Ezekiel 34:21

KJV

Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;

KJV (with Strong's)

Because ye have thrust {H1920} with side {H6654} and with shoulder {H3802}, and pushed {H5055} all the diseased {H2470} with your horns {H7161}, till ye have scattered {H6327} them abroad {H2351};

Complete Jewish Bible

Because you push them with your flanks and shoulders and butt all the weak ones with your horns, till you scatter them in every direction;

Berean Standard Bible

Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad,

American Standard Version

Because ye thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:21 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the unfaithful leaders of Israel, metaphorically depicted as abusive shepherds. It vividly portrays their cruel and exploitative actions, where instead of nurturing and protecting, they violently assault and oppress the most vulnerable members of God's flock—the weak and diseased—driving them away from safety and into dispersion. This verse underscores the profound failure of human leadership and foreshadows God's righteous intervention on behalf of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within [Ezekiel chapter 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Judgment on False Shepherds and Promise of a True Shepherd"), a pivotal prophetic oracle where the Lord directly confronts the "shepherds" of Israel, a clear metaphor for the nation's political and religious leaders. The preceding verses establish their profound negligence and self-serving behavior, accusing them of feeding themselves rather than the flock, failing to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, or seek the lost ([Ezekiel 34:2-4](/ezekiel/34-2 "Ezekiel 34:2-4 - Indictment of Israel's Shepherds")). Verse 21 specifically amplifies this indictment by detailing the aggressive, violent actions of these false shepherds against the most defenseless sheep, leading to their scattering. This indictment sets the stage for God's powerful declaration that He Himself will intervene as the [True Shepherd](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God's Promise to Seek His Sheep"), seeking out His lost sheep and judging between the sheep and the goats, and ultimately establishing a righteous Davidic shepherd ([Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - The Coming of the True Shepherd, David")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of shepherds and flocks was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, an agrarian society where sheep-herding was a primary occupation and a common metaphor for leadership. Kings, priests, and elders were often referred to as shepherds of the people. During Ezekiel's time (the Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE), the people of Israel had suffered greatly due to corrupt and ineffective leadership, which had failed to guide them spiritually or protect them politically, ultimately contributing to their downfall and dispersion. The "diseased" and "scattered" sheep reflect the vulnerable state of the exilic community and those left behind in the land, who were oppressed by both foreign powers and their own elite. The "horns" symbolize power and aggression, common in ancient Near Eastern iconography for rulers and deities. This context highlights the profound betrayal felt by the people and the urgent need for divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Judgment on False Shepherds and Promise of a True Shepherd") is rich with enduring theological themes. **Abusive Leadership** is central, as the verse sharply condemns those in authority who exploit rather than serve, using their power for personal gain and oppression. This directly leads to the theme of the **Oppression of the Vulnerable**, as the "diseased" and scattered sheep represent the weakest members of society who are actively harmed by those meant to protect them. The passage also emphasizes **Divine Judgment on Injustice**, as God declares His intention to hold these unrighteous shepherds accountable for their actions ([Ezekiel 34:10](/ezekiel/34-10 "Ezekiel 34:10 - God's Judgment Against the Shepherds")). Ultimately, the failures of human leadership underscore the **Need for Righteous Shepherdship**, pointing to God Himself as the ideal, compassionate, and just Shepherd who will gather, heal, and protect His flock, culminating in the promise of a future Davidic king ([Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The Promise of a Davidic Shepherd")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thrust (Hebrew, _hâdaph'_):** This primitive root signifies to push away or down, to cast away (out), drive, or expel. In the context of Ezekiel 34:21, it describes a forceful, aggressive act of rejection and displacement. The false shepherds are not merely neglecting the sheep; they are actively pushing them away, indicating a deliberate and violent expulsion from the safety of the flock.
* **Pushed (Hebrew, _nâgach'_):** This verb specifically means to butt with the horns, or figuratively, to war against. It evokes the image of an animal using its natural weapon—its horns—to violently strike or gore another. Applied to the shepherds, it vividly portrays their brutal and animalistic aggression against their own flock, emphasizing a destructive, confrontational use of power.
* **Diseased (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From a root meaning to be rubbed or worn, this word figuratively describes being weak, sick, or afflicted. It highlights the extreme vulnerability of the sheep targeted by the false shepherds. These are not strong, resilient animals, but those already suffering from infirmity, making the shepherds' actions all the more reprehensible due to the particular cruelty directed at the most defenseless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder,"**: This clause describes the initial, forceful, and aggressive actions of the false shepherds. The imagery suggests a deliberate and powerful physical pushing or shoving, using the full force of their bodies ("side and with shoulder") to displace or harm the sheep. This is not accidental contact but a purposeful exertion of dominance and violence, indicative of their oppressive nature.
* **"and pushed all the diseased with your horns,"**: This phrase intensifies the indictment, specifying the victims and the brutal method. The "diseased" sheep are the most vulnerable—the sick, weak, or infirm—and the shepherds use their "horns" (symbolizing power and aggression) to "push" or "butt" them. This highlights a particularly cruel form of abuse, targeting those least able to defend themselves and demonstrating a complete lack of compassion or pastoral care.
* **"till ye have scattered them abroad;"**: This final clause reveals the devastating consequence of the shepherds' actions. Their aggressive "thrusting" and "pushing" ultimately lead to the dispersion of the flock. Instead of gathering and protecting, they cause fragmentation and vulnerability, driving the sheep out into the open ("abroad"), where they are exposed to further danger and loss. This outcome is the antithesis of true shepherdship.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:21 employs powerful **Metaphor** and vivid **Imagery** to convey its message. The entire chapter, including this verse, is built upon the central metaphor of Israel's leaders as "shepherds" and the people as "sheep." This metaphor is extended to depict the shepherds' actions in animalistic terms, using phrases like "thrust with side and with shoulder" and "pushed... with your horns," which are actions more characteristic of aggressive animals than caring human shepherds. The **Imagery** is particularly striking, evoking a scene of brutal, uncaring violence against the weak. The "horns" serve as a **Symbol** of destructive power and aggression, wielded by those who should be protectors. There is also a profound sense of **Irony** in the passage: those who are called to nurture and gather the flock are instead actively scattering and harming the most vulnerable among them. This stark contrast underscores the depth of their moral failure and the perversion of their sacred duty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:21 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of leadership, highlighting God's abhorrence of injustice and the abuse of power, especially against the vulnerable. It underscores the divine expectation that those in authority, whether spiritual or temporal, are to be stewards of care and protection, not instruments of oppression. The verse's condemnation of the false shepherds' actions—their active harm and scattering of the "diseased"—foreshadows God's own righteous intervention to provide true, compassionate shepherdship, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. This passage reinforces the biblical principle that true authority is exercised through humble service and selfless love, not through domination or exploitation.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds")
* [Zechariah 11:15-17](/zechariah/11-15 "Zechariah 11:15-17 - The Foolish Shepherd")
* [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Harassed and Helpless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:21 holds enduring relevance for all forms of leadership today, whether in the church, community, or government. It challenges us to critically examine how power is wielded and to whom compassion is extended. True leadership, as modeled by God Himself, is characterized by a profound commitment to the well-being of the vulnerable, not their exploitation or neglect. This verse calls us to advocate for the marginalized, to speak out against injustice, and to ensure that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions, especially when they cause harm. It also prompts personal reflection: Am I, in my sphere of influence, acting as a true shepherd, nurturing and protecting, or am I inadvertently "thrusting" or "pushing" others, particularly those who are weak or struggling? The call is to embody the compassion of God, seeking to heal and gather, rather than to wound and scatter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might leaders today "thrust with side and with shoulder" or "push with their horns" the vulnerable members of society or the church?**
* **How can individuals and communities actively stand against the exploitation of the "diseased" or marginalized, as described in this verse?**
* **What qualities define a "true shepherd" in contrast to the false shepherds depicted in Ezekiel 34, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own life and leadership?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "shepherds" being condemned in Ezekiel 34?**

