Zechariah 11:3

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is a voice {H6963} of the howling {H3215} of the shepherds {H7462}; for their glory {H155} is spoiled {H7703}: a voice {H6963} of the roaring {H7581} of young lions {H3715}; for the pride {H1347} of Jordan {H3383} is spoiled {H7703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen to the wail of the shepherds, because their glory is spoiled. Listen to the roaring of young lions, because the Yarden's thickets are plundered.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to the wailing of the shepherds,for their glory is in ruins.Listen to the roaring of the young lions,for the thickets of the Jordan are destroyed.

American Standard Version

A voice of the wailing of the shepherds! for their glory is destroyed: a voice of the roaring of young lions! for the pride of the Jordan is laid waste.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:3 vividly portrays a scene of intense lament and desolation, marked by the cries of "howling shepherds" and "roaring young lions," signifying the catastrophic ruin and loss of prestige for corrupt leaders and the land of Israel. This prophetic utterance underscores the severe consequences of failed leadership and the divine judgment that befalls those who exploit rather than shepherd God's flock, leading to the stripping away of their power, glory, and the very abundance of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11 is a pivotal and highly symbolic chapter within the latter half of the book (chapters 9-14), which shifts from post-exilic rebuilding to a series of prophetic oracles concerning Israel's future, often with messianic overtones. This chapter, in particular, introduces a prophetic drama where Zechariah himself acts as a shepherd of a flock destined for slaughter, symbolizing God's people. The "shepherds" in verse 3 are the unfaithful leaders of Israel—both political and religious—who have failed to care for God's flock, leading to their abandonment and subsequent judgment. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic rejection of the "Good Shepherd" (foreshadowing Christ) later in the chapter, specifically in [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Good Shepherd"). The lament described here is a direct consequence of the flock's mistreatment and the shepherds' dereliction of duty, leading to a state of utter desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the metaphor of a shepherd for a ruler or leader was ubiquitous, signifying protection, provision, and guidance. Kings, priests, and elders were often seen as shepherds of their people. The "shepherds" in Zechariah 11:3 therefore represent the ruling elite of Israel, whose failure to uphold their covenant responsibilities led to the nation's spiritual and physical decay. The "pride of Jordan" refers to the lush, fertile thickets and plains along the Jordan River, historically a place of natural beauty, abundance, and even a strategic barrier. Its "spoiling" would signify a profound loss of national prosperity, security, and natural splendor. The imagery of "young lions" could refer to powerful, predatory figures within the leadership or external threats that would contribute to the desolation, or even the lament of these powerful figures themselves as their dominion is destroyed. The post-exilic period, though marked by the return from Babylon, was still fraught with challenges, including internal corruption and external pressures, making the theme of faithful leadership particularly poignant.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 11:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes. The most prominent is the **Failure of Leadership and Divine Judgment**. The "howling of the shepherds" directly indicts Israel's corrupt leaders, whose "glory is spoiled" as a consequence of their neglect and exploitation of the flock. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic books, condemning those who lead God's people astray, as seen in [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds"). Another key theme is **Desolation and Loss**. The repeated phrase "is spoiled" (Hebrew: *shâdad*) emphasizes a complete plundering and devastation, not just of material wealth but of national pride and natural beauty, symbolized by the "pride of Jordan." This imagery powerfully conveys a state of utter ruin and the profound suffering that results from a nation's spiritual decline. Finally, the verse highlights **Intense Lament and Consequence**, with the vivid auditory imagery of "howling" and "roaring" underscoring the depth of despair and the severe repercussions for a people who have rejected righteous governance and divine guidance. This lament serves as a stark warning of the inevitable decline when a nation or people abandon their divine covenant, echoing the warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **howling (Hebrew, _yᵉlâlâh'_):** From the root *yalal*, meaning "to howl" or "to wail," this feminine noun signifies a loud cry of distress, grief, or lamentation. It depicts an intense, audible expression of pain and despair, often associated with mourning or catastrophic loss. In this context, it vividly conveys the deep anguish experienced by the shepherds (leaders) as their power and position are stripped away.
