Ezekiel 34:3

KJV

Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye eat {H398} the fat {H2459}, and ye clothe {H3847} you with the wool {H6785}, ye kill {H2076} them that are fed {H1277}: but ye feed {H7462} not the flock {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You eat the choice meat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, and you slaughter the best of the herd; but you don't feed the sheep!

Berean Standard Bible

You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.

American Standard Version

Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:3 delivers a severe divine indictment against the corrupt leaders of Israel, metaphorically portrayed as negligent shepherds. The verse vividly exposes their self-serving practices, accusing them of exploiting the very flock—the people of God—they were entrusted to protect and nourish. Instead of providing care, these leaders consumed the best resources for their own comfort and gain, even harming the healthy, while utterly failing in their fundamental duty to feed and guide the flock.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 opens with a direct prophetic word from the Lord God against the "shepherds of Israel" ([Ezekiel 34:1-2](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-2 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds")). This chapter marks a significant shift in Ezekiel's prophecy, moving from pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem and surrounding nations to a focus on the spiritual and political leadership of Israel. Verse 3, along with verse 2, lays out the specific charges against these shepherds, detailing their exploitative actions before the Lord promises to intervene personally to shepherd His people ([Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Shepherd His Flock")). The entire chapter contrasts the failed human leadership with God's perfect, compassionate shepherding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly in Israel, the metaphor of a shepherd was a common and powerful symbol for leadership. Kings, priests, and even prophets were often referred to as shepherds of their people. Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period when the nation of Judah had already suffered immense devastation, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the forced deportation of its inhabitants. This catastrophe was understood by the prophets as a direct consequence of the people's sin and, crucially, the failures of their leaders who had led them astray, neglected justice, and pursued personal gain. The "flock" represents the vulnerable people of Israel, scattered and suffering due to the absence of true, caring leadership, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Prophecy of the Shepherds").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **abuse of authority**, where leaders prioritize self-enrichment and comfort over the well-being of those under their care, vividly illustrated by "Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool." It underscores the extreme **exploitation of the vulnerable**, as leaders not only neglect but actively harm the healthy and productive members of the community ("ye kill them that are fed"). Fundamentally, it exposes the **neglect of duty**, emphasizing that the primary responsibility of a shepherd—to feed, protect, and guide the flock—was utterly abandoned ("ye feed not the flock"). This indictment serves as a prelude to the theme of **divine judgment** against corrupt leadership and God's ultimate promise to restore and shepherd His people Himself, as elaborated in [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Seek and Feed His Sheep").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** (H398) This primitive root means "to eat" literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the consumption and appropriation of resources. The leaders are not merely partaking but devouring, indicating a selfish and excessive absorption of the flock's produce for their own benefit, rather than for sustenance to perform their duties.
* **fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** (H2459) This word refers to the richest or choicest part of an animal. In Israelite culture, the fat was often considered the best portion, sometimes reserved for sacrifice to God, symbolizing the best of what was offered. The leaders' consumption of the "fat" signifies their taking of the prime resources, the very essence and strength of the flock, for their own indulgence, an act of sacrilege and extreme selfishness.
* **feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** (H7462) This primitive root means "to tend a flock," "to pasture it," or "to graze." More broadly, it means "to rule" or "to shepherd." The negation "ye feed not the flock" thus implies a comprehensive failure of leadership, encompassing not just the lack of physical provision but also the absence of guidance, protection, and proper governance. It highlights the fundamental abandonment of their pastoral responsibilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye eat the fat":** This clause immediately establishes the leaders' self-serving nature. "Eating the fat" refers to consuming the choicest, richest parts of the flock, symbolizing the appropriation of the best resources, wealth, and strength of the people for personal indulgence and luxury. It speaks to a profound selfishness and disregard for the needs of others.
* **"and ye clothe you with the wool":** This continues the theme of exploitation. The wool, produced by the sheep, represents another valuable resource. The leaders are accused of taking the flock's covering for their own comfort and status, rather than using it to benefit the flock or the community. It signifies their material gain at the expense of those they were meant to serve.
* **"ye kill them that are fed":** This is the most shocking accusation, indicating not just neglect but active harm. "Them that are fed" (or "the fat ones") refers to the healthy, strong, and productive members of the flock. The leaders are not only taking from the weak but are also destroying the strong, either through direct oppression, unjust policies, or by draining their vitality, thus undermining the very foundation of the community.
* **"but ye feed not the flock":** This concluding clause serves as the ultimate indictment, highlighting the core failure of their leadership. Despite all the resources they have extracted and the harm they have inflicted, their fundamental duty—to provide sustenance, guidance, and protection to the flock—remains unfulfilled. This stark contrast between their taking and their giving underscores their complete dereliction of duty.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:3 is rich in **Metaphor**, with the entire verse functioning as an extended comparison between corrupt leaders and negligent shepherds, and the people of Israel as a suffering flock. This central metaphor vividly conveys the leaders' exploitation and dereliction of duty. The verse also employs stark **Contrast** between the actions of the shepherds ("eat the fat," "clothe you with the wool," "kill them that are fed") and their fundamental failure ("ye feed not the flock"). This juxtaposition emphasizes the egregious nature of their neglect. Furthermore, the phrase "ye kill them that are fed" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or extreme language, underscoring the severity of the leaders' destructive impact, suggesting not only physical death but also the spiritual and societal ruin they inflict upon the healthy and productive members of the community. The overall tone is one of **Indictment** and **Condemnation**, powerfully communicating God's righteous anger at the injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:3 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of righteous leadership and God's unwavering concern for His people. It reveals God's abhorrence for self-serving authority that exploits the vulnerable, contrasting sharply with His own character as a compassionate and just ruler. The verse underscores the principle that true leadership is about selfless service and provision, not personal gain. The failure of these human shepherds sets the stage for God's dramatic promise to intervene directly, to become the ultimate Shepherd of His flock, gathering them, healing them, and bringing them to good pasture. This divine intervention foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who would perfectly embody the ideal shepherd.

* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Seek and Feed His Sheep")
* [John 10:11-13](/john/10-11 "John 10:11-13 - The Good Shepherd vs. the Hired Hand")
* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Prophecy Against Worthless Shepherds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 34:3 remains profoundly relevant for all generations, serving as a timeless mirror reflecting the responsibilities of leadership and the discernment required of followers. It challenges anyone in a position of authority—whether in government, business, education, or the church—to examine their motives and actions. Are they consuming the "fat" and "wool" for personal gain, or are they diligently "feeding the flock" through selfless service, protection, and provision? For those who are led, this verse encourages a critical and prayerful assessment of leadership, urging discernment to recognize when leaders are exploiting rather than nurturing. It calls us to pray for our leaders, that they might embody the servant-hearted model of true shepherding, and to hold them accountable to biblical standards of justice and care. Ultimately, it reminds us that all human leadership is fallible and points us to the perfect, unfailing leadership of God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might leaders today "eat the fat" or "clothe themselves with the wool" at the expense of those they lead?**
* **How can individuals discern between leaders who genuinely "feed the flock" and those who exploit it?**
* **What are my responsibilities, even as a follower, to ensure that those in authority are held accountable to biblical standards of care and justice?**
* **How does this verse challenge my own leadership, whether in my family, community, or workplace?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "shepherds" referred to in Ezekiel 34:3?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 34, the "shepherds" are a metaphor for the leaders of Israel, encompassing both their spiritual and political authorities. This would include kings, princes, priests, and prophets who were responsible for guiding, protecting, and caring for the people of God. The indictment in [Ezekiel 34:1-2](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-2 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds") is broad, indicating a systemic failure of leadership that led to the nation's spiritual decline and ultimate exile.

**What does it mean for the shepherds to "eat the fat" and "clothe you with the wool"?**

Answer: These phrases are vivid metaphors for the exploitation of the flock (the people) by their leaders. "Eating the fat" refers to consuming the choicest, richest parts of the flock's produce, symbolizing the leaders' appropriation of wealth, resources, and luxury for their own benefit. "Clothe you with the wool" signifies taking the valuable wool from the sheep for their own comfort and status. Together, these actions illustrate how the leaders prioritized their personal gain and indulgence over the well-being and needs of the people they were meant to serve, essentially profiting from the flock without providing proper care.

**Why is the accusation "ye kill them that are fed" so severe?**

Answer: This accusation goes beyond mere neglect to imply active harm and destruction. "Them that are fed" (or "the fat ones") refers to the healthy, strong, and productive members of the flock. By "killing" them, the leaders are not only failing to nurture but are actively undermining the strength and vitality of the community. This could refer to oppressive policies, injustice, heavy taxation, or spiritual neglect that leads to the ruin of the most capable and faithful members, thereby weakening the entire nation. It highlights the extreme degree of their dereliction of duty and the devastating consequences for the people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:3, with its scathing indictment of failed human shepherds, sets the stage for the glorious revelation of the true and perfect Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The Lord God's promise in [Ezekiel 34:11](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11 - God's Promise to Seek Out His Sheep")—"Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out"—finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus. He perfectly embodies the qualities of the ideal shepherd, in stark contrast to the self-serving leaders of Ezekiel's time. Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Unlike those who ate the fat and clothed themselves with the wool, Jesus did not come to be served but to serve, giving His very life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He truly "feeds the flock" by providing spiritual nourishment through His Word ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and eternal life through His sacrifice ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). He gathers the scattered, heals the sick, and protects His sheep from wolves ([John 10:12-16](/john/10-12 "John 10:12-16 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")), fulfilling God's promise to be the Shepherd who truly cares for His flock, leading them to green pastures and still waters ([Psalm 23:1-2](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). He is the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd Will Appear")), whose perfect leadership stands as the eternal standard against which all human leadership is measured.

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 11:16

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.

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Ezekiel 33:25

Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Ye eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land?

Ezekiel 33:26

Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife: and shall ye possess the land?

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 22:28

And her prophets have daubed them with untempered [morter], seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

Isaiah 56:11

Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.