Ezekiel 34:16
New International Version
I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

New Living Translation
I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!

English Standard Version
I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.

Berean Standard Bible
I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’

King James Bible
I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

New King James Version
“I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.”

New American Standard Bible
“I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will eliminate. I will feed them with judgment.

NASB 1995
“I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment.

NASB 1977
“I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment.

Legacy Standard Bible
“I will search for the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with judgment.

Amplified Bible
“I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bandage the crippled, and strengthen the weak and the sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong [who have become hard-hearted and perverse]. I will feed them with judgment and punishment.

Christian Standard Bible
I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice.”

American Standard Version
I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.

Contemporary English Version
to look for those that are lost and bring back the ones that wander off, to bandage those that are hurt and protect the ones that are weak. I will also slaughter those that are fat and strong, because I always do right.

English Revised Version
I will seek that which was lost, and will bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: and the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in judgment.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that have strayed away, bandage those that are injured, and strengthen those that are sick. I will destroy those that are fat and strong. I will take care of my sheep fairly.

Good News Translation
"I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick; but those that are fat and strong I will destroy, because I am a shepherd who does what is right.

International Standard Version
I'm going to seek both the lost as well as the scattered, and bring them both back so their broken bones can be set and the sick can be healed. But in righteousness I'll exterminate the fat and the stiff-necked.'"

Majority Standard Bible
I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.?

NET Bible
I will seek the lost and bring back the strays; I will bandage the injured and strengthen the sick, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them--with judgment!

New Heart English Bible
"I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice."

Webster's Bible Translation
I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

World English Bible
“I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will feed them in justice.”’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I seek the lost, and bring back the driven away, "" And I bind up the broken, and I strengthen the sick, "" And I destroy the fat and the strong, "" I feed it with judgment.

Young's Literal Translation
The lost I seek, and the driven away bring back, And the broken I bind up, and the sick I strengthen, And the fat and the strong I destroy, I feed it with judgment.

Smith's Literal Translation
The lost I will seek out, and the thrust away I will turn back, and to the broken I will bind up, and the diseased I will strengthen: and the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them with judgment.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I will seek that which was lost: and that which was driven away, I will bring again: and I will bind up that which was broken, and I will strengthen that which was weak, and that which was fat and strong I will preserve: and I will feed them in judgment.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I will seek what had been lost. And I will lead back again what had been cast aside. And I will bind up what had been broken. And I will strengthen what had been infirm. And I will preserve what was fat and strong. And I will feed them on judgment.

New American Bible
The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, and the sick I will heal; but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them in judgment.

New Revised Standard Version
I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I will seek that which was lost and bring back that which was gone astray and bind up that which was injured and strengthen that which was sick; and I will protect the fat and the strong; and I will feed them with justice.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I shall seek that which is lost and I shall return that which has strayed, and I shall bind up that which was broken, and I shall strengthen what is weak and that which is fat, and I shall preserve that which is strong, and I shall shepherd them with justice
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; and the fat and the strong I will destroy, I will feed them in justice.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I will seek that which is lost, and I will recover the stray one, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen the fainting, and will guard the strong, and will feed them with judgment.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Good Shepherd
15I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ 17This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats.…

Cross References
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Matthew 18:12-14
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

John 10:11-16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Jeremiah 23:3-4
Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. / I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

Psalm 23:1-3
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

John 10:27-28
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. / I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

Jeremiah 31:10
Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.

Micah 4:6-7
“On that day,” declares the LORD, “I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those whom I have afflicted. / And I will make the lame into a remnant, the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever.

Zechariah 11:16
For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves.

1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, / equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”


Treasury of Scripture

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

seek that

Ezekiel 34:4,11
The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them…

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; …

but I

Ezekiel 39:18
Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.

Deuteronomy 32:15
But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Isaiah 5:17
Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

I will feed

Isaiah 49:26
And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Jeremiah 9:15
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Jeremiah 10:24
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

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Bands Bind Broken Crippled Destroy Destruction Driven Fat Feed Flight Flock Food Injured Judgment Justice Lost Punishment Scattered Search Seek Shepherd Sick Sleek Strayed Strays Strengthen Strong Theirs Wandering Watch Way Weak
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Bands Bind Broken Crippled Destroy Destruction Driven Fat Feed Flight Flock Food Injured Judgment Justice Lost Punishment Scattered Search Seek Shepherd Sick Sleek Strayed Strays Strengthen Strong Theirs Wandering Watch Way Weak
Ezekiel 34
1. A reproof of the shepherds
7. God's judgment against them
11. His providence over his flock
20. The kingdom of Christ