* **spoiled (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be burly" or "powerful," but more commonly used in the passive sense to mean "to be ravaged," "plundered," "devastated," or "laid waste." It implies a complete and violent destruction or despoliation, emphasizing the utter ruin and loss of what was once possessed or valued. Its repetition underscores the totality of the destruction.
* **pride (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," this noun can denote arrogance, haughtiness, or majesty. By implication, it can also refer to something that is a source of pride, excellency, or ornament—a cherished possession or a symbol of strength and beauty. Here, "the pride of Jordan" refers to the luxuriant and formidable thickets along the Jordan River, which were a source of natural beauty, abundance, and perhaps even a defensive barrier, now utterly destroyed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a scene of profound distress. The "voice" (Hebrew: *qôwl*) indicates an audible, widespread lament. The "howling" (Hebrew: *yᵉlâlâh*) is a cry of deep anguish and despair, specifically attributed to the "shepherds." These shepherds are symbolic of the corrupt and failed leaders of Israel, whose cries signify their suffering as their authority and influence crumble.
* **"for their glory is spoiled":** This clause provides the reason for the shepherds' lament. Their "glory" (Hebrew: *ʼaddereth*), which can mean their mantle, robe, or goodly garment—symbolizing their authority, honor, wealth, or even their very being—has been "spoiled" (Hebrew: *shâdad*). This indicates a complete plundering, devastation, or stripping away of their prestige, power, and possessions, a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness.
* **"a voice of the roaring of young lions":** This parallel phrase introduces another powerful auditory image of distress. The "roaring" (Hebrew: *shᵉʼâgâh*) of "young lions" (Hebrew: *kᵉphîyr*) suggests a fierce, guttural sound, perhaps of pain, anger, or despair. "Young lions" can symbolize powerful, predatory figures, possibly referring to the very leaders who once exploited the flock, now themselves in anguish, or perhaps external forces that contribute to the desolation. The imagery intensifies the sense of widespread catastrophe.
* **"for the pride of Jordan is spoiled":** Mirroring the previous clause, this provides the reason for the "roaring." The "pride of Jordan" (Hebrew: *gâʼôwn Yardên*), referring to the dense, lush thickets and fertile lands along the Jordan River, symbolizes the natural beauty, abundance, and perhaps even the protective strength of the land of Israel. Its being "spoiled" signifies the utter desolation and destruction of the nation's prosperity and natural defenses, completing the picture of national ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:3 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly **Auditory Imagery**, with the repeated "voice of the howling" and "voice of the roaring," which vividly convey a soundscape of intense suffering and despair. The verse employs striking **Symbolism**: "shepherds" represent the unfaithful leaders of Israel, while "young lions" likely symbolize powerful, perhaps predatory, figures either among the leaders or external forces of destruction. The "glory" of the shepherds symbolizes their authority, wealth, and honor, while the "pride of Jordan" symbolizes the natural beauty, fertility, and security of the land. The structure of the verse itself demonstrates clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** in its two main clauses: "a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled" is mirrored by "a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled." This repetition with variation emphasizes the widespread nature and the dual impact—on leadership and on the land—of the impending judgment. The use of **Metaphor** is also evident, as the abstract concepts of leadership and national well-being are presented through concrete, vivid images of shepherds, lions, and the landscape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:3 serves as a stark prophetic warning against the perils of unrighteous leadership and the inevitable divine judgment that follows the exploitation and abandonment of God's people. The lamentable cries of the "howling shepherds" and the "roaring young lions" underscore the profound consequences when those entrusted with spiritual and national care prioritize self-interest over the well-being of the flock. This passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that even those in positions of power are not exempt from accountability. The desolation of the "pride of Jordan" further emphasizes that the spiritual decay of a nation's leadership inevitably leads to widespread suffering and the loss of its very essence and prosperity. This prophetic scene is a powerful reminder that true glory and security are found not in worldly power or material abundance, but in faithful stewardship and adherence to God's covenant.

