King James Version

What Does Zechariah 11:7 Mean?

Zechariah 11:7 in the King James Version says “And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called B...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. even: or, verily the poor Bands: or, Binders”

Zechariah 11:7 · KJV

Context

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

7

And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. even: or, verily the poor Bands: or, Binders

8

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me. lothed: Heb. was straightened for them

9

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. another: Heb. his fellow, or, neighbour

Read Zechariah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. The shepherd (representing Messiah) accepts the commission to feed the doomed flock, specifically addressing "the poor of the flock" (aniyyei ha-tson, עֲנִיֵּי הַצֹּאן)—the humble, afflicted, lowly ones who recognize their need. These are the anawim, the pious poor who await God's deliverance, contrasted with the proud religious elite. Jesus's ministry focused on these: "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3); "The poor have the gospel preached to them" (Matthew 11:5).

The shepherd takes "two staves" (shnei maqlot, שְׁנֵי מַקְלוֹת)—a shepherd's tools representing his ministry. One is called "Beauty" (No'am, נֹעַם), meaning pleasantness, favor, grace—representing God's covenant favor and gracious relationship with His people. The other is called "Bands" (Chovelim, חֹבְלִים), meaning union, bonds—representing the unity between Judah and Israel, or the bond between God and His people.

"And I fed the flock" describes Christ's ministry: teaching, healing, calling disciples. For three years Jesus faithfully shepherded Israel, offering salvation to all who would receive Him, especially the "poor in spirit" who recognized their need.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The two staves represent key aspects of God's covenant relationship with Israel. "Beauty" (favor/grace) symbolizes the Mosaic and Davidic covenants—God's special relationship with His chosen people, the privileges of being God's flock (Romans 9:4-5). "Bands" (unity) represents the bond between the twelve tribes, reunited after the exile into one people.

Jesus's ministry embodied both staves. He came in grace, offering the kingdom: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). He sought to unite all Israel around Himself as Messiah. The "poor of the flock" responded—tax collectors, sinners, common people heard Him gladly (Mark 12:37). But the religious elite rejected Him, leading to the breaking of both staves (verses 10, 14)—the end of God's special covenant favor and the breaking of Israel's unity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus focus His ministry on "the poor of the flock" rather than the religious elite, and what does this teach about who receives the gospel?
  2. How did Jesus embody both "Beauty" (grace) and "Bands" (unity) in His ministry to Israel?
  3. What does it mean for modern believers that we are the "poor in spirit" who receive Christ's shepherding?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וָאֶרְעֶ֖ה1 of 20

“And I will 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

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

הַצֹּֽאן׃3 of 20

“of the flock”

H6629

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

הַֽהֲרֵגָ֔ה4 of 20

“of slaughter”

H2028

slaughter

לָכֵ֖ן5 of 20

“even you”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עֲנִיֵּ֣י6 of 20

“O poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

הַצֹּֽאן׃7 of 20

“of the flock”

H6629

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

וָאֶקַּֽח8 of 20

“And I took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לִ֞י9 of 20
H0
שְׁנֵ֣י10 of 20

“unto me two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מַקְל֗וֹת11 of 20

“staves”

H4731

a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)

וּלְאַחַד֙12 of 20

“and the other”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

קָרָ֣אתִי13 of 20

“I called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

נֹ֙עַם֙14 of 20

“Beauty”

H5278

agreeableness, i.e., delight, suitableness, splendor or grace

וּלְאַחַד֙15 of 20

“and the other”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

קָרָ֣אתִי16 of 20

“I called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

חֹֽבְלִ֔ים17 of 20
H2256

ruin

וָאֶרְעֶ֖ה18 of 20

“And I will 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

אֶת19 of 20
H853

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

הַצֹּֽאן׃20 of 20

“of the flock”

H6629

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

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 11:7 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 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 11:14Isaiah 11:4Zechariah 11:4Ezekiel 37:16-23Zephaniah 3:12Psalms 23:4

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