
- Zechariah 11:4-17 (thematic): Zechariah's depiction of 'worthless' shepherds who feed themselves and are judged resonates with Ezekiel's denunciation and promise to rescue the sheep from predatory leaders (esp. the 'woe' on bad shepherds).
- Psalm 78:70-72 (thematic): Psalm 78 contrasts the failed leaders by celebrating God's choice of David as a faithful shepherd who 'fed them with integrity,' providing a leadership ideal that underlies Ezekiel's rebuke and later promise of a true shepherd.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and make them cease from feeding the sheep; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them.
- Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep from their hand and make them cease from feeding the flock; the shepherds shall not feed themselves any more. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, and they shall not be food for them.
Eze.34.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ודרשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- ובקרתים: VERB,qal,perf,3,_,pl
Parallels
- Jeremiah 31:10 (verbal): Speaks of God gathering/scattering Israel and keeping them 'as a shepherd his flock,' closely echoing the promise that God will seek and care for his sheep.
- Isaiah 40:11 (thematic): Portrays Yahweh as a shepherd who tends, gathers, and carries the lambs—same shepherd-care motif of seeking and restoring the flock.
- Psalm 23:1-3 (thematic): The LORD as shepherd who leads, restores, and cares for the sheep parallels Ezekiel's divine search and pastoral care imagery.
- Luke 15:4-7 (thematic): Parable of the lost sheep: the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one—reflects the motif of God actively seeking stray sheep.
- John 10:11-16 (allusion): Jesus as the 'good shepherd' who knows, seeks and lays down his life for the sheep echoes the OT promise of God seeking and gathering his flock.
Alternative generated candidates
- For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.
- For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.
Eze.34.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כבקרת: PREP
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עדרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ביום: PREP
- היותו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בתוך: PREP
- צאנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUF,3,m,sg
- נפרשות: VERB,niphal,imf,3,f,pl
- כן: ADV
- אבקר: VERB,qal,imf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- והצלתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,m,sg
- אתהם: PRON,3,m,pl,acc
- מכל: PREP
- המקומת: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נפצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- ביום: PREP
- ענן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וערפל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:11 (verbal): Immediate context: God declares he himself will search for his sheep — the same promise and verb of seeking found in v.12.
- Ezekiel 34:13 (structural): Continues the same action of seeking and gathering the scattered sheep, describing bringing them back from the nations — a direct continuation of the image in v.12.
- Isaiah 40:11 (thematic): Portrays the Lord as shepherd who tends and gathers lambs in his arms; echoes the pastoral imagery of seeking and rescuing the flock.
- Jeremiah 23:3-4 (thematic): God promises to gather the remnant of his flock and set shepherds over them — a related motif of divine searching, gathering, and caring for scattered sheep.
- John 10:16 (allusion): Jesus as the shepherd who has other sheep to be gathered into one flock under one shepherd — New Testament development of the divine-shepherd/gathering theme present in Ezekiel 34.
Alternative generated candidates
- As a shepherd seeks his flock when he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
- As a shepherd seeks his flock when he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek my sheep; and I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
Eze.34.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והוצאתים: VERB,hiphil,fut,1,c,sg
- מן: PREP
- העמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וקבצתים: VERB,piel,fut,1,c,sg
- מן: PREP
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- והביאתים: VERB,hiphil,fut,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- אדמתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss,3,m,pl
- ורעיתים: VERB,qal,fut,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- הרי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באפיקים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- מושבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezekiel 36:24 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and promise: God will take/gather the people from the nations and bring them into their own land.
- Ezekiel 37:21-22 (thematic): Continuation of Ezekiel’s restoration theme: gathering the dispersed house of Israel from the nations and uniting them in their land under one king.
- Isaiah 11:11-12 (thematic): Prophetic image of the Lord raising a signal and recovering the remnant from the nations and assembling the dispersed of Israel.
