Old Testament
Ezekiel 34:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is addressing leaders who are taking advantage of their position.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Isn't it enough for you to graze on the best pasture? Do you also have to trample the rest of it with your feet? Isn't it enough to drink the clear water? Do you also have to muddy what's left with your feet?
Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing leaders who are taking advantage of their position. They enjoy the best resources, like rich pastures and clear water, but they also harm what is left for others. Instead of sharing and caring for the community, they trample on the remaining resources, making them unusable. This behavior reflects a selfish attitude, where personal gain overshadows the well-being of others. The imagery of muddying the water and trampling the grass illustrates how their actions negatively impact the environment and the people around them. God is calling out this injustice, urging leaders to be responsible and considerate. The message is clear: true leadership involves nurturing and protecting what is available for everyone, not just taking for oneself. This verse challenges us to reflect on our own actions and consider how we can contribute positively to our communities, ensuring that we leave resources intact for others to benefit from as well. It’s a reminder that our choices matter. Explore related materialism.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 34:18 to your life
Consider how your actions affect those around you. Are you taking more than your fair share? Strive to be a positive influence in your community by sharing resources and supporting others. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in creating a caring environment for everyone. Lead by example and encourage others to do the same.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 34:18 mean?
Ezekiel 34:18 addresses leaders who exploit their position by enjoying the best resources while harming what remains for others. It highlights the selfishness of taking more than one needs and neglecting the well-being of the community.
What is the meaning of 'trample the rest of it with your feet' in Ezekiel 34:18?
The phrase 'trample the rest of it with your feet' symbolizes how leaders damage the remaining resources that others rely on. It illustrates a lack of care and responsibility towards the community's needs.
How does Ezekiel 34:18 relate to leadership?
Ezekiel 34:18 emphasizes that true leadership involves being responsible and considerate of others. It warns against selfish behavior that harms the community and encourages leaders to share resources.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 34:18?
The themes in Ezekiel 34:18 include selfishness, leadership, community care, and responsibility. It challenges individuals to reflect on their actions and their impact on others.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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