Zechariah 11:12

KJV

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I said {H559} unto them, If ye think {H5869} good {H2896}, give {H3051} me my price {H7939}; and if not, forbear {H2308}. So they weighed {H8254} for my price {H7939} thirty {H7970} pieces of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said to them, "If it seems good to you, give me my wages; if not, don't." So they weighed out my wages, thirty silver [shekels, that is, twelve ounces].

Berean Standard Bible

Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver.

American Standard Version

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my hire; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my hire thirty pieces of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:12 captures a pivotal moment in the prophetic drama where the prophet, acting as a shepherd for a wayward flock, demands his wages, only to be paid a paltry sum of thirty pieces of silver. This seemingly simple transaction profoundly symbolizes Israel's rejection and undervaluation of God's divine leadership and care, foreshadowing the ultimate betrayal and low estimation of the true Shepherd, the Messiah, by His own people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11 is a highly symbolic and dramatic chapter, often referred to as the "Shepherd Chapter." It is part of the second major prophetic section of Zechariah (chapters 9-14), which shifts focus from the immediate post-exilic concerns to eschatological prophecies concerning the coming Messiah, the restoration of Israel, and the final judgment. In verses 4-6, the prophet is commanded by God to "feed the flock doomed to slaughter," representing the people of Israel under oppressive and self-serving leaders. He carries two staffs, "Beauty" (or Favor, symbolizing God's covenant grace) and "Bands" (or Union, representing the unity of Israel). The breaking of "Beauty" in [Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - Breaking the Staff of Beauty") signifies God's withdrawal of His covenant favor, while the breaking of "Bands" in [Zechariah 11:14](/zechariah/11-14 "Zechariah 11:14 - Breaking the Staff of Bands") indicates the dissolution of unity between Judah and Israel. Verse 12 occurs immediately after the breaking of the first staff, as the shepherd is dismissed, demanding his wages for his service to the flock.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah was written during the post-exilic period (around 520-518 BC), when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This was a time of spiritual apathy, political vulnerability, and economic hardship. The "flock doomed to slaughter" likely refers to the people suffering under corrupt religious and political leaders who exploited them rather than protecting them. The concept of a "shepherd" was a common metaphor for leaders in the ancient Near East, whether kings, priests, or prophets. The practice of paying wages or a "price" for service was a standard contractual agreement. The specific amount of "thirty pieces of silver" was not arbitrary; it was the legal compensation for a slave gored by an ox, as stipulated in [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price of a Gored Slave"). This cultural detail underscores the contemptible value placed on the shepherd's service.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Israel's Rejection of God's Leadership**. The people's low valuation of the shepherd's service reflects their historical pattern of rejecting God's appointed messengers and, ultimately, God Himself. Secondly, it powerfully introduces the theme of **Prophetic Foreshadowing and Messianic Betrayal**. The specific sum of thirty pieces of silver serves as a precise and remarkable prophecy of the future betrayal of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, by Judas Iscariot, as recorded in [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Betrayal Price"). This connection emphasizes the theme of God's sovereign control over history and His detailed plan of redemption. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Valuation vs. Human Contempt**, where God's precious provision (His shepherd) is met with human disdain and undervaluation, culminating in the ultimate rejection of the Son of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **price (Hebrew, _sâkâr'_):** This word refers to "payment of contract," "salary," "fare," or "compensation." In this context, it signifies the wages due to the shepherd for his service. The shepherd's demand for his "price" is a legitimate request for compensation, but the response reveals the people's estimation of his worth.
* **forbear (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be flabby," this word implies "to desist," "cease," "leave off," or "let alone." The shepherd's statement "if not, forbear" is an offer for them to withhold payment if they do not deem his service worthy, effectively challenging them to reveal their true valuation of his work.
* **weighed (Hebrew, _shâqal'_):** This primitive root means "to suspend or poise," especially "in trade." It refers to the act of weighing out silver, which was a common method of payment before coinage was standardized. The act of weighing out the specific amount emphasizes the deliberate and calculated nature of the payment, highlighting the precise sum offered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price;":** The shepherd, representing God's prophetic voice, addresses the flock (Israel) and offers them a choice. He asks them to assess his service and, if they deem it worthy, to pay him his due wages. This phrase sets up a test of their valuation of his leadership and the divine care he has provided.
* **"and if not, forbear.":** This clause presents the alternative: if they do not value his service, they are free to withhold payment. This underlines the shepherd's willingness to accept their judgment, however contemptuous it might be, and emphasizes their agency in rejecting or accepting his work.
* **"So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.":** This is the climactic response. The people's decision to pay exactly "thirty pieces of silver" is a deliberate act that reveals their profound contempt. This sum, the legal price for a gored slave, signifies that they valued the shepherd as no more than a piece of property, a slave, rather than a divinely appointed leader. The act of weighing out the silver underscores the precision and intentionality of this devaluing payment.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:12 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the prophet Zechariah acting as a **Type** of the True Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The "thirty pieces of silver" is a potent symbol of betrayal and extreme undervaluation, specifically referencing the price of a slave. This numerical specificity also serves as precise **Foreshadowing**, directly pointing to the future betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. There is also an element of **Irony** in the people's response: they believe they are dismissing an unwanted shepherd, but in doing so, they are rejecting God's own care and setting the stage for their own judgment. The shepherd's challenge ("If ye think good, give me my price") functions as a **Test**, revealing the true spiritual condition and contempt of the flock.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign foreknowledge and the tragic human tendency to reject divine grace. The payment of thirty pieces of silver is not merely an economic transaction but a theological statement about humanity's valuation of God's messengers and, ultimately, God Himself. It highlights the recurring theme in Scripture of God's people turning away from His appointed leaders and His covenant, leading to dire consequences. The precise nature of this prophecy demonstrates the meticulous detail of God's plan, even in the face of human sin and betrayal, setting the stage for the ultimate redemptive act.

