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?

EZEKIEL 34:2KJV
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Ezekiel 34:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 34:2 mean?

Ezekiel 34:2 is a message from God, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, warning the leaders of Israel—called "shepherds"—because they have cared for themselves instead of taking care of the people, who are compared to sheep. God is rebuking these leaders for neglecting their responsibility to look after the well-being of those they lead.

In this verse, God tells Ezekiel, called "son of man," to speak out against the "shepherds of Israel," meaning the rulers and leaders at that time. The situation is that these leaders were supposed to protect and provide for the people, but instead, they used their positions for their own benefit. The verse sets the stage for a longer passage where God criticizes these leaders and promises to care for the people Himself.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 34:2

  • "Shepherds" (רֹעִים, ro‘im): This word means more than just someone who tends sheep; it often refers to leaders or rulers responsible for guiding and protecting others. Here, it highlights the leaders' duty to care for the people.
  • "Feed" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This verb can mean to pasture or tend, but also to rule or govern. The verse contrasts the leaders "feeding themselves"—serving their own interests—with the expectation that they should "feed the flocks," meaning to provide for and protect the people.
  • "Woe" (הוֹי, hoy): This word is a strong expression of warning or sorrow, signaling that serious trouble or judgment is coming because of the leaders' actions.

Why Ezekiel 34:2 matters

  • Ezekiel 34:2 clarifies that God holds leaders accountable for how they treat those under their care, not just for their own personal conduct.
  • The verse introduces a major theme in Ezekiel 34: God’s concern for the neglected and mistreated people of Israel, and His willingness to step in when human leaders fail.
  • Understanding the shepherd imagery helps make sense of later biblical passages, including Jesus’ teachings about being the "good shepherd" who cares for His flock.

Where else these words appear

“Woe” Hebrew H1945 · used in 48 verses

  • Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.
  • Ezekiel 13:3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

“prophesy” Hebrew H5012 · used in 102 verses

  • Numbers 11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
  • Jeremiah 20:1 Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.
  • Ezekiel 13:2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;

“shepherds” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.