Zechariah 11:6

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will no more pity {H2550} the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: but, lo, I will deliver {H4672} the men {H120} every one {H376} into his neighbour's {H7453} hand {H3027}, and into the hand {H3027} of his king {H4428}: and they shall smite {H3807} the land {H776}, and out of their hand {H3027} I will not deliver {H5337} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will no longer show pity to the inhabitants of the land," says ADONAI. "No, I will hand every one of them over to the power of a neighbor and to the power of his king; they will crush the land; and I won't rescue them from their power."

Berean Standard Bible

For I will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, declares the LORD, but behold, I will cause each man to fall into the hands of his neighbor and his king, who will devastate the land, and I will not deliver it from their hands.”

American Standard Version

For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith Jehovah; but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbor’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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:6 declares a profound shift in God's disposition toward the inhabitants of the land, signaling the cessation of His divine pity and protective intervention. As a consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness and rejection of His guidance, the LORD announces He will actively deliver them into the hands of their neighbors and their own king, leading to internal strife and external oppression from which He will no longer provide deliverance. This verse underscores the severe repercussions of spurning God's covenant and highlights the inevitable breakdown of a society that abandons divine principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11:6 is embedded within a highly symbolic and dramatic prophetic oracle concerning the "shepherds" of Israel, spanning [Zechariah 11:4-17](/zechariah/11-4-17 "Zechariah's Prophecy of the Shepherds"). The preceding verses introduce Zechariah as a shepherd appointed by the LORD to tend a "flock doomed to slaughter," representing the people of Israel who are being exploited by their corrupt leaders and merchants ([Zechariah 11:4-5](/zechariah/11-4-5 "Zechariah's Commission to Shepherd the Flock")). Verse 6 marks a pivotal turning point, where God's long-suffering patience reaches its limit, and He withdraws His protection, allowing the consequences of the people's and their leaders' actions to unfold. This divine abandonment sets the stage for the subsequent rejection of the "good shepherd" (Zechariah himself, symbolizing the Messiah) and the breaking of the two staffs, "Beauty" and "Bonds," symbolizing the covenant with all peoples and the unity of Israel ([Zechariah 11:7-14](/zechariah/11-7-14 "The Breaking of the Staffs, Beauty and Bonds")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period, roughly 520-518 BC, a time when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. While physically restored to their land, they faced significant internal struggles, including corrupt leadership, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy. The "inhabitants of the land" likely refers to the people of Judah, who, despite God's mercy in bringing them back, continued to exhibit the same patterns of unfaithfulness that led to the exile. The reference to being delivered "into his neighbour's hand, and into the hand of his king" reflects both the internal disunity and civil strife that plagued the nation, as well as the oppressive rule of foreign powers or even their own unjust rulers, which was a recurring theme in Israel's history when they strayed from God's covenant. This period was characterized by a fragile political situation, with Judah under Persian suzerainty, and the constant threat of internal decay.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zechariah and the prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating that God's patience is not infinite and His justice will ultimately prevail when His people persistently reject His covenant. This judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness and the abuse of their spiritual privileges, echoing warnings found in the Mosaic Law concerning blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience ([Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience, Curses for Disobedience")). Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Corrupt Leadership and Societal Decay**. The "shepherds" (leaders) who exploited the flock are implicitly condemned, and their failure contributes to the people's vulnerability and God's withdrawal of protection. The resulting internal strife ("into his neighbour's hand") and oppressive rule ("into the hand of his king") illustrate the breakdown of social order when divine principles are abandoned. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Finality of Divine Withdrawal**, as God declares, "out of their hand I will not deliver [them]," signifying that once His protective hand is removed, there will be no rescue from the self-inflicted and divinely permitted calamities. This serves as a stark warning about the irreversible nature of certain judgments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pity (Hebrew, _châmal'_):** From H2550, meaning "to commiserate; by implication, to spare; have compassion, (have) pity, spare." The phrase "I will no more pity" signifies a deliberate and decisive cessation of God's characteristic compassion and mercy. This is not a change in God's nature, but a just response to a sustained pattern of rebellion, where His people have exhausted the limits of His forbearance, making further pity counterproductive to their ultimate repentance or the demonstration of His righteousness.