Zechariah 11:9

KJV

Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} I, I will not feed {H7462} you: that that dieth {H4191}, let it die {H4191}; and that that is to be cut off {H3582}, let it be cut off {H3582}; and let the rest {H7604} eat {H398} every one {H802} the flesh {H1320} of another {H7468}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said, 'I'm not going to shepherd you. Whichever one is going to die, let it die; whichever is going to be destroyed, let it be destroyed; and the rest can all devour each other.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then I said, “I will no longer shepherd you. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish; and let those who remain devour one another’s flesh.”

American Standard Version

Then said I, I will not feed you: that which dieth, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let them that are left eat every one the flesh of another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:9 marks a solemn declaration from the divine Shepherd, signifying a withdrawal of His protective and sustaining care from a rebellious flock. This pronouncement outlines the grim consequences of rejecting divine leadership: those destined to perish will do so, those to be cut off will be eliminated, and the remainder will descend into a state of self-destruction, metaphorically consuming one another in a chaotic breakdown of social order and unity. It underscores the severe judgment that follows persistent unfaithfulness and the removal of God's restraining hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11 falls within the prophetic oracles concerning Israel's future, specifically addressing the theme of leadership and the nation's rejection of divine guidance. The chapter opens with a lament over the land's desolation, then transitions to the prophet acting as a shepherd of a "flock appointed to slaughter" (Zechariah 11:4). He uses two symbolic staves: "Beauty" (or "Grace"), representing God's covenant favor and protection, and "Bands" (or "Union"), symbolizing the unity of His people. The narrative describes the people's contempt for the shepherd, culminating in their rejection of his care and the breaking of these staves, first "Beauty" (Zechariah 11:10) and then "Bands" (Zechariah 11:14). Verse 9 is the shepherd's (God's) pronouncement of withdrawal and judgment, a direct consequence of the flock's disdain for His faithful, loving care. It sets the stage for the internal strife and external pressures that would plague the nation, leading to its eventual downfall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah is set in the post-exilic period, roughly 520-518 BC, when the Jewish exiles had returned to Judah to rebuild the temple and re-establish their community. This was a time of great challenge, marked by internal struggles, external opposition, and a struggle to maintain spiritual fidelity. The metaphor of the "shepherd" was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern culture, where kings and leaders were often depicted as shepherds responsible for the well-being, protection, and provision of their people. In Israel, this metaphor was applied to both human leaders (kings, priests, prophets) and, preeminently, to God Himself as the ultimate Shepherd of His people ([Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). Zechariah 11 critiques the failures of human shepherds (corrupt leaders) and highlights the people's rejection of the divine Shepherd, leading to a state of anarchy and vulnerability, reflecting the political and social instability that often characterized periods of national decline in Israel's history.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 11:9 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Abandonment and Judgment**. The stark declaration "I will not feed you" signifies God's withdrawal of His protective presence and provision, not as arbitrary punishment, but as a direct, just consequence of the flock's persistent rejection of His faithful, loving care and guidance. This highlights the principle that those who refuse divine sustenance will ultimately be left to face the harsh realities of their own choices, as seen in the consequences outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Rebellion**. The phrases "that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off" reveal the severe, natural outcomes when God's restraining hand is removed. It implies a state of lawlessness and vulnerability where the weak perish and the flawed are eliminated, emphasizing that a people who forsake their divine Shepherd will suffer internal decay and external threats unchecked. This foreshadows the devastating internal strife that would plague Israel, particularly leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem. Lastly, the chilling conclusion, "and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another," vividly depicts **Societal Decay and Internal Strife**. This is a powerful, metaphorical image for the utter breakdown of community, where people turn against each other, driven by desperation, lack of moral order, or internal divisions, rather than finding unity under a benevolent shepherd. This theme resonates with other prophetic warnings about internal conflict and self-destruction when a nation strays from God's path, such as those found in [Isaiah 9:20](/isaiah/9-20 "Isaiah 9:20 - Internal Strife").