Ezekiel 34:9
Ezekiel 34:9 in Multiple Translations
therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!’
Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of Jehovah:
For this reason, O you keepers of the flock, give ear to the word of the Lord;
so, you shepherds, you listen to what the Lord has to say!
Therefore, heare ye the word of the Lord, O ye shepherds.
Therefore, O shepherds, hear a word of Jehovah:
therefore, you shepherds, hear the LORD’s word!”
Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:
Therefore, you who should be like [MET] shepherds, listen to what I, Yahweh say:
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:9
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 34:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵן֙
הָֽ/רֹעִ֔ים
שִׁמְע֖וּ
דְּבַר
יְהוָֽה
לָ/כֵן֙
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
הָֽ/רֹעִ֔ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Art | V-Qal
שִׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:9
לָ/כֵן֙
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.
הָֽ/רֹעִ֔ים
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
שִׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — A Prophecy against Israel’s Shepherds
7Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
8‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because My flock lacks a shepherd and has become prey and food for every wild beast, and because My shepherds did not search for My flock but fed themselves instead,
9therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!’
10This 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.’ 11For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.Ezekiel 34:9 Summary
[This verse is a call to attention from God to the shepherds, warning them to listen to His words and take their responsibility to care for His people seriously, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Jeremiah 23:1-4 where God condemns the shepherds for destroying and scattering the flock. The shepherds had failed to care for the flock, instead focusing on their own interests, and God is now holding them accountable. This is similar to the concept in 1 Peter 5:1-4 where leaders are instructed to care for the flock with willingness and eagerness. By speaking directly to the shepherds, God emphasizes the importance of spiritual leaders being obedient to Him and caring for those under their care, a principle also found in Hebrews 13:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message God is trying to convey to the shepherds in Ezekiel 34:9?
God is calling the shepherds to attention, warning them of their responsibility to care for His flock, as seen in Ezekiel 34:8 where it is written that the shepherds did not search for the flock but instead fed themselves, a concept also found in Jeremiah 23:1-4 where God condemns the shepherds for destroying and scattering the flock.
Why is God speaking directly to the shepherds in this verse?
God is speaking directly to the shepherds because they have failed in their duty to care for and protect His flock, as stated in Ezekiel 34:8, and as also seen in Isaiah 56:9-12 where the leaders are condemned for their lack of concern for the people.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?
This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual leaders being accountable to God for their actions and the well-being of those under their care, a principle also taught in Hebrews 13:17 where leaders are expected to give an account to God for the souls entrusted to them.
What is the significance of the phrase 'hear the word of the LORD' in this context?
The phrase 'hear the word of the LORD' signifies that God is about to pronounce judgment on the shepherds for their failure to care for His flock, as seen in Ezekiel 34:10, and is a call to obedience, similar to the call in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 to choose life by obeying God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, as a believer, can ensure that I am 'hearing the word of the Lord' and applying it to my life?
- In what ways can I, like the shepherds in Ezekiel 34, be tempted to prioritize my own interests over the needs of others, and how can I guard against this?
- How does this verse encourage me to think about my own role as a leader or influencer in the lives of others, and what responsibilities come with that role?
- What are some practical steps I can take to demonstrate my love and care for the 'flock' that God has placed in my sphere of influence?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:9
Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. This is repeated, that it might be observed, and for the confirmation of it; it might be depended upon that what follows would be accomplished,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:9
Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:9
Ezekiel 34:9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;Ver. 9. Therefore, O ye shepherds.] See Ezekiel 34:7-8.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:9
1-10. The shepherds of the people, instead of feeding the flock, were feeding upon the flock, eating the fat (LXX., milk), and living in ease and luxury, while “my sheep” (Ezekiel 34:5, LXX.) were