Zechariah 11:16

Zechariah 11:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those that are cut off, neither will seek those that are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For see, I will put a sheep-keeper over the land, who will have no care for that which is cut off, and will not go in search of the wanderers, or make well what is broken, and he will not give food to that which is ill, but he will take for his food the flesh of the fat, and let their feet be broken.

Free Bible Version FBV

For I am placing a shepherd in charge of the land who won't care for those who are dying, or look for the lost, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy. Instead he will eat the meat from the fattest sheep. He even tears their hooves off.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For loe, I will rayse vp a shepheard in the land, which shall not looke for the thing, that is lost, nor seeke the tender lambes, nor heale that that is hurt, nor feede that that standeth vp: but he shall eate the flesh of the fat, and teare their clawes in pieces.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For lo, I am raising up a shepherd in the land, The cut off he doth not inspect, The shaken off he doth not seek, And the broken he doth not heal, The standing he doth not sustain, And the flesh of the fat he doth eat, And their hoofs he doth break off.

World English Bible WEB

For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the meat of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who shall not visit those that are cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For behold I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who shall not visit what is forsaken, nor seek what is scattered, nor heal what is broken, nor nourish that which standeth, and he shall eat the flesh of the fat ones, and break their hoofs.

Translation for Translators T4T

because I am going to appoint a new king for the people, one who will not take care of my people. He will be like a foolish shepherd: [MET] He will not take care of those who are dying, those who are very young, those who have been injured, or those who do not have enough food. Instead, he will treat them very cruelly, like a shepherd who would [MET] kill and eat the best sheep and tear off their hoofs.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 11:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Zechariah 11:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֣י הִנֵּֽה אָנֹכִי֩ מֵקִ֨ים רֹעֶ֜ה בָּ/אָ֗רֶץ הַ/נִּכְחָד֤וֹת לֹֽא יִפְקֹד֙ הַ/נַּ֣עַר לֹֽא יְבַקֵּ֔שׁ וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁבֶּ֖רֶת לֹ֣א יְרַפֵּ֑א הַ/נִּצָּבָה֙ לֹ֣א יְכַלְכֵּ֔ל וּ/בְשַׂ֤ר הַ/בְּרִיאָה֙ יֹאכַ֔ל וּ/פַרְסֵי/הֶ֖ן יְפָרֵֽק

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

הִנֵּֽה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

אָנֹכִי֩ ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

מֵקִ֨ים qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Hiphil

רֹעֶ֜ה râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds V-Qal

בָּ/אָ֗רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

הַ/נִּכְחָד֤וֹת kâchad H3582 to hide Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִפְקֹד֙ pâqad H6485 to reckon V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

הַ/נַּ֣עַר naʻar H5289 newborn Art | N-ms

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יְבַקֵּ֔שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁבֶּ֖רֶת shâbar H7665 to break Conj | Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יְרַפֵּ֑א râphâʼ H7495 to heal V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

הַ/נִּצָּבָה֙ nâtsab H5324 to stand Art | V-Niphal

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יְכַלְכֵּ֔ל kûwl H3557 to sustain V-l-Imperf-3ms

וּ/בְשַׂ֤ר bâsâr H1320 flesh Conj | N-ms

הַ/בְּרִיאָה֙ bârîyʼ H1277 fat Art | Adj

יֹאכַ֔ל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וּ/פַרְסֵי/הֶ֖ן parçâh H6541 hoof Conj | N-fp | Suff

יְפָרֵֽק pâraq H6561 to tear V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 11:16

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הִנֵּֽה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

אָנֹכִי֩ ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

מֵקִ֨ים qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Hiphil

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

רֹעֶ֜ה râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" V-Qal

This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.

Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.

בָּ/אָ֗רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

הַ/נִּכְחָד֤וֹת kâchad H3582 "to hide" Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

Kachad means to hide or conceal, and can also mean to destroy or cut off. It is used to describe being hidden or effaced.

Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, cut off, cut down, make desolate, kick 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be hidden 1a2) to be effaced, be destroyed, be cut off 1b) (Piel) to cover, hide 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to hide 1c2) to efface, annihilate

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: conceal, cut down (off), desolate, hide. See also: Genesis 47:18; Job 22:20; Psalms 40:11.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִפְקֹד֙ pâqad H6485 "to reckon" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.

Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.

הַ/נַּ֣עַר naʻar H5289 "newborn" Art | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a newborn or very young child, vulnerable and in need of care. It is used in a few places in the Old Testament to describe the youngest members of a family or community, like the baby Moses or the children of Israel.

Definition: a shaking, scattering

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: young one. See also: Zechariah 11:16.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יְבַקֵּ֔שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁבֶּ֖רֶת shâbar H7665 "to break" Conj | Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.

Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יְרַפֵּ֑א râphâʼ H7495 "to heal" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to heal or mend, often referring to God's power to cure physical or emotional hurts, as seen in Psalm 103:3.

Definition: 1) to heal, make healthful 1a) (Qal) to heal 1a1) of God 1a2) healer, physician (of men) 1a3) of hurts of nations involving restored favour (fig) 1a4) of individual distresses (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be healed 1b1) literal (of persons) 1b2) of water, pottery 1b3) of national hurts (fig) 1b4) of personal distress (fig) 1c) (Piel) to heal 1c1) literal 1c2) of national defects or hurts (fig) 1d) (Hithpael) in order to get healed (infinitive)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole. See H7503 (רָפָה). See also: Genesis 20:17; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 6:3.

הַ/נִּצָּבָה֙ nâtsab H5324 "to stand" Art | V-Niphal

To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.

Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יְכַלְכֵּ֔ל kûwl H3557 "to sustain" V-l-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.

Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.

וּ/בְשַׂ֤ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

הַ/בְּרִיאָה֙ bârîyʼ H1277 "fat" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this word means 'fat' or 'plump', describing something or someone that is well-fed and healthy. It is used to describe animals and people, like in the story of the fat calf in Luke 15:27.

Definition: 1) fat 2) (TWOT) fat, fatter, fed, firm, plenteous, rank Also means: ber.yah (בִּרְיָה "fat" H1274)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank. See also: Genesis 41:2; Judges 3:17; Psalms 73:4.

יֹאכַ֔ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וּ/פַרְסֵי/הֶ֖ן parçâh H6541 "hoof" Conj | N-fp | Suff

A claw or split hoof, often referring to the feet of animals like cows or horses, is described by this word. It appears in Leviticus 11, where it discusses clean and unclean animals.

Definition: 1) hoof 1a) of ruminants 1b) of horses (undivided hooves)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: claw, (cloven-) footed, hoof. See also: Exodus 10:26; Deuteronomy 14:7; Isaiah 5:28.

יְפָרֵֽק pâraq H6561 "to tear" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

To tear means to break off or crunch something, and can also mean to deliver or rescue. It can be used to describe tearing apart or away, or breaking something into pieces. This verb has various forms, including to snatch or redeem.

Definition: 1) to tear apart or away, tear off, break away 1a) (Qal) to tear away, snatch, rescue 1b) (Piel) to tear off 1c) (Hithpael) to tear off from oneself, be broken off, be broken in pieces Aramaic equivalent: pe.raq (פְּרַק "to break" H6562)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: break (off), deliver, redeem, rend (in pieces), tear in pieces. See also: Genesis 27:40; Psalms 7:3; Psalms 136:24.

Study Notes — Zechariah 11:16

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Context
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Zechariah 11:16 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 11:16
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:16
Sermons on Zechariah 11:16

Context — Thirty Pieces of Silver

14Then I cut in two my second staff called Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. 15And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd.

16For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves.

17Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 34:2–6	“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts. My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’
2	Jeremiah 23:2	Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.
3	Matthew 23:2–4	“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
4	Ezekiel 34:16	I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
5	Jeremiah 23:22	But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”
6	1 Samuel 17:34–35	David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it.
7	Genesis 33:13	But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die.
8	Luke 12:45–46	But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
9	Genesis 31:38	I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock.
10	Matthew 23:13–29	Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the One who sits on it. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.

