Zechariah 11:8

KJV

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Three {H7969} shepherds {H7462} also I cut off {H3582} in one {H259} month {H3391}; and my soul {H5315} lothed {H7114} them, and their soul {H5315} also abhorred {H973} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In a single month I got rid of three shepherds, because I grew impatient with them; and besides, they detested me.

Berean Standard Bible

And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me.

American Standard Version

And I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:8 presents a stark prophetic declaration of divine judgment against unfaithful leadership within Israel. Through the symbolic action of the prophet Zechariah, who embodies the Lord as a shepherd, God decisively "cuts off" three symbolic shepherds in a single month, signifying a swift and comprehensive removal of corrupt spiritual or political authorities. This act is driven by God's profound loathing for their destructive practices, a sentiment reciprocated by the leaders themselves, who abhor God's righteous ways. The verse thus underscores God's intolerance for those who exploit His flock and highlights the deep spiritual alienation that precipitates divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11 forms a crucial part of the prophet's final major oracle, shifting from visions to symbolic actions. In this chapter, Zechariah is commanded by the Lord to act as a shepherd for a "flock doomed to slaughter" ([Zechariah 11:4](/zechariah/11-4 "Zechariah 11:4 - Feed the Flock of Slaughter")), representing the people of Israel under corrupt leadership. The immediate preceding verses ([Zechariah 11:5-7](/zechariah/11-5-7 "Zechariah 11:5-7 - The Exploitation of the Flock")) describe the exploitation of this flock by their "buyers" and "shepherds," setting the stage for the divine judgment announced in [Zechariah 11:8](/zechariah/11-8 "Zechariah 11:8 - The Three Shepherds Cut Off"). This cutting off of the three shepherds foreshadows the ultimate rejection of the True Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who would be valued at a paltry sum ([Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Good Shepherd")), leading to the rise of a "worthless shepherd" ([Zechariah 11:15-17](/zechariah/11-15-17 "Zechariah 11:15-17 - The Worthless Shepherd")) and further desolation for the flock.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied in the post-exilic period (c. 520-518 BC), a time when Judah was rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple under Persian rule. The community faced internal struggles, including apathy, economic hardship, and a lingering problem of ineffective or corrupt leadership. While there was no single "king" in the traditional sense, leadership roles were held by the High Priest (Joshua) and the governor (Zerubbabel), alongside other influential figures. The "shepherds" in this context likely refer to the various categories of leaders—priestly, prophetic, and political—who were responsible for guiding and protecting the people. The imagery of shepherds and flocks was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture, frequently used to describe rulers and their subjects, emphasizing the leader's responsibility for the welfare of their people, as seen in texts like [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70-72 "Psalm 78:70-72 - David, the Shepherd of Israel").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment on Corrupt Leadership**. God's swift action against the "three shepherds" demonstrates His unwavering commitment to justice and His intolerance for those who abuse their authority and exploit His people, a theme echoed in other prophetic condemnations of unfaithful rulers (e.g., [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")). Secondly, the theme of **Mutual Rejection** is prominent, emphasizing the profound spiritual chasm between God and these leaders; God detests their actions, and they, in turn, despise His righteous standards. This reciprocal abhorrence underscores the depth of their rebellion and the necessity of divine intervention. Lastly, the passage implicitly points to the **Importance of True Shepherding**, contrasting the destructive behavior of the "three shepherds" with the ideal of a caring, protective, and self-sacrificing shepherd, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to tend a flock," this word describes one who pastures or grazes animals. By extension, it signifies one who rules, governs, or associates with others as a friend. In this context, it metaphorically refers to the leaders of Israel—whether political, religious, or prophetic—who were meant to guide and care for God's "flock" (His people). The use of this term here highlights their failure to fulfill their primary duty of nurturing and protecting.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kâchad'_):** This verb means "to secrete, by act or word," and intensively, "to destroy." It implies a decisive and complete removal or obliteration. The divine action of "cutting off" these shepherds signifies a definitive end to their influence and authority, a swift and irreversible judgment from God due to their unfaithfulness.
* **lothed (Hebrew, _qâtsar'_):** This word carries the sense of being "docked off" or "curtailed," often used in the context of harvesting or being "short of patience." In this verse, particularly when coupled with "abhorred," it conveys a strong emotional response of disgust, weariness, or extreme vexation on the part of God. It indicates that God's patience with these leaders had run out, and their actions had become utterly repugnant to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Three shepherds also I cut off in one month":** This clause describes a swift and decisive act of divine judgment. The "three shepherds" are widely understood as symbolic, representing a succession or a comprehensive category of corrupt leaders—possibly kings, priests, and prophets—who had failed in their stewardship of God's people. The phrase "in one month" emphasizes the rapidity, suddenness, and completeness of their removal, indicating a concentrated period of divine intervention and judgment rather than a literal calendar month. It underscores God's efficiency and determination in dealing with unfaithful authority.
* **"and my soul lothed them":** This phrase reveals the deep emotional distress and profound displeasure of God. The Hebrew word for "soul" (_nephesh_) here signifies God's very being, His inner self, expressing a visceral aversion and disgust towards the actions and character of these shepherds. God's loathing stems from their exploitation and neglect of His flock, which was meant to be cared for and protected.
* **"and their soul also abhorred me":** This final clause highlights the reciprocal nature of the spiritual alienation. Just as God's soul was repulsed by their unrighteousness, the "soul" (_nephesh_) of these shepherds—representing their inner will and disposition—also "abhorred" (H973, _bâchal_, to loathe or despise) God. This indicates a profound rebellion and rejection of God's authority, laws, and covenant on their part, solidifying the justification for the divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:8 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is central, with "three shepherds" representing not a literal trio but a comprehensive category or succession of unfaithful leaders (e.g., kings, priests, prophets) whose collective failure brought divine wrath. The phrase "in one month" also functions symbolically, emphasizing the swiftness, decisiveness, and completeness of God's judgment rather than a precise temporal duration. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God's "soul" (or inner being) "loathing" the shepherds, attributing human-like emotions of disgust and weariness to the divine. This makes God's righteous indignation relatable and underscores the severity of the leaders' offenses. Furthermore, the verse uses **Reciprocity** to highlight the profound spiritual chasm: "my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me." This parallelism emphasizes the mutual alienation between God and the corrupt leadership, demonstrating that the judgment was not arbitrary but a consequence of a deep-seated, two-way rejection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:8 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the governance of His people and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly concerning leadership. It reveals that God does not tolerate those who exploit or neglect His flock, holding them to account for their stewardship. The mutual abhorrence described in the verse underscores the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion and the deep chasm that opens when leaders reject divine authority and care. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true leadership, whether spiritual or secular, must align with God's character of selfless care and justice, not self-serving ambition. It foreshadows the ultimate judgment on all unrighteous rule and points to the divine standard for true pastoring.