I will seek the lost
The phrase "I will seek the lost" reflects God's proactive and compassionate nature. The Hebrew word for "seek" is "בקש" (baqash), which implies a diligent and intentional search. This mirrors the shepherd's role in ancient Israel, where shepherds would go to great lengths to find lost sheep. Spiritually, this signifies God's relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from His path, emphasizing His desire for restoration and reconciliation.

bring back the strays
"Bring back the strays" highlights God's commitment to restoration. The Hebrew root "שוב" (shuv) means to return or restore. This phrase suggests not only a physical return but also a spiritual renewal. Historically, Israel often strayed from God's commandments, and this promise reassures them of God's willingness to restore them to their rightful place. It is a call to repentance and a promise of divine mercy.

bind up the broken
The phrase "bind up the broken" uses the Hebrew word "חבש" (chavash), which means to bandage or heal. This imagery of healing is powerful, as it conveys God's tender care for those who are wounded, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In the context of ancient shepherding, a shepherd would tend to injured sheep, ensuring their recovery. This reflects God's nurturing character and His desire to heal the brokenhearted.

and strengthen the weak
"Strengthen the weak" involves the Hebrew word "חזק" (chazaq), meaning to make strong or firm. This promise is particularly comforting to those who feel powerless or vulnerable. In biblical times, the weak were often marginalized, but God promises to empower them. This phrase underscores God's justice and His commitment to uplifting those who are downtrodden, providing them with the strength to persevere.

But the sleek and strong I will destroy
This phrase introduces a contrast with the previous promises. "Sleek and strong" refers to those who are self-sufficient and prideful, often at the expense of others. The Hebrew word "שמד" (shamad) for "destroy" indicates a complete removal or annihilation. This serves as a warning against arrogance and self-reliance, reminding believers that true strength comes from God, and those who oppress others will face His judgment.

I will shepherd them with justice
"I will shepherd them with justice" encapsulates God's role as the ultimate shepherd. The Hebrew word "רעה" (ra'ah) for "shepherd" implies guidance, care, and protection. "Justice" is translated from "משפט" (mishpat), meaning fairness and righteousness. This assures that God's leadership is characterized by equity and moral integrity. In a world often marked by injustice, this promise offers hope that God will govern with fairness, ensuring that all are treated with dignity and respect.

(16) The fat and the strong.--While fatness is in general an emblem of prosperity, it is frequently used in Scripture, as here, for that prosperity which begets hardness of heart and forgetfulness of God. (See Deuteronomy 32:15; Acts 28:27, &c.)

With judgment.--This does not mean, as the ambiguous sense of the English word might make it possible to suppose, with wisdom, but with righteousness and authority, as is plainly seen from the connection with the following verses.

Verse 16. - I will destroy the fat and the strong. What follows introduces another feature into the parable, and is hardly less than an anticipation of the great scene of judgment in Matthew 25:32. The "fat and the strong," as contrasted with the "broken" and the "sick," are, when we interpret the Darable, the noble and wealthy who, under the kings of Judah, had been allowed to work their evil will upon the people. Of these he says that he will feed them with (better, in) judgment, that for them there must be the discipline of punishment. They too are his sheep, but they require a different treatment from the others.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will seek
אֲבַקֵּשׁ֙ (’ă·ḇaq·qêš)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

the lost,
הָאֹבֶ֤דֶת (hā·’ō·ḇe·ḏeṯ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish

bring back
אָשִׁ֔יב (’ā·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

the strays,
הַנִּדַּ֣חַת (han·nid·da·ḥaṯ)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5080: To impel, thrust, banish

bind up
אֶחֱבֹ֔שׁ (’e·ḥĕ·ḇōš)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2280: To wrap firmly, to stop, to rule

the broken,
וְלַנִּשְׁבֶּ֣רֶת (wə·lan·niš·be·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 7665: To break, break in pieces

and strengthen
אֲחַזֵּ֑ק (’ă·ḥaz·zêq)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

the weak;
הַחוֹלָ֖ה (ha·ḥō·w·lāh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick

but the sleek
הַשְּׁמֵנָ֧ה (haš·šə·mê·nāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 8082: Greasy, gross, rich

and strong
הַחֲזָקָ֛ה (ha·ḥă·zā·qāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2389: Strong, stout, mighty

I will destroy.
אַשְׁמִ֖יד (’aš·mîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8045: To be exterminated or destroyed

I will shepherd them
אֶרְעֶ֥נָּה (’er·‘en·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

with justice.’
בְמִשְׁפָּֽט׃ (ḇə·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek that which was lost (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 34:15
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