- Jeremiah 31:10 (thematic): Declaration that God who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock—echoes the motif of gathering the exiles into their land.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited parts of the land.
- And I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines and in every inhabited place of the land.
Eze.34.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- במרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ארעה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ובהרי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מרום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נוהם: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3mp
- שם: ADV
- תרבצנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- בנוה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ומרעה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תרעינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- אל: NEG
- הרי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:13-15 (structural): Immediate context — the same promise that God will bring his scattered sheep to good pastures and make them lie down on the mountains of Israel; closely mirrors wording and idea.
- Psalm 23:2-3 (verbal): Uses the same pastoral imagery—'makes me lie down in green pastures' and feeding/refreshing of the sheep—echoing rest and nourishment in good pastures.
- Isaiah 40:11 (thematic): God as shepherd who feeds, gathers, and gently tends his flock; parallels the care and provision expressed by pasture and pasturing imagery.
- John 10:9-11 (allusion): Jesus as the Good Shepherd who enters the sheepfold, provides pasture and lays down his life for the sheep—the New Testament appropriation of shepherd/pasture motifs.
- Ezekiel 36:34-35 (thematic): Prophetic promise of land restoration—desolate mountains made fruitful and suitable for pasturing—echoes the promise that Israel will lie in good pastures on its mountains.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will feed them in good pasture, and on the high mountains of Israel shall their grazing be; there they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
- I will feed them in good pasture, and on the mountains of Israel shall be their grazing; there they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
Eze.34.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ארעה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- ארביצם: VERB,hiph,impf,1,_,sg,suf:3,pl
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:11-14 (structural): Immediate context: God declares he will seek, feed, pasture and bring back his scattered sheep—34:15 repeats and summarizes the promise to feed and make them lie down.
- Psalm 23:1-2 (verbal): Famous shepherd imagery—'The Lord is my shepherd... He makes me lie down in green pastures' parallels the promise to feed the flock and cause them to lie down.
- Isaiah 40:11 (thematic): God as shepherd who feeds, gathers, and tenderly carries the lambs parallels Ezekiel's promise to feed and pasture Israel.
- John 10:11 (thematic): Jesus' 'I am the good shepherd' who cares for and lays down his life for the sheep echoes the shepherding language of divine care in Ezekiel 34:15.
- Jeremiah 23:3 (thematic): God promises to gather the remnant of his flock and bring them to their folds—similar language of gathering, feeding, and restoring God's people.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will feed my flock, and I will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.
- I myself will feed my flock, and I will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.
Eze.34.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- האבדת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אבקש: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הנדחת: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשיב: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,sg
- ולנשברת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אחבש: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- החולה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אחזק: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- השמנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- החזקה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשמיד: VERB,hif,impf,1,_,sg
- ארענה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- במשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 23:1-4 (thematic): Uses shepherd imagery of leading, restoring, and comforting the flock (the LORD as shepherd who restores the soul), paralleling Ezekiel’s promise to seek, bring back, bind up, and strengthen the sheep.
- Isaiah 40:11 (thematic): Describes God as a shepherd who will gather lambs, carry them, and gently lead those with young—echoing the themes of seeking the lost and caring for the weak in Ezekiel 34:16.
- Jeremiah 23:3-4 (structural): God promises to gather the remnant and raise shepherds who will feed and care for them; similar prophetic concern for rescuing, feeding, and reforming shepherd-leaders appears in Ezekiel 34.
- Luke 15:4-7 (allusion): The parable of the lost sheep—seeking the one that is lost and rejoicing when it is found—echoes Ezekiel’s explicit commitment to seek and restore the lost sheep.
- John 10:11-16 (verbal): The Good Shepherd motif (who cares for, protects, and lays down his life for the sheep) parallels Ezekiel’s language about seeking, healing, and strengthening the flock and distinguishing true care from destructive leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will shepherd them with justice.