* [Ezekiel 34:2-10](/ezekiel/34-2-10 "Ezekiel 34:2-10 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")
* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to Evil Shepherds")
* [Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13-36 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:8 is a powerful and sobering reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with leadership, particularly within God's community. It challenges us to critically examine the character and actions of those in authority, whether in the church, government, or any sphere of influence. God's "loathing" for corrupt shepherds should ignite within us a passion for righteous leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the flock over personal gain or power. For those who lead, it serves as a stark warning against self-serving motives, neglect, or abuse of power, reminding us that accountability to God is inevitable. For those who are led, it encourages discernment, prayer for their leaders, and the courage to speak truth to power when necessary, always seeking to uphold God's standards of justice and care. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to the only perfect Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies selfless, sacrificial leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might leaders today, whether in the church or society, exhibit characteristics of the "shepherds" whom God "cut off"?**
* **How can individuals discern between true, Christ-like leadership and self-serving, exploitative leadership?**
* **What does God's "loathing" for corrupt leaders reveal about His character and His heart for His people?**
* **How should this verse influence our prayers for those in authority over us?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "three shepherds" mentioned in Zechariah 11:8?**

Answer: The "three shepherds" are widely understood as symbolic, rather than referring to three specific historical individuals. They most likely represent a comprehensive category or succession of corrupt leaders within Israel—potentially encompassing kings, priests, and prophets—who had failed in their divinely appointed roles. This symbolism emphasizes that God's judgment was against the entire system of unfaithful leadership that exploited and neglected His people, rather than being limited to a specific trio. The number "three" often signifies completeness or totality in biblical symbolism, suggesting that all forms of errant leadership were subject to this divine judgment.

**What is the significance of "in one month"?**

Answer: The phrase "in one month" (or "in a single month") signifies the swiftness, decisiveness, and completeness of God's judgment. It does not necessarily refer to a literal 30-day period but rather emphasizes the sudden and concentrated nature of the divine intervention. God's patience with these corrupt leaders had run out, and He acted quickly and definitively to remove them from their positions of influence. This highlights God's power and His determination to address the spiritual and moral decay caused by unfaithful authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:8, with its somber pronouncement of divine judgment against unfaithful shepherds, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between these corrupt leaders and the person of Jesus Christ, the True and Good Shepherd. While the "three shepherds" exploited the flock and were met with God's loathing, Jesus embodies the perfect, self-sacrificial shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The rejection of the "three shepherds" by God foreshadows the ultimate rejection of the True Shepherd by His own people, as prophesied in Zechariah 11:12-13, where the Messiah is valued at the price of a slave. Yet, this rejection, culminating in His crucifixion, becomes the means of salvation. Jesus, unlike the shepherds who abhorred God, perfectly obeyed the Father, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). His resurrection and ascension establish Him as the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd")) who truly cares for His flock, gathers His scattered sheep ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Other Sheep")), and will ultimately judge all unrighteous leadership, establishing His eternal kingdom where He reigns as the righteous Shepherd and King ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Shepherd Them")).

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

Isaiah 49:7

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

Matthew 23:34

¶ Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

Matthew 23:36

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

John 7:7

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Hosea 5:7

They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

Luke 19:14

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.