Zechariah 11:17
Zechariah 11:17 in Multiple Translations
Woe 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!”
Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
A curse on the foolish keeper who goes away from the flock! the sword will be on his arm and on his right eye: his arm will become quite dry and his eye will be made completely dark.
What disaster is coming to this useless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword will strike his arm and his right eye. His arm will wither away and his right eye will become completely blind.
O idole shepheard that leaueth the flocke: the sword shalbe vpon his arme, and vpon his right eye. His arme shall be cleane dryed vp, and his right eye shall be vtterly darkened.
Woe [to] the worthless shepherd, forsaking the flock, A sword [is] on his arm, and on his right eye, His arm is utterly dried up, And his right eye is very dim!'
Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will strike his arm and his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!”
Woe to the idle shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be wholly dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
O shepherd, and idol, that forsaketh the flock: the sword upon his arm and upon his right eye: his arm shall quite wither away, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
But terrible things will happen to that foolish/useless king who abandons the people [MET] over whom he rules. His enemies will strike his arm and his right eye with their swords. The result will be that he will have no strength in his arm, and his right eye will become completely blind.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 11:17
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 11:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֣וֹי
רֹעִ֤י
הָֽ/אֱלִיל֙
עֹזְבִ֣י
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
חֶ֥רֶב
עַל
זְרוֹע֖/וֹ
וְ/עַל
עֵ֣ין
יְמִינ֑/וֹ
זְרֹע/וֹ֙
יָב֣וֹשׁ
תִּיבָ֔שׁ
וְ/עֵ֥ין
יְמִינ֖/וֹ
כָּהֹ֥ה
תִכְהֶֽה
ה֣וֹי
hôwy
H1945
woe!
Part
רֹעִ֤י
rôʻîy
H7473
to shepherd
V-Qal
הָֽ/אֱלִיל֙
ʼĕlîyl
H457
idol
Art | N-ms
עֹזְבִ֣י
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
חֶ֥רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
זְרוֹע֖/וֹ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
N-cs | Suff
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
עֵ֣ין
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
יְמִינ֑/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
זְרֹע/וֹ֙
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
N-cs | Suff
יָב֣וֹשׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Ptc
תִּיבָ֔שׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ/עֵ֥ין
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cs
יְמִינ֖/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
כָּהֹ֥ה
kâhâh
H3543
to grow dim
V-Qal-Ptc
תִכְהֶֽה
kâhâh
H3543
to grow dim
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 11:17
ה֣וֹי
hôwy
H1945
"woe!"
Part
Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.
Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.
רֹעִ֤י
rôʻîy
H7473
"to shepherd"
V-Qal
This word means to act as a shepherd, guiding and caring for people or animals, like a pastor. It is related to the verb to pasture, found in the Bible as a noun, referring to a shepherd.
Definition: shepherd (subst) A grammatical form of ra.ah (רָעָה "to pasture" H7462B)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: shipherd. See also: Genesis 13:7; Isaiah 38:12; Isaiah 44:28.
הָֽ/אֱלִיל֙
ʼĕlîyl
H457
"idol"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something worthless or an idol, often referring to false gods. It appears in the Bible as a warning against worshiping things with no value. In KJV translations, it is rendered as idol or thing of nought.
Definition: 1) of nought, good for nothing, worthless 1a) of physicians, a shepherd, a divination 1b) of false gods
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: idol, no value, thing of nought. See also: Leviticus 19:4; Isaiah 10:10; Psalms 96:5.
עֹזְבִ֣י
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
הַ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
חֶ֥רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
זְרוֹע֖/וֹ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֵ֣ין
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְמִינ֑/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
זְרֹע/וֹ֙
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
יָב֣וֹשׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
תִּיבָ֔שׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
וְ/עֵ֥ין
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְמִינ֖/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
כָּהֹ֥ה
kâhâh
H3543
"to grow dim"
V-Qal-Ptc
To rebuke means to scold or correct someone, like when God rebukes His people in the Bible for disobedience. It can also mean to become weak or dim, like when light fades away. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to grow weak, grow dim, grow faint, falter, be weak, be dim, be darkened, be restrained, be faint, fail 1a) (Qal) to grow dim 1b) (Piel) to faint, grow weak, grow faint
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: darken, be dim, fail, faint, restrain, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 27:1; Job 17:7; Isaiah 42:4.
