Ezekiel 34:20
Ezekiel 34:20 in Multiple Translations
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.
Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
For this reason the Lord has said to them, Truly, I, even I, will be judge between the fat sheep and the thin sheep.
That's why the Lord God says to them: Watch, because I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the skinny sheep.
Therefore thus sayth the Lord God vnto them, behold, I, euen I wil iudge betweene the fat sheepe and the leane sheepe.
Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah to them: Lo, I — even I, have judged between fat sheep and lean sheep.
“Therefore the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD to them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God to you: Behold, I myself will judge between the fat cattle and the lean.
Therefore, this is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say to you: I myself will judge between those of you who are like [MET] the fat sheep and those of you who are like the thin sheep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 34:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵ֗ן
כֹּ֥ה
אָמַ֛ר
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
יְהוִ֖ה
אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
הִנְ/נִי
אָ֕נִי
וְ/שָֽׁפַטְתִּי֙
בֵּֽין
שֶׂ֣ה
בִרְיָ֔ה
וּ/בֵ֥ין
שֶׂ֖ה
רָזָֽה
לָ/כֵ֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֖ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הִנְ/נִי
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
אָ֕נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וְ/שָֽׁפַטְתִּי֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
שֶׂ֣ה
seh
H7716
sheep
N-cs
בִרְיָ֔ה
bᵉrîy
H1274
fat
Adj
וּ/בֵ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
שֶׂ֖ה
seh
H7716
sheep
N-cs
רָזָֽה
râzeh
H7330
lean
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:20
לָ/כֵ֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֖ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הִנְ/נִי
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אָ֕נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וְ/שָֽׁפַטְתִּי֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
שֶׂ֣ה
seh
H7716
"sheep"
N-cs
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.
בִרְיָ֔ה
bᵉrîy
H1274
"fat"
Adj
Fat refers to being plump or well-fed, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of animals and people, symbolizing prosperity or health.
Definition: 1) fat 2) (TWOT) fat, fatter, fed, firm, plenteous, rank
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: fat. See also: Ezekiel 34:20.
וּ/בֵ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
שֶׂ֖ה
seh
H7716
"sheep"
N-cs
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.
רָזָֽה
râzeh
H7330
"lean"
Adj
This Hebrew word means lean or thin, describing something or someone that is not fat or plump. It is translated as lean in the KJV. The word is used to describe a lack of abundance or excess.
Definition: lean
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: lean. See also: Numbers 13:20; Ezekiel 34:20.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 34:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 34:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
- Sermons on Ezekiel 34:20
Context — The Good Shepherd
18Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?
19Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’
20Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
21Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, 22I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 25:31–46 | When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 34:10 | This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’ |
| 3 | Psalms 22:12–16 | Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 34:17 | This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats. |
Ezekiel 34:20 Summary
In Ezekiel 34:20, the Lord GOD says He will judge between the strong and the weak, because the strong have been harming the weak. This means that God cares deeply about everyone, not just those who are strong and successful. He wants to protect and care for those who are vulnerable, like a shepherd who guides and protects his flock (Psalm 23:1-4). This verse reminds us that God is a just and compassionate God, who will not tolerate oppression and injustice, and who will work to bring justice and peace to all people (Isaiah 40:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Lord GOD mean by 'fat sheep' and 'lean sheep' in Ezekiel 34:20?
The 'fat sheep' likely represent the stronger, more prosperous members of the flock, while the 'lean sheep' represent the weaker, more vulnerable ones, as seen in the context of Ezekiel 34:18-19, where the fat sheep are trampling and muddying the pasture, harming the lean sheep.
Why does the Lord GOD say He will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep?
The Lord GOD will judge between them because the fat sheep have been taking advantage of and harming the lean sheep, as described in Ezekiel 34:18-19, and He will hold them accountable for their actions, as seen in Ezekiel 34:21-22, where He promises to save His flock and judge between one sheep and another.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's care for His people?
This verse shows that God is deeply concerned about the well-being of all His people, not just the strong and prosperous, and He will intervene to protect and care for the vulnerable, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4, where the Lord is described as a shepherd who guides and protects His flock.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse teaches us that God is a just and compassionate God, who will not tolerate oppression and injustice, and who will actively work to protect and care for those who are weak and vulnerable, as seen in Isaiah 40:11, where God is described as a shepherd who gently leads those who are with young.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be unintentionally harming or taking advantage of others, like the fat sheep in Ezekiel 34:18-19?
- How can I be more mindful of the needs and struggles of those around me, and work to create a more just and compassionate community?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's justice and care, even when I feel weak or vulnerable, like the lean sheep in Ezekiel 34:20?
- How can I reflect God's character of justice and compassion in my own relationships and interactions with others, as described in Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:20
Therefore thus saith the Lord God unto them,.... To the rams and he goats of the flock, that use the pastures and defile the waters after this manner, and make them unfit for the lesser cattle; or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:20
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
I, even I: see ,17. I am judge by office and I will vindicate and right the poor by judgment. The fat cattle; the rich, voluptuous, and wanton ones. The lean cattle; the poor and indigent, that are despised, oppressed, and injured; thus the Chaldee paraphrase, between the rich man and the poor man.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
Ezekiel 34:20 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, [even] I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.Ver. 20. I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle.] These are, saith Augustine, those that presume of their own strength, and boast of their own righteousness, being proud, insolent, and void of charity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
Verse 20. I will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.] Between the rich and the poor; those who fare sumptuously every day and those who have not the necessaries of life.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 34:20
Yahweh having promised to be a Ruler of His people, the administration of the divine kingdom is now described, as carried on by One King, the representative of David, whose dominion should fulfill
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:20
17-22. The divine Shepherd will not permit the strong, proud rams and the fat he goats (the priests, the prophets, and the rulers) to drive away or take advantage of their weaker companions.
Sermons on Ezekiel 34:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Passing Under the Rod by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the last days and the impending wrath of God. He highlights the image of a trumpet sounding and preparations being made for b |
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A Plant of Renown (Part One) by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of Jesus showing his hands and side to the disciples after his resurrection. He explains that the hands represent the first |
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Erasing Hell by Francis Chan | This sermon delves into the topic of hell, emphasizing the importance of understanding the consequences of sin and the need for salvation. It highlights the overwhelming love of Go |
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The Key to Understanding by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of loving and serving others as a reflection of our love for God. He emphasizes that individuals make up nations, and therefore |
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The Red Heifer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses five things that happen when a child of God sins. The first is that fellowship with God is broken. The speaker emphasizes the importance of ma |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Obedience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the last words of Jesus on the cross, specifically focusing on the statement "I thirst." He emphasizes that even though it may seem like a |
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Echoes of Eternity by John Ridley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the concept of eternity. He shares the story of Stephen Grellet, an evangelist who recognized |