What does Ezekiel 34:31 mean?
"And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD." - Ezekiel 34:31

The Bible verse Ezekiel 34:31 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God."
To understand the depth and meaning of this verse, it is important to first understand the context in which it was written. The Book of Ezekiel is a part of the Old Testament and is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel. The book is filled with prophecies, visions, and messages from God, primarily directed towards the Israelites who were living in exile in Babylon. In Ezekiel 34, the focus is on the failure of the leaders of Israel, who were supposed to be shepherding God's people but instead were neglecting and abusing them. God, through Ezekiel, rebukes these leaders and promises to take on the role of the true shepherd for his people.
In verse 31, God is speaking directly to his people, referring to them as "my flock" and "the flock of my pasture." This imagery of God as a shepherd and his people as a flock is a common theme throughout the Bible. It emphasizes God's care, protection, and guidance for his people. The use of this imagery also highlights the relationship between God and his people. In the ancient Near Eastern context in which this verse was written, shepherds were responsible for the well-being and safety of their flock, and in a similar way, God takes on this role for his people.
The verse continues by stating, "are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." This part of the verse emphasizes the personal nature of God's relationship with his people. By addressing them as "men," God is acknowledging their humanity and individuality. This is a reminder that God sees and knows each person as an individual, and cares for them on a personal level. The use of the phrase "saith the Lord God" further emphasizes the authority and truth of God's words. It is a declaration that what is being spoken is not merely a human opinion, but a divine proclamation.
One of the underlying themes of Ezekiel 34:31 is the faithfulness and reliability of God. Despite the failures of the human shepherds and leaders, God assures his people that he is their true shepherd. His faithfulness is unwavering, and he will always be there to care for, protect, and guide his people. This theme is not unique to this verse and can be found throughout the Bible, reminding readers of the unchanging nature of God's character.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The imagery of God as a shepherd and his people as a flock is a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and humanity. It conveys the idea of trust, reliance, and intimacy in the relationship between God and his people. The use of this symbolism also highlights the responsibility of God's people to trust in his guidance and care, and to remain faithful to him.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 34:31 in the King James Version of the Bible is a profound statement of God's commitment to being the shepherd of his people. It is a reminder of his faithfulness, care, and intimate relationship with those who belong to him. The verse serves as a source of encouragement and assurance for believers, as it reaffirms God's enduring love and protection for his flock.
Have questions about Ezekiel 34:31?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ezekiel 34:31 Artwork
Ezekiel 34:31 - "And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD."
"And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD." - Ezekiel 34:31
Ezekiel 34:3–4
Exodus 28:31-34
Mark 3:31-34
Exodus 28:31-34
Exodus 28:31-34
Numbers 31:34 - "And threescore and one thousand asses,"
Genesis 34:31 - "And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?"
"And threescore and one thousand asses," - Numbers 31:34
Ezekiel 34:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 34:7 - "¶ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;"
Ezekiel 34:9 - "Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;"
Job 34:31 - "Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:"
Exodus 34:31 - "And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them."
Ezekiel 36:34 - "And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by."
"And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?" - Genesis 34:31
Job 31:34 - "Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?"
Ezekiel 34:5 - "And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered."
Ezekiel 34:15 - "I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 34:24 - "And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it."
Ezekiel 34:22 - "Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle."
Genesis 31:34 - "Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not."
"¶ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;" - Ezekiel 34:7
"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 34:1
Ezekiel 34:3 - "Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock."
Ezekiel 44:31 - "The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast."
Ezekiel 34:11 - "¶ For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out."
Ezekiel 31:7 - "Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters."
Ezekiel 23:31 - "Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister; therefore will I give her cup into thine hand."