Ezekiel 34:31

KJV

And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, [are] men, [and] I [am] your God, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye {H859} my flock {H6629}, the flock {H6629} of my pasture {H4830}, are men {H120}, and I am your God {H430}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'You, my sheep, the sheep in my pasture, are human beings; and I am your God,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

American Standard Version

And ye my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 34:31 serves as a profound concluding statement in God's declaration of His direct pastoral care for His people, Israel, after condemning their corrupt human shepherds. This verse unequivocally affirms God's intimate ownership of His people, identifying them as "my flock, the flock of my pasture," while simultaneously clarifying their human identity as "men." It culminates with the foundational covenant declaration, "I am your God," underscored by the authoritative pronouncement "saith the Lord GOD," solidifying the unique, enduring, and divinely initiated relationship between the Creator and His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 34 stands as a pivotal chapter within the book of Ezekiel, primarily focusing on God's indictment of the unfaithful leaders of Israel, metaphorically depicted as "shepherds" who have neglected, exploited, and scattered God's "flock" (the people). The chapter begins with a stern rebuke of these false shepherds, detailing their failures [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - God's Judgment on False Shepherds"). God then declares His intention to intervene personally as the true and ultimate Shepherd, promising to seek out His scattered sheep, rescue them, feed them, heal the sick, and strengthen the weak [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God as the True Shepherd"). He further promises to judge between the fat and the lean sheep, ensuring justice within His flock [Ezekiel 34:17-22](/ezekiel/34-17-22 "Ezekiel 34:17-22 - Judgment Within the Flock"). The chapter culminates with the promise of raising up a righteous Davidic shepherd [Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23-24 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - The One Shepherd, David") and establishing a "covenant of peace" [Ezekiel 34:25-30](/ezekiel/34-25-30 "Ezekiel 34:25-30 - The Covenant of Peace"), leading directly into the climactic affirmation of the divine-human relationship in [Ezekiel 34:31](/ezekiel/34-31 "Ezekiel 34:31 - God's Flock, His People"). This verse acts as the sealing statement, confirming the restored and direct relationship between God and His people, now properly tended by the Divine Shepherd.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma and spiritual disorientation for the people of Judah. Jerusalem had fallen, the temple was destroyed, and the people were dispersed. In this context, the imagery of a shepherd and flock was deeply resonant. Rulers in the ancient Near East, including kings in Israel, were often referred to as "shepherds" of their people. However, the leaders of Israel had failed spectacularly, leading to the nation's downfall. God's declaration in [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God as the True Shepherd") to personally shepherd His people was a radical reassertion of His sovereignty and faithfulness in a time when human leadership had proven utterly inadequate. It offered hope and a vision of restoration to a people who felt abandoned and without guidance, emphasizing that their ultimate security and well-being rested solely in God's hands, not in fallible human institutions.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 34:31 encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader Old Testament. The primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Pastoral Care**, where God asserts His ultimate authority and intimate concern for His people, contrasting His perfect shepherding with the failures of human leaders. This highlights God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, as He reiterates His enduring commitment to the covenant relationship established with Israel, even in their disobedience and exile. The verse also touches on the **Identity of God's People**, clarifying that while metaphorically a "flock," they are truly "men," emphasizing their dignity, accountability, and the personal nature of God's relationship with them. Furthermore, it foreshadows the theme of **Restoration and New Covenant**, as God promises to gather and renew His people under His direct care, laying groundwork for future messianic hopes, particularly the coming of the true Davidic Shepherd mentioned in [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - The One Shepherd, David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **flock (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** This term (H6629) collectively refers to sheep or goats, but significantly, the Strong's data notes its figurative use for "men." In Ezekiel 34, it powerfully symbolizes the people of Israel, emphasizing their communal identity, their dependence on a shepherd for guidance and provision, and their vulnerability without proper care. The repetition of "my flock, the flock of my pasture" intensifies God's proprietary claim and deep affection for His people.
* **pasture (Hebrew, _mirʻîyth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to feed," this word (H4830) denotes pasturage, a place of sustenance and flourishing. It concretely refers to the flock itself, but in this context, it highlights God's role as the provider of all that His people need—physical nourishment, spiritual guidance, and a secure environment. It speaks to the abundance and safety found under God's direct care.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This crucial clarification (H120), "are men," directly follows the "flock" metaphor. While the imagery of sheep conveys dependence and vulnerability, the term _ʼâdâm_ (human being) underscores that God's people are not mere unthinking animals. They are intelligent, responsible beings created in His image, with whom God desires a personal, covenantal relationship that involves moral accountability and conscious participation. This distinguishes God's relationship with humanity from a simple animal-owner dynamic.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye my flock":** This opening phrase immediately establishes God's personal ownership and intimate connection with the people of Israel. The possessive "my" signifies a deep, exclusive relationship, akin to a shepherd's bond with his own sheep.
* **"the flock of my pasture":** This expands on the previous phrase, emphasizing not only ownership but also divine provision and sustenance. It implies that God is the source of their well-being, security, and flourishing, providing all they need within His protective care.
* **"[are] men":** This parenthetical yet profound statement clarifies the nature of the "flock." Despite the metaphor of sheep, God reminds the audience that His people are human beings. This highlights their inherent dignity as those created in God's image and underscores the personal, covenantal relationship God desires with intelligent, responsible beings, not mere animals.
* **"[and] I [am] your God":** This is a foundational covenant declaration, echoing the language used throughout the Old Testament (e.g., "I will be your God, and you will be my people"). It signifies an exclusive, enduring, and reciprocal bond, promising His constant presence, provision, and protection, and demanding their loyalty and obedience.
* **"saith the Lord GOD":** This authoritative phrase, a common prophetic formula, emphasizes that the preceding declarations are not mere human speculation but a direct, immutable oracle from God Himself. "The Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) combines God's sovereign authority (H136, Adonai) with His personal, covenantal name (H3069, Yahweh), underscoring both His absolute dominion and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 34:31 is rich in **Metaphor**, which is the dominant literary device throughout the entire chapter. The people of Israel are consistently depicted as a "flock," and God is presented as their divine "shepherd." This metaphor effectively conveys themes of dependence, guidance, protection, and provision, highlighting the vulnerability of the people without proper care and the benevolent nature of God's oversight. The phrase "the flock of my pasture" further extends this metaphor, emphasizing the abundance and security found under God's direct care. Additionally, the verse employs **Covenant Language** through the declaration "I am your God." This is a classic formula used to establish and affirm the unique, reciprocal relationship between Yahweh and Israel, signifying an exclusive bond of loyalty and commitment. Finally, the concluding phrase "saith the Lord GOD" functions as a **Divine Oracle** or pronouncement, lending absolute authority and certainty to the preceding statements. It underscores that these are not human words, but the infallible and unchangeable truth spoken directly by the sovereign Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 34:31 serves as a powerful theological anchor, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His people despite their failures and the shortcomings of their human leaders. It underscores the truth that God Himself is the ultimate and perfect Shepherd, who takes personal responsibility for the well-being of His flock. This declaration reinforces the covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel, reminding them that their identity and security are rooted in His faithful character and His sovereign claim over them. It highlights the profound intimacy and care God extends to those He calls His own, emphasizing that His people, though often wayward, remain His cherished possession, directly under His watchful eye and provision.

