King James Version

What Does Zechariah 11:4 Mean?

Zechariah 11:4 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;”

Zechariah 11:4 · KJV

Context

2

Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down. mighty: or, gallants the forest: or, the defenced forest

3

There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

4

Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;

5

Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.

6

For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour's hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them. deliver: Heb. make to be found

Read Zechariah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter. God commissions the prophet (representing the Messianic Shepherd) to "feed the flock of the slaughter" (re'eh et-tson ha-haregah, רְעֵה אֶת־צֹאן הַהֲרֵגָה). The term haregah means slaughter, killing—these sheep are doomed, destined for destruction. The phrase recalls Isaiah 53:7: "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter." This flock represents Israel under corrupt leadership, heading toward judgment.

The command "Feed" (re'eh, רְעֵה) means to shepherd, tend, pasture—providing care, guidance, and protection. God sends a faithful shepherd to this doomed flock, offering them one final opportunity for salvation. This is Christ's ministry to Israel: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24). Jesus came to feed and save the flock heading toward slaughter (the destruction of AD 70).

The phrase "Thus saith the LORD my God" establishes divine authority for this mission. The prophet speaks as representative of the true Shepherd who comes on God's commission. This is an enacted prophecy, where Zechariah performs symbolic actions representing the Messiah's future work among Israel.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This begins the symbolic shepherd narrative extending through verse 17. Zechariah performs prophetic actions representing the Messiah's ministry and Israel's rejection. The "flock of the slaughter" depicts Israel in Jesus's day—outwardly religious but inwardly corrupt, under Roman occupation, with false shepherds (Pharisees, Sadducees) leading them toward destruction.

Jesus fulfilled this commission perfectly. He came as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), feeding Israel with truth, healing their sick, calling them to repentance. He wept over Jerusalem's impending doom (Luke 19:41-44) and repeatedly warned them to repent before judgment came. His parables depicted the religious leaders as wicked tenants who would kill the vineyard owner's son (Matthew 21:33-44). The flock's "slaughter" was Rome's destruction of Jerusalem—precisely because they rejected their Shepherd.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it reveal about God's character that He sends a shepherd to feed even a "flock of the slaughter"—those heading toward judgment?
  2. How did Jesus fulfill this commission to feed Israel, and how did they respond?
  3. What does this teach about the urgency of responding to God's provision before judgment comes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כֹּ֥ה1 of 8
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֖ר2 of 8

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 8

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֑י4 of 8

“my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

רְעֵ֖ה5 of 8

“Feed”

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

אֶת6 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צֹ֥אן7 of 8

“the flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

הַהֲרֵגָֽה׃8 of 8

“of the slaughter”

H2028

slaughter

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 11:7Matthew 23:37Romans 15:8Isaiah 40:9-11Luke 19:41-44Ephesians 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

Zechariah 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterZechariah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Zechariah 11 with CommentaryAll Zechariah ChaptersComplete Zechariah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes