Zechariah 11:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whose possessors {H7069} slay {H2026} them, and hold themselves not guilty {H816}: and they that sell {H4376} them say {H559}, Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068}; for I am rich {H6238}: and their own shepherds {H7462} pity {H2550} them not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their buyers kill them and go unpunished; while those who sell them say, 'Barukh ADONAI! Now I'm rich!' Even their own shepherds show them no pity.

Berean Standard Bible

whose buyers slaughter them without remorse. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:5 powerfully condemns the corrupt and exploitative leaders of Israel, portraying them as "possessors" who slaughter their flock without remorse, merchants who profit from their suffering while hypocritically thanking God for their ill-gotten wealth, and "shepherds" who show no compassion for the very sheep they are meant to protect. This verse vividly illustrates a profound moral and spiritual bankruptcy, highlighting the deep injustice and lack of accountability prevalent among those in authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11 is a pivotal chapter within the prophetic book, often referred to as the "shepherd chapter." It initiates a symbolic drama where the prophet Zechariah is commanded by God to act as a shepherd to a "flock doomed to slaughter" [Zechariah 11:4](/zechariah/11-4 "Zechariah 11:4 - Shepherd the Flock of Slaughter"). This flock represents the people of Israel, particularly in the post-exilic period, who are being exploited and oppressed by their own leaders. The preceding verses establish the context of divine judgment against unfaithful shepherds, while the subsequent verses detail the breaking of two staffs, "Favor" and "Union," symbolizing the dissolution of God's covenant with His people and the breakdown of unity among them. Verse 5 specifically identifies the agents of this exploitation and their callous attitudes, setting the stage for the prophet's symbolic actions and the ultimate rejection of the true Shepherd.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah was written during the post-exilic period (late 6th century BCE), after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. While the temple was being rebuilt and some sense of national identity was being restored, the people faced significant challenges, including economic hardship and internal strife. The imagery of "shepherds" and "flock" was a common metaphor in the ancient Near East and in Israel for rulers and their subjects. Kings, priests, and elders were all considered shepherds of the people. This verse reflects a historical reality where those in positions of power—whether political, religious, or economic—often abused their authority, preying on the vulnerable for personal gain. The lack of accountability and the open hypocrisy depicted here would have resonated deeply with the experiences of the common people under such leadership.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 11:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **corrupt leadership and divine judgment**. The verse starkly portrays the failure of Israel's human shepherds, contrasting their self-serving actions with God's righteous expectations for those who lead His people. This theme is echoed throughout the prophets, notably in [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Indictment of Israel's Shepherds"), which condemns shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock. Another key theme is **exploitation and injustice**, as the "possessors" and "sellers" profit from the suffering of the sheep, highlighting a pervasive societal ill. The chilling declaration, "Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich," introduces the theme of **hypocrisy and spiritual blindness**, where religious language is perverted to justify wickedness, a concept also strongly denounced by Jesus in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Finally, the verse underscores the **absence of compassion** among those who should care for the people, setting a stark backdrop against which the true, compassionate Shepherd would later be revealed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Possessors (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** From H7069, meaning "to acquire" or "to buy," and by implication, "to own." In this context, it refers to those who have acquired or bought the sheep, treating them as mere commodities for profit. It highlights a transactional, rather than pastoral, relationship, where the "owner" has absolute power, even to the point of destruction, over what they possess.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, meaning "to smite with deadly intent," "to kill," or "to slaughter." This word emphasizes the violent and destructive nature of the "possessors'" actions. It's not just neglect, but active harm and death inflicted upon the flock, underscoring the severity of their exploitation.
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** From H1288, meaning "to kneel," and by implication "to bless God (as an act of adoration)." The use of this word here is deeply ironic and perverse. Those who are actively destroying the flock simultaneously offer praise to the Lord, attributing their ill-gotten gains—derived from the very act of slaughter—to divine blessing. This reveals a profound spiritual distortion and hypocrisy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty:"** This clause immediately establishes the horrific reality of the flock's situation. The "possessors" (likely referring to the foreign powers or oppressive internal leaders who "bought" or gained control over the people) are depicted as actively killing their own "property"—the people of Israel. The shocking addition "and hold themselves not guilty" (from H816, `ʼâsham`, "to be guilty") reveals a profound moral depravity and lack of conscience. They commit grievous harm without any sense of culpability, remorse, or fear of divine judgment, indicating a hardened heart and a complete disregard for justice.
* **"and they that sell them say, Blessed [be] the LORD; for I am rich:"** This second clause introduces another group of exploiters: "they that sell them" (from H4376, `mâkar`, "to sell"). These are likely the internal leaders or merchants who profit from the people's suffering, perhaps by selling them into slavery or by exploiting their labor and resources. Their declaration, "Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich" (from H6238, `ʻâshar`, "to grow rich"), is a chilling display of religious hypocrisy. They attribute their wealth, obtained through the exploitation and suffering of their own people, to God's blessing. This demonstrates a perversion of true piety, using religious language to justify their greed and wickedness, effectively mocking God by praising Him for their sin.
* **"and their own shepherds pity them not."** The final clause delivers a direct indictment of the "shepherds" (from H7462, `râʻâh`, "to tend a flock," hence "shepherd")—the spiritual and political leaders of Israel who were meant to care for and protect the flock. The phrase "pity them not" (from H2550, `châmal`, "to commiserate," "to spare") highlights their utter lack of compassion and empathy. Instead of acting as protectors and nurturers, these appointed leaders are indifferent to the suffering and destruction of their own people, mirroring the cruelty of the possessors and sellers. This neglect is a profound betrayal of their sacred duty and a stark contrast to the divine standard of care.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Symbolism**, where the "flock" represents the people of Israel, and the "possessors," "sellers," and "shepherds" symbolize the various corrupt authorities—both foreign oppressors and internal leaders—who exploit and neglect them. This extended metaphor allows the prophet to critique the systemic failures of leadership. **Irony** is powerfully used in the phrase "Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich." This statement, uttered by those who profit from the suffering of others, is a grotesque perversion of true worship and highlights the profound moral and spiritual blindness of the exploiters. Their "blessing" of God is a blasphemous justification for their unrighteous gains, creating a stark and disturbing contrast between their words and their actions. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** to place the actions of the exploiters ("slay them," "sell them") directly against their lack of remorse ("hold themselves not guilty") and their false piety ("Blessed be the LORD"), emphasizing the depth of their depravity. The lack of "pity" from their own shepherds serves as a final, damning indictment, underscoring the complete betrayal of trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of righteous leadership and the consequences of its corruption. It underscores God's deep concern for justice and His abhorrence of exploitation, particularly when perpetrated by those entrusted with the care of His people. The verse highlights the spiritual danger of hypocrisy, where religious language is twisted to sanctify greed and oppression, demonstrating a severe moral bankruptcy that God will not tolerate. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment against such false shepherds, emphasizing that true leadership is characterized by compassion, protection, and self-sacrifice, rather than self-enrichment at the expense of the vulnerable. This divine standard for leadership is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, contrasting the self-serving actions of human leaders with God's own perfect shepherding of His flock.

