Zechariah 11:9
Zechariah 11:9 in Multiple Translations
Then I said, “I will no longer shepherd you. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish; and let those who remain devour one another’s flesh.”
Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.
Then said I, I will not feed you: that which dieth, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let them that are left eat every one the flesh of another.
And I said, I will not take care of you: If death comes to any, let death be its fate; if any is cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest take one another's flesh for food.
Then I said, “I will not be your shepherd. If the sheep die, they die. Let those that are to perish, perish. Let those who are left eat each other!”
Then said I, I will not feede you: that that dyeth, let it dye: and that that perisheth, let it perish: and let the remnant eate, euery one the flesh of his neighbour.
And I say, 'I do not feed you, the dying, let die; and the cut off, let be cut off; and the remaining ones, let each eat the flesh of its neighbour.'
Then I said, “I will not feed you. That which dies, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let those who are left eat each other’s flesh.”
Then said I, I will not feed you: that which dieth, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat, every one the flesh of another.
And I said: I will not feed you: that which dieth, let it die: and that which is cut off, let it be cut off: and let the rest devour every one the flesh of his neighbour.
So I said to the dealers, “I will no longer be the shepherd. I will allow the ones that are dying to die. I will allow the ones that are getting lost to get lost. And I will not prevent those that remain from destroying each other.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 11:9
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Zechariah 11:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 11:9
Study Notes — Zechariah 11:9
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 11:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
- Sermons on Zechariah 11:9
Context — The Doomed Flock
9Then I said, “I will no longer shepherd you. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish; and let those who remain devour one another’s flesh.”
10Next I took my staff called Favor and cut it in two, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. 11It was revoked on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock who were watching me knew that it was the word of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 43:11 | He will come and strike down the land of Egypt, bringing death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and the sword to those destined for the sword. |
| 2 | Matthew 13:10–11 | Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. |
| 3 | Matthew 21:19 | Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered. |
| 4 | John 8:24 | That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 23:33 | “Now when this people or a prophet or priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ you are to say to them, ‘What burden? I will forsake you, declares the LORD.’ |
| 6 | Isaiah 9:19–21 | By the wrath of the LORD of Hosts the land is scorched, and the people are fuel for the fire. No man even spares his brother. They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring. Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 19:9 | I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’ |
| 8 | John 12:35 | Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. |
| 9 | Psalms 69:22–28 | May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever. Pour out Your wrath upon them, and let Your burning anger overtake them. May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents. For they persecute the one You struck and recount the pain of those You wounded. Add iniquity to their iniquity; let them not share in Your righteousness. May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous. |
| 10 | Acts 13:46–47 | Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” |
Zechariah 11:9 Summary
In Zechariah 11:9, the prophet Zechariah declares that he will no longer care for the flock, which represents God's people, because they have rejected His guidance and care. This verse teaches us that when we refuse to follow God, we face serious consequences, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13. Just as a shepherd protects and guides his sheep, God desires to care for us, but we must be willing to follow Him, as seen in John 10:27-28. By studying this verse, we can learn about the importance of obeying God and following His guidance in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when Zechariah says he will no longer shepherd the flock?
This statement signifies Zechariah's withdrawal of his prophetic care and guidance over the people, as seen in Zechariah 11:9, and is a reflection of God's judgment on their rebellion, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 23:1-4.
Why does Zechariah seem to be callous towards the dying and perishing?
Zechariah's words in Zechariah 11:9 are not an expression of his own heart, but rather a declaration of God's judgment, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:39, where God says He will bring death and destruction to those who refuse to obey Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples, as stated in Psalm 135:6, and demonstrates that He will not be mocked or disobeyed without consequence, as seen in Proverbs 29:1.
What is the significance of Zechariah's statement in the context of the covenant?
Zechariah's statement in Zechariah 11:9 is a precursor to the revocation of the covenant, as seen in Zechariah 11:10, and serves as a warning to the people of the consequences of their disobedience, similar to what is described in Hosea 8:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are the consequences of rejecting God's guidance and care in my own life, and how can I learn from Zechariah 11:9?
- How can I balance God's sovereignty with human responsibility, as seen in this verse and others like Romans 9:20-21?
- In what ways can I be a faithful 'shepherd' to those around me, as Zechariah was called to be, and what does Zechariah 11:9 teach me about this role?
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart towards those who are perishing, and how can I share His love with them, as seen in John 3:16?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:9
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 11:9
Sermons on Zechariah 11:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Demonstration 10 (Of Pastors) by Aphraates | Aphraates emphasizes the importance of pastors caring for their flock, drawing examples from biblical figures like Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, and Amos who diligently tended to th |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) the Spirit of Revelation by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He warns against being deceived by preachers who lull people to sleep with their sin |
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Kingdom Parables by Albert Leckie | Albert Leckie explores the 'Kingdom Parables' in Matthew 13, emphasizing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven revealed through parables. He explains how the rejection of Jesus by |
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Gospel According to Matthew Ii by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the woman who mixed leaven into three measures of meal. He explains that traditionally, this parable is interpreted as a repre |
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(Men God Made) Peter - Part 3 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the truth found in the Bible and prays for the congregation to remain humble and receptive to God's message. The pre |
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(The Aggressive Holy Spirit) Word & Spirit: How God Implants Truth by Jim Elliff | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the soils from Matthew 13. The main theme is understanding how God brings light and understanding to those who don't have it. |
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Christ in the Bible Northgate Chapel by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three-and-a-half years of Jesus Christ's ministry on earth. Jesus is portrayed as a superior teacher and performer of miracles, with John |