Zechariah 11:16 Summary

[Zechariah 11:16 describes a shepherd who does not care for his flock, but instead exploits and harms them. This is a warning to leaders who prioritize their own interests over the well-being of those in their care. In contrast, God calls leaders to care for their flock with humility and compassion, as seen in 1 Peter 5:1-4. By following God's example, we can prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of those around us, rather than exploiting them for our own gain, and seek to care for the lost, the young, and the broken, as a reflection of God's heart for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the shepherd mentioned in Zechariah 11:16?

The shepherd in Zechariah 11:16 is likely a reference to a leader who will rise up and exploit God's people, rather than caring for them, as seen in Ezekiel 34:1-10 where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their neglect and abuse of the flock.

What does it mean for the shepherd to 'devour the flesh of the choice sheep'?

This phrase is a metaphor for the way the shepherd will exploit and harm the strongest and most valuable members of the flock, much like a wolf attacks the vulnerable sheep in Matthew 10:16, highlighting the shepherd's lack of care and concern for the well-being of the flock.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?

Zechariah 11:16 serves as a warning to spiritual leaders who prioritize their own interests over the well-being of their flock, as seen in 1 Peter 5:1-4 where leaders are exhorted to shepherd the flock with care and humility, not lording their authority over them.

What is the significance of the shepherd tearing off the hooves of the choice sheep?

The act of tearing off the hooves may symbolize the way the shepherd will disable and weaken the strongest members of the flock, making them vulnerable to further exploitation and harm, much like the way the enemy seeks to disable and weaken believers in 2 Corinthians 2:11.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be like the foolish shepherd, neglecting or harming those in my care?
How can I prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of those around me, rather than exploiting them for my own gain?
What does it mean for me to be a 'choice sheep' in God's flock, and how can I remain strong and healthy in the face of spiritual challenges?
In what ways can I seek to care for the lost, the young, and the broken, as a reflection of God's heart for His people?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:16

For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land,.... Not in the land of Judea, but in the Roman empire; and so not Herod, nor King Agrippa, as Kimchi; nor Antiochus Epiphanes, as others; nor those

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16

I will raise up a shepherd; as a just punishment of their sin in refusing Christ, the wise and good Shepherd; his government they would not accept to their salvation, that they choose shall be to their ruin. Which shall not visit those that be cut off, or, that are hidden; it is a foolish shepherd who seeks not out those that are lost to bring them home. Neither shall seek the young one; which are aptest to perish through weakness. Nor heal that that is broken; but leaves it to die of its wounds. Nor feed that that standeth still; either not able to go forward, or, hungry, stops to eat, but the shepherd will not wait while this is done. But he shall eat the flesh of the fat, will feast on the fattest of the flock and tear their claws in pieces; and with cruelty extort all from them, tear off their skin to the very nails. In brief, a sluggish, negligent, covetous, riotous, oppressive, and cruel government, shadowed out by a foolish shepherd, is the punishment of the sins of the Jews.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16

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.Ver. 16. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land] Evil shepherds (that is, rulers in State and Church, see Jeremiah 6:3 Nahum 3:18 Isaiah 44:28) are set up by God for a punishment of a sinful people. The evil shepherd here meant was Antiochus Epiphanes, saith Theodoret; Herod, the infanticide, saith Montanus; Titus and the Romans, saith a Castro; all the perverse priests and princes that ruled over the Jews, after the time of this prophecy, saith a Lapide; as Jason, Menelaus, 2Ma 4:1-50; 2Ma 5:1-27, Herod, Pilate, Annas and Caiaphas, the Scribes and Pharisees; but especially antichrist (according to John 5:43), whose forerunners all the former were. Of one Pope it is said, by those of his own side, that he entered upon the government of the Church as a fox, reigned as a wolf, died as a dog; and it is true enough of all the rest, and to them the following words do most fitly agree. Who shall not visit those that be cut off] Or, look for the thing that is lost. Illos qui erraverunt, non quaerent, saith the ChaIdee: the word signifieth such as are hidden in thickets, hung among thorns and briers, and there likely to perish without help. Neither shall seek the young one] The tender lambs of Christ, which Peter was doubly charged to feed. Stolidam non requiret, saith the Tigurine translation. Lambs are silly things, very apt to straggle; and least able of any creature to find their way home again. Nor heal that that is broken] David, by leaping over the pale, as it were, of God’ s precepts, brake his bones, Psalms 51:8, and felt the fall the longest day of his life; so may any of Christ’ s flock. The good Shepherd, therefore, in pera gestat unguentum, hath his medicines ready in scrip, to apply as need requireth. Not so the idol shepherd, who will rather break the sound than bind up the broken. Nor feed that that standeth still] Or, that is well underlaid, and is full of vigour. Vatablus rendereth it, Eam quae restitat, non portabit. He will not carry that which can go no further. Hitherto the negligence of these evil shepherds. Followeth next their cruelty, and that is more than bestial. For the ravening beasts lightly leave some foot or bone undevoured, Amos 3:12; but these do not only eat the flesh of the flock, and suck the fat, but barbarously tear the claws also in pieces, exercise utmost immunity; as it is here graphically and gallantly described.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16