* [Ezekiel 34:2-4](/ezekiel/34-2-4 "Ezekiel 34:2-4 - Woe to Israel's Shepherds")
* [Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1-2 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Woe to False Shepherds")
* [Matthew 23:14](/matthew/23-14 "Matthew 23:14 - Woe to Hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:5 stands as a timeless warning against the abuse of power and the corrosive effects of greed and hypocrisy in leadership, whether in spiritual, political, or economic spheres. For believers today, this verse calls for a keen discernment to recognize when authority is wielded for personal gain rather than for the well-being of others, and when religious claims are used to mask injustice. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motives, especially if we are in positions of influence, ensuring that our actions are driven by compassion, integrity, and a genuine concern for those under our care, rather than by self-interest or the pursuit of wealth. The verse reminds us that true blessing comes from living righteously and caring for the vulnerable, not from ill-gotten gains obtained through exploitation or indifference. It compels us to advocate for justice and to hold leaders accountable, praying for and supporting those who genuinely shepherd with integrity and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 11:5 challenge our understanding of true leadership in any sphere (church, government, business)?**
* **In what ways might modern-day "possessors," "sellers," or "shepherds" exploit others while claiming divine blessing?**
* **How can we, as individuals and communities, cultivate a heart of compassion and accountability that stands in stark contrast to the attitudes condemned in this verse?**
* **What does "holding oneself not guilty" look like in contemporary society, and how can we counter such a mindset?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "possessors," "sellers," and "shepherds" mentioned in Zechariah 11:5?**