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** From H4672, meaning "properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver." In this context, "I will deliver" indicates God's active agency in allowing or orchestrating the circumstances of judgment. He is not merely stepping back, but intentionally giving His people over to the natural and spiritual consequences of their choices, allowing them to "find" themselves in a state of chaos and oppression.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, meaning "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))." The repeated use of "hand" ("into his neighbour's hand, and into the hand of his king, and out of their hand I will not deliver them") powerfully conveys the idea of control, power, and subjugation. It signifies that the people will fall under the authority and oppressive power of others, both internally (neighbors) and externally (king), with God explicitly stating He will not intervene to remove them from this state of control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD:"** This opening clause declares God's solemn and irreversible decision to withdraw His compassion and protective oversight from the people of Israel. The phrase "saith the LORD" emphasizes the divine authority and certainty of this pronouncement, indicating it is a decree from the sovereign God, not a mere human observation. This withdrawal of pity is a direct consequence of the people's persistent unfaithfulness and rejection of His covenant.
* **"but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour's hand, and into the hand of his king:"** This segment outlines the specific nature of the impending judgment. God will actively "deliver" or give over the people, not to external enemies in the traditional sense, but into the oppressive control ("hand") of those closest to them—their "neighbour" (implying internal strife, betrayal, and social breakdown) and "his king" (suggesting tyrannical rule, exploitation by their own leaders, or subjugation by foreign powers through their appointed rulers). This highlights a judgment that arises from within and through their own societal structures.
* **"and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver [them]."** The concluding phrase describes the devastating outcome of this divine abandonment. The "smite" (H3807, _kâthath'_, meaning to bruise, violently strike, beat down, destroy) indicates severe affliction and destruction that will be inflicted upon the land and its people by those into whose hands they have been delivered. The final declaration, "out of their hand I will not deliver [them]," underscores the absolute finality of this judgment. Once God removes His protective hand, there will be no further intervention or rescue from the ensuing chaos and oppression, emphasizing the severity and lasting nature of the consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Personification**, as the LORD is depicted as an active agent who "pities," "delivers," and "will not deliver," giving human-like actions and emotions to God to communicate His divine will and judgment. The phrase "I will no more pity" is a form of **Hyperbole** or emphatic negation, highlighting the extreme and decisive nature of God's withdrawal of compassion, emphasizing that a threshold has been crossed. **Symbolism** is evident in the repeated use of "hand" (Hebrew: _yâd'_), which represents power, authority, and control, signifying the transfer of dominion from God's protective hand to the oppressive hands of neighbors and kings. The entire passage is steeped in **Allegory**, as the "shepherds" and "flock" in the broader chapter represent the leaders and people of Israel, making this verse a direct statement about the nation's fate. Finally, there is a profound sense of **Irony** in God's declaration, "I will deliver," as it implies a divine act of giving over, but not for salvation, but for judgment, turning the concept of divine deliverance on its head.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:6 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of divine justice and the consequences of persistent rebellion against God's covenant. It reveals that while God is abundant in mercy and slow to anger, His patience has limits. When a people or nation consistently rejects His guidance, abuses their privileges, and embraces corruption, God may, in His righteous judgment, withdraw His protective hand, allowing the natural and spiritual consequences of their actions to unfold. This is not a capricious act, but a just response to a broken covenant, where the very structures meant to provide security (neighbors, kings) become instruments of judgment. The verse underscores the principle that true security and societal well-being are ultimately dependent on a right relationship with the sovereign LORD, and that turning away from Him inevitably leads to internal decay and external oppression from which there will be no divine rescue.