* [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - Price of a Gored Slave")
* [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Agreement to Betray Jesus")
* [Matthew 27:9-10](/matthew/27-9-10 "Matthew 27:9-10 - Fulfillment of Jeremiah's Prophecy Regarding the Potter's Field")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:12 presents a stark mirror for self-reflection, challenging believers to examine how they truly value Christ and His work in their lives. Just as the ancient Israelites undervalued their shepherd, we can, through our actions, priorities, and neglect, diminish the immeasurable worth of Jesus. Do we truly receive Him as our Good Shepherd, submitting to His guidance and cherishing His sacrifice, or do we, in practical terms, treat Him as something of little consequence, perhaps even less than a slave? This verse calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, active appreciation for the immense price paid for our redemption. It reminds us that our spiritual health is often reflected in how we esteem and obey the one who laid down His life for us, urging us to continually re-evaluate our commitment and devotion to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my daily actions and priorities reflect my true valuation of Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently "undervaluing" the sacrifice and leadership of Christ in my own life?**
* **What specific steps can I take to more fully embrace Jesus as my Good Shepherd and live in a way that honors His immeasurable worth?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "thirty pieces of silver" in this verse?**

Answer: The "thirty pieces of silver" is highly significant because, in ancient Israelite law, it was the standard compensation paid to an owner if their slave was accidentally gored to death by an ox, as specified in [Exodus 21:32](/exodus/21-32 "Exodus 21:32 - The Price of a Gored Slave"). By paying this amount to the shepherd, the people were expressing their utter contempt and disdain for his service, effectively valuing him as no more than a mere slave or a piece of property. Theologically, this act profoundly foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot for the exact same sum, highlighting the low estimation of the Messiah by His own people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:12 finds its most profound and chilling fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true Good Shepherd. The prophet's experience of being undervalued and dismissed for "thirty pieces of silver" is a direct and precise foreshadowing of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. As recorded in [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus"), Judas approached the chief priests and asked, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And "they weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver." This exact fulfillment underscores the meticulous detail of God's prophetic word and the depth of human rejection of divine love. Just as the symbolic shepherd was deemed worthy of only a slave's price, so too was the Son of God, the Lord of Glory, valued as little more than a piece of property by those who should have recognized and welcomed Him. This act of betrayal, however, was not the end but a crucial step in God's redemptive plan, leading to the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The very sum that signified contempt became the catalyst for the immeasurable price of our salvation, demonstrating that even human wickedness serves God's sovereign purpose to bring about the greatest good, the redemption offered through Christ's death and resurrection, as seen in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Exodus 21:32

If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Mark 14:10

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

Mark 14:11

And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Luke 22:3

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Luke 22:6

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

John 13:27

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.