- I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed; I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
Eze.34.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתנה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- שפט: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בין: PREP
- שה: PRON,rel
- לשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאילים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולעתודים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Matthew 25:31-46 (verbal): Eschatological scene in which the Son separates 'sheep' from 'goats' — a direct parallel in imagery of divine judgment by separating flocks (sheep vs. goats).
- John 10:14-16 (thematic): Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, separates and gathers his sheep; shares the shepherd-sheep metaphor and the idea of distinguishing/protecting the flock.
- Jeremiah 23:1-4 (thematic): Both passages condemn bad shepherds and promise that the LORD will judge and care for his scattered flock, restore the remnant, and set up righteous shepherds — similar prophetic pattern of judgment and pastoral restoration.
- Ezekiel 34:20-22 (structural): Immediate context that expands 34:17’s declaration — repeats the imagery of judging between rams and he-goats and specifies the LORD’s judgment and recompense within the flock.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as for you, my flock, thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and male goats.
- And as for you, my flock, thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and he-goats.
Eze.34.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- המעט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- המרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- תרעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ויתר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מרעיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,pl
- תרמסו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- ברגליכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,2,m,pl
- ומשקע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תשתו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ברגליכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,2,m,pl
- תרפשון: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:2-4 (structural): Immediate context — the same denunciation of Israel’s shepherds: they feast on the best, neglect and trample the flock, fail to care for the weak and sick.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (verbal): Parallel imagery and accusation: ‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep’ — leaders who fail to strengthen the weak and scatter the flock.
- Micah 3:2-3 (thematic): Prophetic critique of leaders who ‘eat the flesh of my people’ and brutalize them — parallels the exploitative, consuming behavior and mistreatment of the flock.
- Zechariah 11:4-6 (allusion): God’s judgment on worthless shepherds who misfeed and neglect the flock; the shepherd-sheep motif used to condemn failed leadership.
- Matthew 23:1-4 (thematic): Jesus’ condemnation of leaders who burden and exploit the people — a New Testament application of the prophetic critique of negligent/exploitative shepherds.
Alternative generated candidates
- Is it a small thing for you to feed on the good pasture, that you must trample the rest with your feet and drink the clear waters? Must you shove the remaining ones with your feet and trample them down?
- Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture, that you must trample the rest with your feet? You drink from clear waters, yet you press down the rest with your feet; and what remains you shove with your feet.
Eze.34.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וצאני: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,poss1s
- מרמס: PART,pual,ptc,ms,sg
- רגליכם: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- תרעינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- ומרפש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רגליכם: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- תשתינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:2 (structural): Immediate context: the prophet addresses the shepherds of Israel for failing their flock—language and accusation continue into v.19, making this a direct intratextual parallel.
- Ezekiel 34:5 (verbal): Within the same oracle the sheep are said to be scattered and become prey because there was no shepherd—echoes the image of trampled or ruined sheep in v.19.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Jeremiah condemns the 'shepherds' who have scattered God's flock and caused them harm—same motif of leaders mistreating and scattering the sheep of Israel.
- Jeremiah 10:21 (thematic): Speaks of scattered flocks as the consequence of foolish shepherds who do not seek the Lord—parallels the charge that the flock has been trampled and neglected.
- John 10:11-13 (thematic): Jesus contrasts the good shepherd who protects the sheep with hired hands who flee and allow the sheep to be scattered or harmed—offers a New Testament contrast to the failed shepherds condemned in Ezekiel 34:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do my sheep eat what you have trampled with your feet, and drink what you have trampled with your feet?
- My pasture you have trampled with your feet, and made my pasture drink the muddy water with your tread.
Eze.34.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לכן: ADV
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ושפטתי: VAV+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- בין: PREP
- שה: PRON,rel
- בריה: ADJ,m,sg
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- שה: PRON,rel
- רזה: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:17 (verbal): Immediate parallel in context—repeats the language of God judging 'between sheep and sheep' (or between the fat and the lean), a close verbal echo within the same prophetic section.