תִכְהֶֽה
kâhâh
H3543
"to grow dim"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To rebuke means to scold or correct someone, like when God rebukes His people in the Bible for disobedience. It can also mean to become weak or dim, like when light fades away. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to grow weak, grow dim, grow faint, falter, be weak, be dim, be darkened, be restrained, be faint, fail 1a) (Qal) to grow dim 1b) (Piel) to faint, grow weak, grow faint
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: darken, be dim, fail, faint, restrain, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 27:1; Job 17:7; Isaiah 42:4.
Study Notes — Zechariah 11:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 11:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 11:17
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
- Sermons on Zechariah 11:17
Context — Thirty Pieces of Silver
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 | Jeremiah 23:1 | “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 13:3 | This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, yet have seen nothing. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 8:4 | So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 34:2 | “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? |
| 5 | Isaiah 42:19–20 | Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.” |
| 6 | Matthew 23:16 | 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.’ |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 10:19–20 | Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 50:35–37 | A sword is against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, against those who live in Babylon, and against her officials and wise men. A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror. A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, and they will be plundered. |
| 9 | Amos 8:9–10 | And in that day, declares the Lord GOD, I will make the sun go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the daytime. I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 23:32 | “Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD. |
Zechariah 11:17 Summary
This verse is talking about a leader who is supposed to take care of people, but instead they abandon them. God is very upset with this kind of leader and says they will be punished, as seen in Zechariah 11:17. We can learn from this verse that being a good leader means putting the needs of others first and taking care of them, like Jesus did (John 10:11-14). We should strive to be like Jesus, who is the good shepherd, and not like the worthless shepherd who only cares about himself, as warned against in Matthew 20:25-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a worthless shepherd?
A worthless shepherd is one who fails to care for and protect their flock, as described in Zechariah 11:16, where the shepherd does not care for the lost, seek the young, heal the broken, or sustain the healthy, but instead devours the flesh of the choice sheep, similar to the description of false shepherds in Ezekiel 34:2-6.
Why does God pronounce woe on the worthless shepherd?
God pronounces woe on the worthless shepherd because they have abandoned their flock, as stated in Zechariah 11:17, which is a serious offense, as seen in Jeremiah 23:1-4, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for scattering and destroying the flock.
What is the significance of the sword striking the shepherd's arm and right eye?
The sword striking the shepherd's arm and right eye, as described in Zechariah 11:17, symbolizes the removal of the shepherd's power and ability to lead, as well as their loss of spiritual insight and discernment, similar to the blinding of the false prophets in Micah 3:5-7.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on shepherding?
This verse relates to Jesus' teachings on shepherding, as seen in John 10:11-14, where Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, in contrast to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock, highlighting the importance of faithful and selfless leadership, as emphasized in 1 Peter 5:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can be a faithful shepherd to those around me, following the example of Jesus in John 10:11-14?
- How can I prioritize the well-being and safety of those in my care, as instructed in Matthew 25:31-46?
- What are some warning signs that I may be acting like a worthless shepherd, and how can I repent and change my ways, as encouraged in Luke 15:11-32?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with worthless shepherds or leaders, as seen in Psalm 23:1-6?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the idol shepherd,.... Or, "the shepherd of nothing" (w); that is, no true shepherd, that is good for nothing, for an idol is nothing in the world, 1 Corinthians 8:4 and who is an idol
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. Woe to the idol shepherd.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the idol shepherd! to every one of them that are but the images of shepherds, worthless and useless. That leaveth, casts off the care of, the flock, . The sword, of the enemy, shall be upon his arm, to break his strength, and upon his right eye; blind and befool his counsels. His arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened; power and policy shall fail him: such shall be their governors.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
Zechariah 11:17 Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.Ver. 17. Woe to the idol shepherd] The Vulgate hath, O pastor et idolum, O thou shepherd and idol; thou that hast the show only and semblance of a shepherd, the name, but not the thing; thou that art the ape of a shepherd, non verus sed vanus, non virus sed pictus et fictus pastor, that art cleped a shepherd, as an idol is a god; but shouldest be called rather a dumb dog, a greedy dog; a shepherd that cannot understand, Isaiah 56:10-11, a foolish shepherd, as Zechariah 11:15, an ουτιδανος, one that hath nothing in him of any true worth, but art vain and vile, and of no value, as this word is rendered, Job 13:4; Job 11:17 ( ΰμιμ Per agnominationem alludit ad through an alteriteration with ΰλεμ Zechariah 11:15). Vae, vae, vae, tibi. Alas, alas, alas to you, Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, will surely pull off thy vizor, wash off thy varnish with rivers of brimstone, brand thee for a hireling, that leaveth the flock] to shift as it can, among thieves and wolves, John 10:13. The sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye] i.e. The curse of God shall light upon his power and policy, both which shall be blasted. His arm shall be clean dried up] As a keck, or stick. And his right eye shall be utterly darkened] Or, shrivelled up, wrinkled and dusk; as in old bisons. The idle and evil servant had his talent taken from him, and worthily, Matthew 25:28. The barren fig tree was cut down from cumbering, Luke 13:7.