* [Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God's Gentle Shepherd Care")
* [Jeremiah 23:4](/jeremiah/23-4 "Jeremiah 23:4 - God Provides Good Shepherds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, Ezekiel 34:31 offers profound comfort and a clear sense of identity within the family of God. We are reminded that God views us not as anonymous individuals lost in the crowd, but as His cherished "flock," intimately known and personally cared for. This truth invites us to rest in His unwavering pastoral care, knowing that He is our ultimate provider, protector, and guide through life's complexities and challenges. Our identity as "men" (human beings) within His flock calls us to recognize our dignity and responsibility, living lives that reflect His character and honor the unique covenant relationship we share with Him. It encourages a deeper trust in God's active involvement in our lives, freeing us from the anxieties of self-reliance and the disappointments of relying on fallible human leaders, and instead, directing our gaze to the unfailing faithfulness of the Divine Shepherd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of being God's "flock" resonate with your personal experience of faith and dependence on God?**
* **In what ways does the clarification that God's flock "are men" influence your understanding of your dignity and responsibility before God?**
* **How does knowing that the "Lord GOD" Himself declares "I am your God" strengthen your trust in His provision and protection in your life today?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that God clarifies His "flock" are "men" in this verse?**

Answer: The clarification that God's flock "are men" is profoundly significant because it elevates the metaphor beyond a simple animal-owner relationship. While the "flock" imagery emphasizes dependence, guidance, and vulnerability, stating that they "are men" (Hebrew: _ʼâdâm_ H120) underscores the inherent dignity and moral agency of God's people. It highlights that God's relationship with His people is not merely one of control over unthinking creatures, but a personal, covenantal bond with intelligent, responsible beings created in His image. This means His care is not just for their physical well-being, but also for their spiritual and moral flourishing, involving accountability and a reciprocal relationship of love and obedience. It distinguishes God's unique interaction with humanity from His relationship with the rest of creation, emphasizing the depth and personal nature of His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 34:31 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophecy of God acting as the true Shepherd, and raising up a righteous Davidic shepherd [Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23-24 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - The One Shepherd, David"), points directly to Jesus. He declared Himself to be the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), perfectly embodying the divine care and provision promised by God in Ezekiel. Jesus not only gathers the scattered flock, but He also gives His life as the ultimate sacrifice, establishing a new covenant in His blood [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"). Through His atoning work, believers become His "flock," brought into His "pasture" of grace and truth, finding eternal security and abundant life in Him. He is the one who truly [knows His sheep by name](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep"), leads them to [green pastures and still waters](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - Green Pastures and Still Waters"), and ensures that [none will snatch them out of His hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them"). Thus, the promise "I am your God" is fully realized in Christ, who is God incarnate, dwelling among His people and forever being their Shepherd and Lord.

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

Psalms 100:3

Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

John 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

Ezekiel 36:38

As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 78:52

But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

Psalms 80:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.