I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

EZEKIEL 34:14KJV
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Ezekiel 34:14 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 34:14 mean?

Ezekiel 34:14 promises that God will provide His people with a safe, nourishing place, described as a "good pasture" and a "fat pasture" on the high mountains of Israel, where they can rest securely. This verse uses the image of sheep cared for by a shepherd to show God’s commitment to restoring and protecting His people after a time of neglect.

In this chapter, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, criticizing the leaders (called "shepherds") who failed to care for the nation. God declares that He Himself will become their shepherd, leading them to a place of abundance and safety. The verse uses everyday images from shepherding to show how God will personally provide for and watch over His people.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 34:14

  • "Feed" (רָעָה, ra‘ah) means to tend, pasture, or shepherd. This word highlights God’s active care, not just providing food but guiding and protecting like a shepherd does.
  • "Good" (טוֹב, tov) and "fat" (מִשְׁמַנִּים, mishmanim) both describe the quality of the pasture. "Tov" means good or pleasant, while "mishmanim" means rich or fertile, emphasizing abundance and well-being.
  • "Fold" (נָוֶה, naveh) refers to a resting place or home for sheep, suggesting safety and comfort, not just a physical location but a sense of belonging and peace.

Why Ezekiel 34:14 matters

  • Ezekiel 34:14 clarifies that God’s care is not just spiritual but also practical, promising real safety and provision for His people.
  • The verse stands out in the chapter as a turning point from judgment to restoration, showing God’s personal involvement after failed human leadership.
  • The shepherd imagery connects deeply with the rest of the Bible, helping readers understand how God’s leadership is meant to be protective, generous, and attentive.

Where else these words appear

“fat” Hebrew H8082 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 49:20 Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:40 And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old.
  • Isaiah 30:23 Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

“pasture” Hebrew H4829 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 47:4 They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:41 And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.
  • Lamentations 1:6 And from the daughter of Zion all her beauty is departed: her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, and they are gone without strength before the pursuer.

“lie” Hebrew H7257 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 33:13 And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
  • Isaiah 17:2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

“fold” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.