Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 34:4. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about leadership and responsibility. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the person or group in charge – whoever is leading or governing – has been recklessly neglecting their duties to those they are responsible for. They’ve been using force and cruelty instead of care and healing. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick..." : This means the leader hasn’t been helping people who are hurting or struggling. They haven’t offered comfort or support. It suggests a lack of compassion and care. "...neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken..." : “That which was broken” refers to someone who has been injured, perhaps physically or emotionally. The leader hasn't taken steps to fix things that were damaged. "...neither have ye brought again that which was driven away..." : This is a really important part. It means they haven’t been restoring what was lost or removed from people’s lives. Perhaps someone has been abandoned, or their trust has been broken, and the leader hasn't tried to bring them back or rebuild their relationships. "...neither have ye sought that which was lost..." : This speaks to a lack of focus and diligence. The leader isn’t actively looking for solutions, or trying to improve the situation. They haven’t been proactive in addressing problems. The Tone & Implication: The verse has a strong feeling of judgment and disapproval. It implies that this person is acting with power without responsibility, and potentially even with harm. It’s a stark warning against abuse of authority. Overall Meaning: Ezekiel 34:4 is a call for accountability and righteous leadership. It suggests that leaders must prioritize care, healing, and restoration – not just control through force or cruelty. --- To help me explain it further and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What context are you interested in? (e.g., are you reading this in a specific story, or are you looking for a general understanding?) Why are you asking about this verse? (e.g., are you trying to understand the message it conveys, or are you thinking about how it might apply to a particular situation?)