Answer: In [Ezekiel chapter 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Judgment on False Shepherds and Promise of a True Shepherd"), the "shepherds" are a metaphor for the leaders of Israel during Ezekiel's time. This includes kings, princes, priests, and other figures in positions of authority—those responsible for guiding, protecting, and caring for the people of God. The prophet condemns them for their self-serving behavior, neglect, and active oppression of the "flock," which represents the common people of Israel.

**What does "thrust with side and with shoulder" mean in this context?**

Answer: This vivid imagery describes a forceful, aggressive, and deliberate act of pushing or shoving. It suggests that the false shepherds were not merely neglecting the weak but actively using their physical power and influence to displace, marginalize, and harm them. It's a depiction of oppressive power being used to push the vulnerable out of the way or away from resources and protection, emphasizing the cruelty and intentionality of their abuse.

**How does this ancient prophecy relate to modern leadership and societal issues?**

Answer: Ezekiel 34:21 remains profoundly relevant as a timeless warning against the abuse of power in any sphere. It speaks to the moral imperative for leaders—whether in government, business, education, or religious institutions—to prioritize the well-being of those they serve, particularly the most vulnerable. The "diseased" can represent any marginalized, weak, or suffering group in society. The prophecy calls for accountability for those who exploit or harm their charges for personal gain, reminding us that true leadership is characterized by compassion, protection, and justice, echoing the themes found in passages like [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:21, with its stark indictment of false shepherds who scatter and harm the flock, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). In direct contrast to the self-serving, violent leaders described by Ezekiel, Jesus comes not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He embodies the true shepherd's heart, having compassion on the crowds who were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Harassed and Helpless")). While the false shepherds "pushed all the diseased with their horns," Jesus actively sought out and healed the sick, strengthened the weak, and gathered the lost, declaring, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Came to Give Life")). His sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate act of a shepherd laying down His life for His sheep, gathering those who were scattered by sin and false leadership into one fold under His loving care, establishing a new covenant where He reigns as the [Chief Shepherd](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 11:5

Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed [be] the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.

Zechariah 11:16

For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, [which] shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

Zechariah 11:17

Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

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 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.

Luke 13:14

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

Luke 13:16

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?