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462, meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture," or "to rule." This word encompasses the full scope of a shepherd's responsibility: providing sustenance, protection, and guidance. When the divine Shepherd declares, "I will not feed you," it signifies a complete cessation of this comprehensive care, leaving the flock vulnerable and without direction. It implies a withdrawal of divine oversight and provision, allowing natural consequences to unfold.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, meaning "to die" literally or figuratively, and causatively, "to kill." In this context, "that that dieth, let it die" is a stark pronouncement of abandonment to natural processes of decay and destruction. It indicates that those weakened by disease, famine, or other perils will be left to their fate, without divine intervention to preserve them. This is a judgment of non-intervention, allowing the inevitable outcome of their spiritual sickness to run its course.
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, primarily meaning "flesh" (from its freshness), but by extension, "body" or "person." In the phrase "eat every one the flesh of another," it refers to the very substance of their fellow human beings. While likely metaphorical, its literal meaning evokes the most extreme form of human depravity and desperation—cannibalism—to illustrate the utter breakdown of social bonds and mutual respect, reducing human interaction to predatory consumption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I, I will not feed you:"** This opening clause marks a decisive turning point. The "I" refers to the Lord, speaking through the prophet Zechariah, embodying the divine Shepherd. His declaration "I will not feed you" is a pronouncement of judgment, signaling the withdrawal of His pastoral care, protection, and provision. This is not an arbitrary act but a direct response to the flock's rejection of His faithful leadership and their contempt for His covenant. It means God will no longer intervene to sustain or protect them from the consequences of their own choices and the external threats they face.
* **"that that dieth, let it die;"** This phrase signifies a divine permission for natural consequences to unfold without intervention. It refers to the weak, the sick, or those already in decline within the flock. The Lord will not provide healing, sustenance, or rescue. This reflects a state where the vulnerable are left to perish, emphasizing the severity of God's withdrawal and the absence of His preserving hand.
* **"and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off;"** This clause extends the judgment to those who are isolated, separated, or destined for destruction. "Cut off" (H3582, _kâchad'_) implies being destroyed, eliminated, or concealed from the community, perhaps through external enemies or internal purges. Again, God's stance is one of non-intervention; He allows the processes of disintegration and elimination to proceed unimpeded, highlighting the complete absence of His unifying and protective presence.
* **"and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another."** This chilling conclusion depicts the ultimate horror of societal breakdown. It is a powerful **metaphor** for extreme internal strife, exploitation, and self-destruction. Without the divine Shepherd's unifying and moral influence, the remaining members of the flock turn against each other, metaphorically "consuming" one another through violence, oppression, betrayal, and civil war. This portrays a community devoid of compassion, order, or mutual support, where survival comes at the cost of one's neighbor.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its grim message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the entire scenario of the shepherd and his flock serves as an extended metaphor for God's relationship with Israel and the consequences of their rebellion. The "eating of the flesh of another" is a particularly vivid and disturbing **Metaphor** for internal strife and societal cannibalism, representing the utter breakdown of communal bonds and the descent into self-destructive chaos. This imagery borders on **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the internal conflict to emphasize its extreme and horrific nature, painting a picture of a society literally preying on itself. The passage also employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions and emotions (saying, not feeding) to God, making His pronouncement of judgment more immediate and impactful. The repetition of "let it die" and "let it be cut off" uses **Anaphora** to underscore the finality and inevitability of the judgment, creating a sense of grim determination in the divine decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:9 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God's covenant faithfulness is met with human responsibility, and persistent rejection of His grace inevitably leads to severe consequences. It reveals that divine judgment is not always an active, punitive strike, but can also manifest as a withdrawal of protection and provision, allowing the natural destructive forces of sin and rebellion to run their course. This passage underscores the critical importance of faithful leadership and the dire need for unity within God's people. When spiritual authority is despised and internal divisions fester, the community becomes vulnerable to self-destruction, mirroring the chaos depicted in the verse. This serves as a timeless warning against spiritual apathy, moral decay, and the dangers of a people turning away from their divine Shepherd.

* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - Destruction for Lack of Knowledge")
* [Galatians 5:15](/galatians/5-15 "Galatians 5:15 - Warning Against Internal Strife")
* [Romans 1:24-28](/romans/1-24-28 "Romans 1:24-28 - God Gives Them Over")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:9 serves as a sobering warning for individuals and communities today. It highlights the profound dangers of rejecting divine authority and guidance. When we, like the flock in Zechariah, despise God's protective care, His moral standards, or the spiritual leadership He provides, we open ourselves up to internal dissolution and devastating consequences. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts and communities: Are we truly submitting to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, or are we, through our actions and attitudes, rejecting His guidance? Are we fostering unity within the body of Christ, or are we allowing divisions, strife, and self-interest to "eat away" at our collective health and witness? The chilling imagery of "eating the flesh of another" should provoke us to confront any form of exploitation, gossip, or conflict that undermines the bonds of love and fellowship within our relationships and churches. It underscores that true flourishing, both individually and communally, is found only under the benevolent, unifying, and protective care of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be subtly rejecting God's "feeding" or guidance in our lives?**
* **What "internal strife" or "eating of one another's flesh" might be present in my relationships, church, or broader community, and how can I contribute to healing and unity?**
* **How does this verse deepen my appreciation for the constant, unwavering care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?**
* **What specific steps can I take to actively embrace God's protective and sustaining presence in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Is the "eating the flesh of another" in Zechariah 11:9 meant to be literal cannibalism?**

Answer: While the imagery is stark and horrifying, it is overwhelmingly understood by scholars as a powerful **metaphor** for extreme internal strife, societal breakdown, and self-destruction rather than literal cannibalism. It depicts a community so utterly devoid of moral order, compassion, and unity that its members turn against each other, metaphorically "consuming" one another through exploitation, violence, betrayal, and civil war. This vivid language emphasizes the complete collapse of social cohesion when God's restraining hand and unifying presence are removed due to persistent rebellion.

**Does Zechariah 11:9 imply that God truly abandons His people?**

Answer: Zechariah 11:9 describes a specific form of divine judgment: the withdrawal of God's *direct, protective, and sustaining* care in response to the people's persistent rejection of His leadership. It signifies that God will allow the natural consequences of their unfaithfulness and rebellion to unfold without His intervention. This is not an ultimate, unconditional abandonment of His covenant people forever, but a severe disciplinary measure that allows them to experience the painful results of their choices. Throughout Scripture, God often "gives over" a rebellious people to their own devices (as seen in [Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - God Gives Them Over to Lusts")), allowing them to learn the futility of life apart from His guidance, often as a prelude to a future restoration for a remnant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:9, with its grim portrayal of a rejected shepherd and a scattered, self-consuming flock, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate Good Shepherd, who came to gather His sheep (as described in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd")). Yet, like the shepherd in Zechariah, He was ultimately rejected by His own people, who cried out, "Crucify him!" (as recorded in [Matthew 27:22](/matthew/27-22 "Matthew 27:22 - Crucify Him!")). His rejection led to the scattering of His disciples, fulfilling the prophecy of the shepherd being struck and the sheep scattered (foreshadowed in [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd"), explicitly quoted in [Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Sheep Scattered")). However, unlike the shepherd in Zechariah 11 who withdraws, Jesus' "abandonment" on the cross was a willing, atoning sacrifice, bearing the judgment for our sin, so that we might not be left to "eat every one the flesh of another" in spiritual and societal chaos. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus creates a new flock, His Church, where unity and love replace internal strife ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the Great Shepherd who brings peace and reconciliation, preventing the self-destruction that results from rejecting divine care, ultimately gathering His sheep into eternal life and communion with God ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

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 43:11

And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, [and deliver] such [as are] for death to death; and such [as are] for captivity to captivity; and such [as are] for the sword to the sword.

Matthew 13:10

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Psalms 69:22

¶ Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.

Psalms 69:28

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

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.