Answer: These terms are symbolic, representing different facets of corrupt leadership and exploitation within Israel during the prophet's time, and by extension, throughout history. The "possessors" (or buyers) likely refer to foreign powers or internal elites who acquired control over the people, treating them as property to be exploited, even to the point of death. "They that sell them" could represent those who profit from the people's misery, perhaps by selling them into servitude or by unjustly enriching themselves through oppressive economic practices. The "shepherds" are the most direct indictment, referring specifically to Israel's own religious, political, and judicial leaders (kings, priests, elders) who were divinely appointed to care for the flock (the people) but instead neglected or actively harmed them. This verse paints a comprehensive picture of a nation suffering under the weight of both external and internal oppression, facilitated by those who should have been their protectors.

**What does it mean for them to "hold themselves not guilty"?**

Answer: The phrase "hold themselves not guilty" (Hebrew: `velo ye'shamu`) signifies a profound lack of remorse, accountability, or even awareness of their wrongdoing. It means they do not perceive themselves as culpable or deserving of punishment for their destructive actions. This indicates a hardened conscience and a moral blindness where they are either oblivious to the injustice they inflict or they actively rationalize their behavior, believing themselves to be justified. This attitude is a stark contrast to the biblical call for repentance and acknowledgment of sin, highlighting the depth of their spiritual and moral corruption. It suggests that their actions are not merely accidental but are carried out with a callous disregard for the consequences or for divine law.

**Why do those who "sell them" say, "Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich"?**

Answer: This declaration is a chilling example of religious hypocrisy and blasphemy. By saying "Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich," these exploiters are attributing their ill-gotten gains—wealth accumulated through the suffering and exploitation of their own people—to God's blessing. They are essentially using religious language to justify their greed and wickedness, believing (or pretending to believe) that their prosperity is a sign of divine favor, regardless of the immoral means by which it was acquired. This reveals a profound spiritual distortion, where the worship of God is perverted into a cover for self-serving ambition and a disregard for justice, demonstrating a complete misunderstanding or willful rejection of God's righteous character and His concern for the oppressed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:5, with its stark condemnation of false and exploitative shepherds, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. The verse laments the absence of compassion and the prevalence of self-serving leadership among God's people, setting a desperate stage for the arrival of the true Shepherd. Jesus, in stark contrast to the "possessors," "sellers," and unpitying "shepherds" described here, declares Himself to be the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). He did not exploit His flock for personal gain but came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The prophecy of Zechariah 11, particularly the rejection of the good shepherd for thirty pieces of silver ([Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")), is explicitly fulfilled in the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus") and [Matthew 27:3-10](/matthew/27-3-10 "Matthew 27:3-10 - Judas Hangs Himself")). While the shepherds of Zechariah's day lacked pity, Jesus was moved with compassion for the crowds, seeing them as "sheep without a shepherd" ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus Has Compassion on the Crowds")). Thus, Zechariah 11:5 not only exposes the depth of human depravity in leadership but also magnifies the unparalleled love, sacrifice, and true shepherding heart of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the compassionate and righteous care that Israel's leaders so tragically lacked.

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 50:7

All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Hosea 12:8

And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: [in] all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that [were] sin.

Deuteronomy 29:19

And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

Deuteronomy 29:21

And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:

Jeremiah 23:1

¶ Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.