King James Version

What Does Zechariah 11:16 Mean?

Zechariah 11:16 in the King James Version says “For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the you... — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. cut off: or, hidden feed: or, bear

Zechariah 11:16 · KJV


Context

14

Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. Bands: or, Binders

15

And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.

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. cut off: or, hidden feed: or, bear

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prophetic oracle introduces a worthless shepherd as divine judgment on Israel. The phrase "lo, I will raise up" (hineh anokhi meqim) indicates God's sovereign action in bringing judgment through a wicked leader. The term "shepherd" (ro'eh) is loaded with meaning in Scripture, representing both political and spiritual leadership.

The shepherd's failures are systematically listed: he will "not visit those that be cut off" (et-hannikchad lo yiphqod)—failing to care for the perishing; "neither shall seek the young one" (hanna'ar lo-yevaqesh)—ignoring the wandering; "nor heal that that is broken" (vehanishshberet lo yerappe)—refusing to mend the injured; "nor feed that that standeth still" (hannitzzavah lo yekalkel)—neglecting even those standing ready to be fed.

Instead, this false shepherd will "eat the flesh of the fat" (besar haberiah yokhal)—consume the choice sheep—and "tear their claws in pieces" (parsehen yephareq), a graphic image of violent exploitation. This shepherd represents anti-pastoral leadership that consumes rather than nurtures.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zechariah prophesied around 520-518 BC during the post-exilic period as the second temple was being rebuilt. This oracle in chapter 11 is highly symbolic, with interpretive challenges regarding its fulfillment. Many scholars see multiple layers of fulfillment—immediate application to corrupt leaders in Zechariah's time, and eschatological application to the Antichrist figure.

The immediate context involved the rejection of God's shepherding through the prophets and the consequences of that rejection. Historically, Israel experienced numerous wicked leaders who exploited rather than protected the people—from corrupt priests to self-serving kings. The imagery would resonate with an agricultural society where bad shepherds were known to slaughter sheep for meat and profit rather than caring for the flock. Jesus later applied shepherd imagery to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10), in contrast to the thieves and hirelings who came before. The 'worthless shepherd' prophecy ultimately points to leaders who value their own gain over the welfare of God's people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this 'worthless shepherd' contrast with God's character as the true Shepherd?
  2. What does it mean that God Himself raises up this wicked shepherd as judgment?
  3. In what ways have religious or political leaders acted as worthless shepherds throughout history?
  4. How does Jesus fulfill the role of the true shepherd in contrast to this prophecy?
  5. What warning does this passage offer to those in positions of spiritual or civic leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
כִּ֣י1 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנֵּֽה2 of 23
H2009

lo!

אָנֹכִי֩3 of 23
H595

i

מֵקִ֨ים4 of 23

For lo I will raise up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

רֹעֶ֜ה5 of 23

a shepherd

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

בָּאָ֗רֶץ6 of 23

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַנִּכְחָד֤וֹת7 of 23

those that be cut off

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

לֹֽא8 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפְקֹד֙9 of 23

which shall not visit

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

הַנַּ֣עַר10 of 23

the young one

H5289

a wanderer

לֹֽא11 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְבַקֵּ֔שׁ12 of 23

neither shall seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וְהַנִּשְׁבֶּ֖רֶת13 of 23

that that is broken

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֣א14 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְרַפֵּ֑א15 of 23

nor heal

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

הַנִּצָּבָה֙16 of 23

that that standeth

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֣א17 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְכַלְכֵּ֔ל18 of 23

nor feed

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

וּבְשַׂ֤ר19 of 23

the flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

הַבְּרִיאָה֙20 of 23

of the fat

H1277

fatted or plump

יֹאכַ֔ל21 of 23

still but he shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּפַרְסֵיהֶ֖ן22 of 23

their claws

H6541

a claw or split hoof

יְפָרֵֽק׃23 of 23

and tear

H6561

to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 11:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zechariah 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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