Ezekiel 34:4
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.
Ezekiel 34:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This specific verse from the Bible highlights the importance of compassion and care for the vulnerable in society. In this passage, the author is criticizing leaders who have neglected their responsibility to help and support those who are in need. The verse emphasizes the failure to strengthen the diseased, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring back the lost, and seek out those who are missing. Instead, the leaders are described as ruling with force and cruelty, suggesting a lack of empathy and understanding towards their people. By highlighting these shortcomings, the verse serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and assistance towards those who are suffering or in need. It calls on leaders to prioritize compassion and care in their governance, rather than ruling through oppression and harshness.
Theological Overview
This powerful verse from the book of Ezekiel highlights the failure of the leadership to care for and protect those under their charge. The lack of nurturing and healing for the diseased, sick, broken, driven away, and lost indicates a severe neglect of their responsibilities. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and responsibility in leadership. It serves as a reminder of the duty of leaders, whether in a religious, political, or personal capacity, to provide healing, restoration, and guidance to those in need. The word study of terms like "strengthened," "healed," "bound up," "brought again," and "sought" further reinforces the idea of actively seeking out and supporting the vulnerable and marginalized. The contrast with the use of force and cruelty in ruling serves as a stark warning against abusing power and neglecting those in need of care.
Ezekiel 34:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
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 back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them.
World English Bible
You haven’t strengthened the diseased, neither have you healed that which was sick, neither have you bound up that which was broken, neither have you brought back that which was driven away, neither have you sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor you have ruled over them.
Douay-Rheims
The weak you have not strengthened, and that which was sick you have not healed, that which was broken you have not bound up, and that which was driven away you have not brought again, neither have you sought that which was lost: but you ruled over them with rigour, and with a high hand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The weake haue ye not strengthened: the sicke haue ye not healed, neither haue ye bounde vp the broken, nor brought againe that which was driuen away, neither haue yee sought that which was lost, but with crueltie, and with rigour haue yee ruled them.