* [Leviticus 26:17](/leviticus/26-17 "Leviticus 26:17 - God's Turning Against His People")
* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Consequences of Not Serving God")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:6 stands as a sobering reminder that God's mercy, though vast and enduring, is not without limits when continually spurned. For individuals, this verse calls for a deep introspection into the areas of our lives where we might be resisting God's gentle guidance, taking His grace for granted, or allowing self-interest to supersede divine principles. It challenges us to consider the potential consequences of persistent unfaithfulness, not as arbitrary punishment, but as the natural outcome of separating ourselves from the source of true life and protection. For communities and nations, it serves as a stark warning that societal breakdown, internal strife, and oppressive leadership can be direct results of widespread moral decay and a collective turning away from God's righteous standards. It encourages us to pray for and actively pursue justice, integrity, and spiritual revival within our spheres of influence, recognizing that true peace and lasting security are ultimately found only in humble submission to the sovereign LORD. This verse compels us to value God's presence and protection, fostering a spirit of gratitude and faithful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be taking God's grace for granted, and how might I cultivate a greater appreciation for His constant mercy and protection?**
* **How does the concept of God "delivering" people into the hands of their neighbors and kings challenge my understanding of divine judgment and human responsibility?**
* **What are the signs of "pity" being withdrawn in a society or a church, and what steps can be taken to seek God's renewed compassion and intervention?**
* **How can I, as an individual, contribute to fostering unity and righteous leadership in my community, rather than allowing division and oppression to take root?**

### FAQ
**Does Zechariah 11:6 mean God stops loving His people?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God ceases to love His people. Instead, it signifies a shift in His *method* of dealing with their persistent rebellion. God's love is eternal and unchanging ([Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Everlasting Love")). However, His love also encompasses justice and discipline. When His people repeatedly reject His covenant and guidance, He may, out of righteous judgment and sometimes as a means to bring them to repentance, withdraw His protective hand and allow them to experience the natural and spiritual consequences of their choices. This withdrawal of "pity" is a judicial act, allowing them to reap what they have sown, rather than an abandonment of His ultimate redemptive purposes.

**Who are the "inhabitants of the land" and "his king" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "inhabitants of the land" primarily refers to the people of Judah in the post-exilic period, the remnant who had returned from Babylon. While they were back in their land, they continued to struggle with unfaithfulness and internal corruption. "His king" can be interpreted in a few ways: it could refer to the unjust or tyrannical Jewish leaders (who acted like kings but were often corrupt), or it could refer to the foreign rulers (like the Persians) under whose dominion Judah remained. The phrase "into his neighbour's hand" further emphasizes internal strife and betrayal within the community itself. The overall picture is one of a people experiencing judgment from within their own society and through their own leadership, as well as from external forces, all permitted by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:6, with its stark declaration of God's withdrawal of pity and the delivery of His people into the hands of their oppressors, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the rejection of Jesus Christ by His own people, Israel. Just as the "good shepherd" in Zechariah 11 is rejected and valued at the price of a slave ([Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")), so too was Jesus, the true Good Shepherd, rejected by the religious and political leaders of Israel. His coming was "to his own, and his own people did not receive him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own")). This rejection culminated in His crucifixion, a divine act of judgment against sin, yet also the ultimate act of salvation for humanity. The consequence for Israel's rejection of their Messiah was a period of intense suffering, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, where they were indeed delivered into the hands of their enemies (the Romans) and experienced immense internal strife, fulfilling the prophetic pattern of Zechariah 11:6. However, even in this judgment, God's ultimate plan of redemption was at work. Through Christ's sacrifice, a new covenant was established ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")), and salvation was extended to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike ([Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "Romans 10:12-13 - Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord")). Thus, while Zechariah 11:6 speaks of a withdrawal of pity leading to judgment, it ultimately foreshadows the greater rejection of the Messiah that paved the way for a more glorious and universal deliverance through Him.

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 13:14

And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.

Matthew 22:7

But when the king heard [thereof], he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Isaiah 9:19

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Isaiah 9:21

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Micah 5:8

And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:31

[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.