God will recover his gifts from those that misuse or but disuse them, Hosea 2:9. Away they go, as strength went from Samson, wisdom from Solomon: they cry unto God under our abuse, who thereupon gives them the wings of an eagle, and lays aside their owner, as so many broken vessels; causing them to be even forgotten as dead men out of mind, Psalms 31:12. This is now especially fulfilled among the Jews, who for a long season have been "without God, without a teaching priest, and without law," 2 Chronicles 15:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
(17) Idol shepherd.—Better, useless shepherd. Though the wicked useless shepherd is allowed for a time to ill-treat and neglect the flock, in the end the judgment of God will fall upon him. (Comp. Daniel 7:26; and for the date of the prophecies of Daniel, see Introduction to that book.) Ewald has maintained that the passage Zechariah 13:7-9 is out of place where it now stands, and that it ought to be transferred to the end of this chapter. There is apparently some truth in this supposition. In particular, the expression “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd” (Zechariah 13:7) seems to follow naturally after Zechariah 11:17. The expression “my fellow” (Zechariah 13:7) would certainly be rather a strong one to be used of a “foolish shepherd;” but still, all shepherds of the people, whether good or bad, are looked upon as God’s ministers and representatives, so that we cannot regard the use of this expression as fatal to Ewald’s theory. The reader is recommended to turn to Zechariah 13:7-9 (and Notes), and to read that passage in close connection with Zechariah 11:15-17, and to judge for himself.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
Verse 17. Wo to the idol shepherd] רעי האליל roi haelil, "the worthless," or "good for nothing shepherd." The shepherd in name and office, but not performing the work of one. See John 10:11. The sword shall be upon his arm] Punishment shall be executed upon the wicked Jews, and especially their wicked kings and priests. See Zechariah 11:16. Arm - the secular power; right eye - the ecclesiastical state. His arm shall be clean dried up] The secular power shall be broken, and become utterly inefficient. His right eye shall be utterly darkened] Prophecy shall be restrained; and the whole state, ecclesiastical and civil, shall be so completely eclipsed, that none of their functions shall be performed. This may refer to the worthless and wicked governor mentioned in the preceding verse. There are several things in this chapter that are very obscure, and we can hardly say what opinion is right; nor is it at all clear whether they refer to a very early or late period of the Jewish history.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 11:17
17. idol shepherd] Rather, worthless shepherd: lit. shepherd of nothingness, or worthlessness. Comp. “physicians of no value,” Job 13:4. leaveth the flock] Comp. John 10:12. the sword] To be taken perhaps metaphorically of punishment or visitation: “per gladium quamlibet speciem pœnæ designat.” Calv. The particular kind of punishment then follows, in the withering of the arm and blinding of the eye. The Second Burden. Chaps. 12–14. Like the First Burden of the Word of Jehovah, this Second extends over three chapters and contains two chief sections or prophecies. Of these the first reaches from Zechariah 12:1 to Zechariah 13:6; the second is comprised in the remainder of the Book. The First Section contains three subdivisions, viz. Jehovah’s protection of His people from their enemies, Zechariah 12:1-9; their penitent sorrow for sin, Zechariah 12:10-14; their worthy fruits of repentance, Zechariah 13:1-6.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the idol shepherd - (A shepherd of nothingness, one who hath no quality of a shepherd ;) “who leaveth the flock.” The condemnation of the evil shepherd is complete in the abandonment of the
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 11:17
17. The present hopeless condition is not to continue forever; Jehovah has sent it as a judgment for the rejection of the good shepherd, but he will again have mercy; the foolish shepherd will be removed.
Sermons on Zechariah 11:17
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(Costa Rica) Shiloh Church vs. Samuel Church by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two choices that people are making and how it will affect their lives. He warns that some may be angered or feel a spiritual stirring as a re |
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Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv |
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The Origin of True Preaching by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the community of believers and their role in guiding and correcting one another. He encourages open communication and feed |
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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 |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 23-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 14. He highlights verse 9, which warns against worshiping the beast and receiving his mark. Tho |
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The Righteous Branch by Conrad Mbewe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true leadership in the church. He urges preachers and elders to be faithful in guiding and watching over their flock. He a |
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The Passion (Compilation) - Part 2 by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of running from false teachings and practices that do not align with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. It urges believers to flee from churches |