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Zechariah 11:16

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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.

For, lo, I will raise up {H6965} a shepherd {H7462} in the land {H776}, which shall not visit {H6485} those that be cut off {H3582}, neither shall seek {H1245} the young one {H5289}, nor heal {H7495} that that is broken {H7665}, nor feed {H3557} that that standeth {H5324} still: but he shall eat {H398} the flesh {H1320} of the fat {H1277}, and tear {H6561} their claws {H6541} in pieces {H6561}.

For I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who won't bother about the ones who have been destroyed, won't seek out the young, won't heal the broken and won't feed those standing still; on the contrary, he will eat the meat of the fat ones and break their hoofs in pieces.

For 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.

For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those that are cut off, neither will seek those that are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.

Commentary

Zechariah 11:16 is a stark prophetic warning, part of a larger symbolic narrative in Zechariah Chapter 11 concerning the rejection of God's true shepherd and the consequences of that rejection. This verse describes the characteristics of a "worthless" or "foolish" shepherd whom God will allow to rise as a judgment upon the nation.

Context

The prophet Zechariah often employed symbolic actions and visions to convey God's messages to the post-exilic community in Judah. Chapter 11 vividly portrays the rejection of the true shepherd (likely representing God's own care or even a prefigurement of Christ) by the people. As a result of this rejection, God declares He will raise up a "shepherd" who is the antithesis of a caring leader. This passage highlights themes of divine judgment and the consequences of spiritual rebellion. It sets the stage for the dramatic prophecy of the thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12-13, which found its ultimate fulfillment in the betrayal of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:9-10).

Key Themes

  • The Worthless Shepherd: The central figure is a leader who utterly fails in the duties of a true shepherd. Instead of nurturing and protecting, he exploits and destroys. This serves as a prophetic warning against corrupt and self-serving leadership.
  • Neglect of the Flock: The verse explicitly lists the shepherd's failures: he "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." This illustrates a complete disregard for the vulnerable, the lost, the injured, and the weak among the flock.
  • Exploitation and Cruelty: In stark contrast to his neglect of the needy, this shepherd "shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces." This imagery underscores his predatory nature, consuming the strong and healthy for his own gain and inflicting harm. It speaks to ruthless oppression and exploitation.
  • Divine Judgment: God Himself declares, "I will raise up a shepherd in the land," indicating that this corrupt leader is a divinely permitted judgment upon a people who have rejected His righteous rule and true guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "shepherd" (רֹעֶה, ro'eh) is commonly used throughout the Old Testament to describe both literal shepherds and leaders of people, including kings and spiritual guides. The description of this shepherd's actions provides a powerful antonym to the ideal shepherd, such as the one described in Psalm 23:1 or the ultimate Good Shepherd in John 10:11. The phrase "tear their claws in pieces" (or "hooves") highlights the destructive and violent nature of this false leader, suggesting a brutal disregard for the well-being of the flock.

Practical Application

This prophecy holds enduring relevance for understanding leadership, both spiritual and secular. It serves as a powerful reminder:

  • Discern True Leadership: Believers are called to discern leaders not by their charisma or power, but by their character and their commitment to genuinely care for those under their charge, especially the vulnerable.
  • Beware of Self-Serving Leaders: The "worthless shepherd" is a prototype of any leader who seeks personal gain, power, or comfort at the expense of those they are meant to serve. This applies to political, corporate, and even religious spheres.
  • The Consequences of Rejecting God's Guidance: The verse underscores that rejecting God's righteous standards and true guidance can lead to being subjected to oppressive and destructive leadership. It emphasizes the importance of seeking and following God's appointed leaders who truly reflect His heart.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 23:2 (3 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 34:2 (3 votes)

    Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

  • Ezekiel 34:6 (3 votes)

    My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].

  • Isaiah 40:11 (2 votes)

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Luke 12:45 (2 votes)

    But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

  • Luke 12:46 (2 votes)

    The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

  • Genesis 31:38 (2 votes)

    This twenty years [have] I [been] with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.