And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.

EZEKIEL 34:28KJV
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Ezekiel 34:28 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 34:28 mean?

Ezekiel 34:28 promises that God’s people will no longer be vulnerable to attack or harm from foreign nations or wild animals, but will instead live in safety and without fear. The verse assures a future where those who once threatened or preyed upon them will no longer have power over them.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, who have suffered under foreign oppression and danger. The context is God’s promise to act as a true shepherd for His people, protecting them from both human enemies and natural dangers. The verse highlights a shift from fear and vulnerability to security and peace under God’s care.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 34:28

  • "prey" (בַּר H957, bar): This word refers to something hunted or taken by force. Here, it emphasizes that Israel will no longer be something others can exploit or attack.
  • "heathen" (גּוֹי H1471, goy): This term means "nations" or "peoples," often referring to foreign groups outside Israel. The verse points to safety from outside threats, not just wild animals.
  • "beast" (חַיָּה H2416, chayyah): This word can mean any living creature, but here it refers to wild animals. The mention of beasts adds to the sense of total safety—both from people and from nature.
  • "dwell" (יָשַׁב H3427, yashav) and "safely" (בֶּטַח H983, betach): Together, these words stress not just living somewhere, but settling down in a state of real security and peace, without constant fear.

Why Ezekiel 34:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promise of protection is both physical (from wild animals) and social or political (from hostile nations), showing a complete kind of safety.
  • Ezekiel 34:28 is part of a larger passage where God contrasts Himself as the good shepherd with the failed leaders of Israel, highlighting God’s personal commitment to His people’s well-being.
  • The verse reassures readers that God’s care includes freedom from fear, not just survival, which deepens the sense of restoration and hope in this chapter.

Where else these words appear

“prey” Hebrew H957 · used in 25 verses

  • Numbers 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
  • Jeremiah 2:14 Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?
  • Ezekiel 26:5 It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.

“afraid” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 1 Samuel 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
  • Jeremiah 46:27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.

“safely” Hebrew H983 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
  • Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
  • Jeremiah 49:31 Arise, get you up unto the wealthy nation, that dwelleth without care, saith the LORD, which have neither gates nor bars, which dwell alone.