* [Jeremiah 23:1](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1 - Woe to the Shepherds")
* [Ezekiel 34:10](/ezekiel/34-10 "Ezekiel 34:10 - God's Judgment on False Shepherds")
* [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:3 offers a sobering reflection for all generations, particularly concerning the nature of leadership and the consequences of its failure. It challenges us to consider the profound responsibility inherent in any position of influence, whether in the church, family, or society. The "howling of the shepherds" reminds us that those who prioritize personal gain over the welfare of those they lead will ultimately face a stripping away of their "glory," experiencing deep lament and loss. For believers, this verse underscores the critical importance of discerning and supporting righteous leadership, as well as the solemn duty of those called to shepherd God's flock to do so with integrity, sacrifice, and genuine care, rather than exploiting or neglecting them. It serves as a potent warning against spiritual and moral decay, which invariably leads to widespread desolation and despair, not just for the leaders but for the entire community. Our true security and flourishing are tied to faithful adherence to God's ways and the pursuit of justice and righteousness in all spheres of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "howling shepherds" challenge our understanding of leadership today, both in the church and in society?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be guilty of "spoiling" our "glory" or "pride" by neglecting our spiritual responsibilities?**
* **What are the practical implications of Zechariah 11:3 for how we choose our leaders or hold them accountable?**
* **How can we, as members of God's flock, actively support and encourage faithful, Christ-like leadership?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "shepherds" and "young lions" in this verse, and what do they represent?**
Answer: In Zechariah 11:3, the "shepherds" primarily represent the unfaithful and corrupt leaders of Israel, encompassing both political and religious authorities (e.g., kings, priests, elders). They are those entrusted with the care and guidance of God's people, but who have instead exploited or abandoned them. The "young lions" (Hebrew: *kᵉphîyr*) are symbolic of powerful, often predatory figures. They could represent the very same corrupt leaders, whose "roaring" signifies their own anguish as their power is destroyed, or they could symbolize external forces, like invading armies, that contribute to the desolation, or even internal factions that prey upon the people. The imagery emphasizes the destructive nature of unrighteous authority and the resulting chaos.

**What is meant by "their glory is spoiled" and "the pride of Jordan is spoiled"?**
Answer: "Their glory is spoiled" refers to the stripping away of the honor, authority, wealth, and prestige of the unfaithful shepherds. The Hebrew word for "glory" (*ʼaddereth*) can also mean a "mantle" or "robe," symbolizing their office or status. So, their power and position are utterly destroyed. "The pride of Jordan" is spoiled" refers to the devastation of the lush, fertile, and beautiful region along the Jordan River. This area was known for its dense thickets and abundant vegetation, symbolizing the natural beauty, prosperity, and perhaps even the protective strength of the land of Israel. Its "spoiling" signifies a complete desolation and loss of national abundance and security, emphasizing the widespread impact of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:3, with its lament over failed shepherds and spoiled glory, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the coming of Jesus, the true and [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). The "howling of the shepherds" and the "roaring of young lions" vividly depict the tragic state of Israel under corrupt leadership, a condition that persisted into the time of Christ, where the religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees) were often blind guides who exploited the flock rather than nourishing them (as seen in [Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1-36 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus, however, stands in stark contrast to these failed shepherds. He is the one who lays down His life for the sheep, gathering the scattered flock (as prophesied in [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - My Servant David, the One Shepherd")). The "spoiling" of the shepherds' glory and the "pride of Jordan" foreshadows the judgment that would come upon Jerusalem and its leadership for rejecting their Messiah, culminating in the destruction of the temple and the city in A.D. 70, a direct consequence of their refusal to recognize the time of their visitation (as lamented by Jesus in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). Thus, Zechariah 11:3 not only highlights the failure of human leadership but also sets the stage for the ultimate, perfect, and self-sacrificing leadership of Christ, whose coming brings true restoration and whose rejection brings ultimate judgment.

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

Jeremiah 50:44

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who [is] a chosen [man, that] I may appoint over her? for who [is] like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who [is] that shepherd that will stand before me?

Jeremiah 25:34

Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves [in the ashes], ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

Jeremiah 25:36

A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, [shall be heard]: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.

Acts 7:52

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Zechariah 11:15

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

Zechariah 11:17

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.

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].