- Ezekiel 34:16 (thematic): Same unit of the oracle: God promises to seek the lost, bind the injured, and 'judge between sheep'—the theme of divine judgment and shepherding care is continuous with v.20.
- Matthew 25:31-33 (thematic): Judicial shepherding imagery—on the last day the Son of Man separates 'the sheep' from 'the goats,' a judgment-scene that parallels Ezekiel’s distinction and judgment between fat and lean sheep.
- Jeremiah 23:1-4 (thematic): Prophetic critique of bad shepherds and promise that the LORD will gather, judge, and raise up a righteous shepherd—parallels Ezekiel’s denunciation of negligent shepherds and God’s judgment on their flock.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them: Behold, I, I will judge between the fat sheep and the lean.
- Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean.
Eze.34.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יען: CONJ
- בצד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובכתף: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תהדפו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- ובקרניכם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,prsfx-2mp
- תנגחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- כל: DET
- הנחלות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- עד: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הפיצותם: VERB,hiph,perf,2,pl
- אותנה: PRON,dem,acc,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- החוצה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:17 (structural): Immediate context: God declares he will 'judge between sheep and sheep'—verse 21 continues this judicial indictment by depicting how stronger animals pushed and butted the weak.
- Ezekiel 34:18 (verbal): Closely parallel language and theme condemning the shepherds/strong for trampling and consuming the pasture and for mistreating the flock; verse 21 continues the catalogue of abuses (pushing with shoulder, butting with horns).
- Ezekiel 34:5 (thematic): Earlier charge against Israel's shepherds for scattering and driving away the flock; verse 21 describes the physical scattering of the sheep by stronger animals as part of that wrongdoing.
- Psalm 75:10 (thematic): Uses horn imagery to denote strength and domination; Ezekiel 34:21 likewise uses butting with horns to portray how the strong oppressed and scattered the weak.
- Matthew 18:12 (thematic): New Testament use of the 'lost/scattered sheep' motif to highlight care for the vulnerable—contrasts with Ezekiel's picture of strong ones scattering the flock and underscores the need for righteous shepherding.
Alternative generated candidates
- Because you push with flank and shoulder and butt with your horns at all the weak ones, until you have scattered them abroad,
- Because with side and shoulder you shove at all the weak flocks, and with your horns you gore them, until you have scattered them abroad.
Eze.34.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והושעתי: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- לצאני: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- תהיינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- עוד: ADV
- לבז: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ושפטתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בין: PREP
- שה: PRON,rel
- לשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:17 (verbal): Uses the same judicial language — God says he will ‘judge between sheep and sheep,’ a direct verbal/structural parallel within the same oracle.
- Ezekiel 34:16 (thematic): Earlier in the chapter God promises to seek the lost, bind up the injured and save his flock, echoing the theme of rescuing and preserving the sheep.
- Jeremiah 23:3-4 (thematic): God vows to gather the remnant, appoint shepherds who will feed them and punish negligent shepherds — a parallel promise to restore and judge for the benefit of the flock.
- John 10:11 (allusion): Jesus as the 'good shepherd' who lays down his life to save and protect the sheep echoes the divine role of rescuing and safeguarding the flock.
- Matthew 25:32-33 (thematic): Final-judgment imagery of separating sheep from goats and judging between them parallels the motif of divine adjudication among sheep.
Alternative generated candidates
- therefore I will save my flock; they shall no longer be a prey, and I will judge between sheep and sheep.
- Then I will rescue my flock; they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.
Eze.34.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והקמתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- ורעה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתהן: PART+PRON,3,f,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ירעה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להן: PREP+PRON,3,f,pl
- לרעה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 37:24 (verbal): Repeats the same promise: 'David my servant shall be king over them' and 'they shall have one shepherd'—a direct continuation of Ezekiel's Davidic/shepherd motif.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 (thematic): Promises a righteous 'Branch' from David who will reign wisely and ensure justice—parallels the expectation of a Davidic shepherd-king.