(16) The young one.—Better, the scattered. The foolish shepherd we understand to mean all the misrulers of Israel from the time of the decline of the glories of the Maccabean period to the day when they themselves declared “We have no king but Cæsar.” With the latter part of the verse comp. Daniel 7:7; Daniel 7:19; Daniel 7:23, and contrast it with Ezekiel 34:16.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:16

Verse 16. I will raise up a shepherd in the land] Some wicked king; and Newcome supposes Hoshea may be meant. See 2Kg 17:1-2, and to such an abominable sovereign the prophecy may well apply.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 11:16

16. cut off] i.e. destroyed, or lost. See Zechariah 11:9, and comp. Exodus 23:23. “Pastores seduli requirunt siquid est perditum, vel siquid evanuit in grege: et hoc intelligit Zacharias per visitationem.” Calvin. the young one] Rather, the scattered, lit. the dispersion, τὸἐσκορπισμένον, LXX. dispersum, Jerome. feed that that standeth still] Rather, nourish that that standeth (firm). τὸὁλόκληρον. LXX. that which is sound, R. V. Pusey compares the petition in the Litany, “that it may please Thee to strengthen such as do stand.” Another view is that they that stand, are the sheep which stand still, unable through weakness and weariness to go forward. But the word seems always to be used of standing firmly, not of coming to a stand-still through infirmity. claws] Rather, hoofs. Like a voracious man, who not content with eating the flesh of the fat, tears to pieces and sucks the goodness out of the very hoofs. “Videtur diffringere ungulas esse hominis voracis, ipsas ungulas frangentis et exsudentis.” Maurer. For a like picture both of neglect of duty and of cruelty in a shepherd see Ezekiel 34:4.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:16

I will raise up - God supplies the strength or wisdom which people abuse to sin. He, in His Providence, disposeth the circumstances, of which the ambitious avail themselves.

Sermons on Zechariah 11:16

	Sermon	Description
	Sanctification Through the Blood by Andrew Murray	The preacher delves into the Greek word 'exegeiro,' which signifies bringing forward or lifting up historical figures to prominence, awakening from sleep, and causing to appear. Th
	Beauty and Bonds by Dick Brogden	Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of having a generous heart that God blesses, contrasting it with a stingy heart that restricts ministry and seeks to minimize influence. He h
	Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac
	Mid South Conference 1981-12 Ezekiel 34: by Lew Clarkson	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of giving while still alive. He shares a personal story of a trip to Las Vegas and witnessing
	Emmanuel by Thaddeus Barnum	In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to focus their attention on Jesus, the shepherd, rather than being consumed by fear and negativity. The speaker emphasizes the impo
	The Heavy Responsibility of Sheep-Feeding by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the heavy responsibility of preaching, highlighting that true shepherds must address the specific needs of their congregation rather than delivering generic m
	Hell's Greatest Enrichers! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of false teachers, who, like emissaries of Satan, lead people astray with deceptive doctrines that promise peace but ultimately lead to dest