- Psalm 78:70-72 (verbal): Speaks of God choosing David his servant and describes David 'shepherding' Israel with upright heart—links Davidic identity and shepherd imagery.
- Isaiah 11:1-5 (thematic): Foretells a Davidic ruler from Jesse who rules in wisdom and righteousness—echoes the idealized shepherd-king who restores Israel.
- John 10:11-16 (thematic): Jesus as the 'good shepherd' who lays down his life for the sheep—New Testament fulfillment/interpretation of the shepherd motif and leadership promised in Ezekiel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will set up over them one shepherd, and he shall feed them—my servant David; he shall be their shepherd.
- And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
Eze.34.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועבדי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,prsfx,1s
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נשיא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתוכם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- דברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:23 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: God promises to set up 'one shepherd, my servant David' over the people—same motif and similar wording as v.24.
- Ezekiel 37:24-25 (verbal): Restoration oracle repeating the promise that 'my servant David shall be king over them' and that God will be their God, linking v.24 to the broader vision of national restoration.
- Jeremiah 30:9 (thematic): Promise that 'they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up,' echoing the theme of a Davidic ruler in the eschatological restoration.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (allusion): The Davidic covenant (God's promise to establish David's house and throne forever) provides the theological background for Ezekiel's promise of 'my servant David' as prince among the restored people.
- Psalm 89:3-4 (verbal): Covenantal language: 'I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn to David my servant… I will establish his offspring forever,' reinforcing the eternal Davidic promise invoked in Ezek. 34:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I the LORD have spoken.
- And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.
Eze.34.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והשבתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,n,sg
- חיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבטח: ADV
- וישנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ביערים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl
Parallels
- Hosea 2:18 (verbal): God promises a covenant that includes the beasts of the field (making a covenant with animals), echoing Ezekiel's removal or quieting of harmful animals and a restored peace with creation.
- Isaiah 11:6-9 (thematic): Vision of the peaceable kingdom where predators no longer harm prey and the earth is safe—parallels Ezekiel's promise that harmful beasts will be removed and people will dwell safely.
- Isaiah 54:10 (verbal): God explicitly speaks of an enduring 'covenant of peace' (Brit shalom), language that closely matches Ezekiel's declaration to make a covenant of peace with the people.
- Leviticus 26:6 (thematic): As part of covenant blessings God promises peace in the land, safe lying down without fear, and subduing of harmful threats—paralleling Ezekiel's assurance of safety and removal of dangerous beasts.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish harmful beasts from the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.
- I will make a covenant of peace with them, and banish wild beasts from the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.
Eze.34.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- וסביבות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- גבעתי: NOUN,f,sg,poss1s
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והורדתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- הגשם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- גשמי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 11:14 (verbal): Promises God will give rain for the land 'in its season' (early and latter rains) so produce and blessing follow—language and theme closely parallel.
- Deuteronomy 28:12 (verbal): God opens the heavens to give rain to the land in its season as a sign of blessing—similar formula linking divine blessing and seasonal rains.
- Joel 2:23 (verbal): Assures Zion of early and latter rains and abundant showers as restoration and blessing—uses the same imagery of timely rain as divine favor.
- Psalm 72:6 (thematic): Compares a blessed ruler's effect to rain and showers that water the earth—shares the agricultural/shower-of-blessing motif.
- Ezekiel 36:25-30 (structural): Within Ezekiel's restoration oracle God promises to cleanse, restore vegetation, and send rain in due season—closely parallel promise of showers of blessing for the land.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will make them and the places round my hill a blessing, and I will send down showers in their season; the showers of blessing shall be.
- I will make them and the places around my hill a blessing, and I will send down showers in their season—showers of blessing.
Eze.34.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- פריו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prs3ms
- והארץ: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- יבולה: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,f,sg
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- אדמתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss,3,m,pl
- לבטח: ADV
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בשברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מטות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והצלתים: CONJ+VERB,hiphil,perf,2,m,pl
- מיד: PREP
- העבדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:26 (structural): Immediate context — promises that trees will yield fruit, the land will give its increase, and the people will dwell securely; part of the same restoration speech and repeats the same imagery and assurances.
- Ezekiel 36:34-36 (verbal): Restoration of the land language — desolate land made like a garden, fields yielding produce, and the people recognizing the LORD; echoes the promise of fruitful land and that they will know God.
- Leviticus 26:9-11 (thematic): Godʼs covenantal blessing: making the people fruitful, granting peace and secure dwellings, and dwelling among them — parallels the promises of productivity, security, and Godʼs presence.
- Isaiah 10:27 (verbal): Speaks of removal of the yoke and boot — a close verbal parallel to 'I will break the yokes' (שְׁבַרְתִּי אֶת־מִטּוֹת) in Ezek.34:27 indicating deliverance from oppression.
- Hosea 2:21-23 (allusion): Godʼs re‑taking and restoration of Israel so that she knows him — 'I will sow her... she shall know me' echoes the theme that after deliverance and blessing the people will know that the LORD is their God.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land. They shall know that I am the LORD when I break the bars of their yoke and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them.
- And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase; and they shall be secure on their land. Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I break the bars of their yoke and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them.
Eze.34.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- בז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לגוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וחית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- תאכלם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לבטח: ADV
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- מחריד: VERB,piel,ptc,0,m,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 26:6 (verbal): Covenantal promise that wild beasts will be removed and the people will lie down in safety, closely mirroring Ezekiel's language of no longer being prey and dwelling securely.
- Ezekiel 34:25 (structural): Immediate context in the same oracle: God promises a covenant of peace and the cessation of wild beasts — the larger program that includes v.28's assurances of safety.
- Isaiah 65:25 (thematic): Vision of a restored creation where harmful animals no longer devour and there is safety for God's people ('no one shall hurt or destroy'), echoing the motif of security from beasts.
- Psalm 91:5-7 (thematic): Assurance of dwelling without fear and protection from deadly threats ('you shall not be afraid... a thousand may fall at your side'), paralleling the promise that none will make them afraid.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the earth devour them; they shall dwell securely, and no one shall make them afraid.
- They shall be no more a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the land devour them; they shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid.
Eze.34.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והקמתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מטע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- אספי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- רעב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- ישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- כלמת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- הגוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Joel 2:26 (thematic): Promises abundant food and satisfaction—'you shall eat in plenty... you shall not be put to shame'—parallels Ezek.34:29's assurance of no more hunger and no more reproach.
- Hosea 2:23 (verbal): Uses planting/sowing language ('I will sow her for myself in the land'), echoing Ezekiel's image of raising up a 'plantation' (מטע) and God's restorative action.
- Isaiah 61:7 (thematic): Speaks of a reversal of shame into honor ('Instead of your shame you shall have double'), corresponding to Ezek.34:29's promise that the people will no longer bear the reproach of the nations.
- Ezekiel 36:34-35 (structural): Within the same prophetic context God transforms desolate land into a fruitful garden—echoing the 'planting' motif and the end of famine found in Ezek.34:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will provide for them a planting of renown; they shall no more be hungry in the land, nor bear the reproach of the nations any more.
- I will set up for them a planting of renown; they shall no more lack and be famished in the land, nor bear the reproach of the nations any more.
Eze.34.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 26:12 (verbal): Uses the covenant formula 'I will be your God and you shall be my people'—the same divine identification expressed in Ezekiel 34:30 (verbal parallel and legal/covenantal background).
- Ezekiel 36:28 (verbal): Within Ezekiel's restoration oracle God declares 'you shall be my people, and I will be your God,' closely mirroring 34:30 and emphasizing restoration and renewed relationship with Israel.
- Jeremiah 31:33 (thematic): God promises a renewed covenant and says 'I will be their God, and they shall be my people,' echoing the theme of intimate covenantal relationship found in Ezekiel 34:30.
- 2 Corinthians 6:16 (quotation): Paul cites the OT covenant formula ('I will be their God and they shall be my people') to describe God's dwelling with his people—an explicit New Testament quotation/allusion to the same divine identification present in Ezekiel 34:30.
- Revelation 21:3 (thematic): The eschatological vision where God dwells with his people and is their God resonates thematically with Ezekiel 34:30's assurance that Israel will know God as their Lord and be his people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall know that I am the LORD their God: you are my people, the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.
- And you shall know that I am the LORD your God, and that you are my people, the house of Israel, says the Lord GOD.
Eze.34.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתן: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- צאני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1s
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מרעיתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:11-16 (structural): Immediate context: God as shepherd who seeks, gathers, feeds, and judges the scattered sheep—develops the same shepherd/flock imagery and divine care asserted in v.31.
- Ezekiel 34:23-24 (structural): Continues the chapter's promise by appointing 'one shepherd' (David) and reiterating that the people shall be God's flock and He will be their God—echoes the covenantal relationship of v.31.
- Ezekiel 36:28 (verbal): Uses the same covenantal formula ('you shall be my people, and I will be your God'), directly mirroring the verbal expression of divine‑people relationship found in Ezek.34:31.
- Leviticus 26:12 (allusion): Foundational covenant language ('I will walk among you, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people') that Ezek.34:31 echoes, grounding the shepherd/flock imagery in Israelite covenant promises.
- Psalm 100:3 (thematic): Declares 'we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture,' a closely parallel image and wording that links Israel's identity as God's flock with divine lordship as in Ezek.34:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you are my flock, the flock of my pasture; you are human, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD.
- You are my sheep, sheep of my pasture; you are human—I am your God, declares the Lord GOD.
And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord GOD—Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?
You eat the milk, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings, yet you do not shepherd the flock.
You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the broken, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost; with force and severity you have ruled them.
They were scattered because there was no shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field when they were scattered.
My sheep were scattered over all the mountains, and on every high hill; my flock were scattered over the whole face of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek.
Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
As I live, declares the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became food, and my flock became food for every beast of the field—because there was no shepherd, nor did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed my flock—
therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep from them; I will stop them from feeding the sheep, so that the shepherds shall feed them no more. I will deliver my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them.
For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out.
As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.
I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the lands, and bring them into their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited parts of the land.
I will feed them in good pasture, and on the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be; there they shall lie down in a secure fold and graze in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
I will feed my flock, and I will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.
I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed, and bind up the broken and strengthen the weak; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. And as for you, my flock, thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and he-goats.
Is it too little for you to feed on the good pastures, that you must trample the rest with your feet? Is it too little for you to drink clear water, that you must muddy the rest with your feet? And as for the remainder, you drive them away with your feet.
You trample my pasture with your feet; you make the poor of the flock to drink the water that you have muddied with your feet.
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
Because you push with flank and shoulder, and butt with your horns at all the weak ones, till you have scattered them abroad,
I will save my flock; they shall no longer be a prey, and I will judge between sheep. And I will set up over them one shepherd, and he shall feed them—my servant David; he shall feed them and be their shepherd.
I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I the LORD have spoken.
I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forests.
I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season—showers of blessing.
The trees of the field shall yield their fruit and the land shall yield its increase; they shall be secure in their land, and they shall know that I am the LORD when I break the bars of their yoke and deliver them from the hands of those who enslaved them.
They shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the earth devour them; they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.
I will set up for them a planting, a name and renown, and they shall no more hunger in the land, nor bear the reproach of the nations any more. And you shall know that I am the LORD your God: you are my people, the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.
You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture; you are men, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD.