Zechariah 13:3

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that when any {H376} shall yet prophesy {H5012}, then his father {H1} and his mother {H517} that begat {H3205} him shall say {H559} unto him, Thou shalt not live {H2421}; for thou speakest {H1696} lies {H8267} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}: and his father {H1} and his mother {H517} that begat {H3205} him shall thrust {H1856} him through when he prophesieth {H5012}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that if anyone continues to prophesy, his own father and mother who brought him into the world will tell him, 'You cannot continue to live, because you are speaking lies in the name of ADONAI'; then his own father and mother who brought him into the world will stab him to death.

Berean Standard Bible

And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass that, when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of Jehovah; and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:3 delivers a stark and sobering prophecy concerning the extreme measures to be taken against false prophets in a future day of purification for Israel. It declares that when anyone presumes to prophesy lies in the name of the Lord, even their own parents, who gave them life, will condemn them to death and personally execute the judgment, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to divine truth that supersedes all natural familial bonds. This verse underscores the absolute severity with which God views spiritual deception and blasphemy within His covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 13:3 is embedded within a profound prophetic vision detailing the spiritual cleansing and restoration of Jerusalem and Judah. The preceding verses establish the necessity and scope of this purification. [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Fountain for Cleansing") introduces a "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness," symbolizing a radical spiritual washing for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Following this promise of purification, [Zechariah 13:2](/zechariah/13-2 "Zechariah 13:2 - Removal of Idols and False Prophets") explicitly declares God's intent to "cut off the names of the idols out of the land" and, crucially, to "cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart." Zechariah 13:3 then elaborates on the drastic means by which this eradication of false prophecy will be achieved, illustrating the depth of commitment required from the community to uphold divine truth. This progression from spiritual cleansing to the removal of idolatry and false prophecy, culminating in the severe judgment described in verse 3, highlights a comprehensive purging designed to restore the purity of worship and prophetic revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Zechariah's prophecies is the post-exilic period, as the Jewish remnant had returned from Babylon and was rebuilding the temple and their national identity. This was a time of spiritual vulnerability, with lingering temptations towards idolatry and the potential for false prophets to mislead the people, as had occurred frequently in pre-exilic Israel. The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Punishment for False Prophets") and [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The Prophet Who Presumes to Speak Falsely"), explicitly mandated the death penalty for false prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord without His authorization or who encouraged idolatry. Zechariah 13:3 reflects and amplifies this legal precedent, showcasing a future scenario where the community's commitment to this law would be so absolute that even the closest family ties—father and mother—would not deter them from executing divine judgment. This radical commitment was necessary to safeguard the integrity of God's word and the spiritual purity of the nation, preventing a relapse into the spiritual apostasy that had led to the Babylonian exile.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 13:3 powerfully contributes to several major themes present in the book of Zechariah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Holiness and Jealousy of God**, demonstrating His absolute intolerance for anything that defiles His name or misrepresents His truth. Speaking lies "in the name of the LORD" is presented as a profound violation of His character. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Radical Purification and Judgment**, emphasizing that true restoration involves the decisive removal of all spiritual corruption, including deceptive prophecy. The imagery of parents executing their own child serves as a powerful **Hyperbole** for the extreme measures necessary to achieve this purity, signifying that loyalty to God's truth must transcend all earthly allegiances. This also reinforces the **Severity of God's Law** concerning spiritual matters, particularly the capital offense of false prophecy as outlined in the Torah. Finally, it speaks to the **Importance of True Prophecy and Discernment**, serving as a stark warning against those who would presume to speak for God without His authorization, thereby protecting the integrity of His message to His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H5012) means "to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse); prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet." In this verse, the word is used ironically or tragically, as the act of "prophesying" is immediately qualified by "speakest lies," indicating a perversion of a sacred calling. It highlights the distinction between true, divinely inspired speech and deceptive, self-proclaimed utterances.
* **lies (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** Derived from H8267, this word signifies "an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully." Its inclusion here precisely defines the nature of the false prophet's offense: not merely error, but intentional falsehood and deception, a direct affront to the truthfulness of God.
* **thrust him through (Hebrew, _dâqar'_):** This primitive root (H1856) means "to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile; pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound." The use of this strong, violent verb emphasizes the definitive, fatal, and uncompromising nature of the judgment against the false prophet. It denotes a piercing, lethal blow, underscoring the severity with which such spiritual deception is to be eradicated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy":** This opening clause sets the stage for a future scenario, indicating a time when the problem of false prophecy, despite previous purifications, might re-emerge or persist. The phrase "any" (H376, _ʼîysh'_) emphasizes that the judgment applies universally to anyone who dares to engage in this deception, regardless of their standing or relationship.
* **"then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD":** This is the core of the prophecy's shocking severity. The parents (H1, _ʼâb'_ and H517, _ʼêm'_), who gave life (H3205, _yâlad'_), are depicted as the ones who will condemn their own child, declaring that they "shalt not live" (H2421, _châyâh'_). The justification for this extreme measure is explicitly stated: "for thou speakest (H1696, _dâbar'_) lies (H8267, _sheqer'_) in the name (H8034, _shêm'_) of the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_)." This highlights that the offense is not merely personal but a profound blasphemy against God's holy name and authority.
* **"and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth":** This final clause describes the execution of the judgment. The parents, the very source of the prophet's life, are to be the instruments of their death, physically "thrusting him through" (H1856, _dâqar'_) at the very moment he attempts to prophesy falsely. This graphic imagery underscores the absolute priority of divine truth over even the strongest human bonds and the definitive end to such spiritual corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where the command for parents to execute their own child for false prophecy is an extreme, almost unthinkable scenario designed to emphasize the absolute severity of the offense and the radical nature of the required purification. This is not necessarily a literal prediction of common practice, but a vivid illustration of the uncompromising commitment to God's truth. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play: the parents represent the community's ultimate loyalty to God, which must supersede all natural bonds, while the act of "thrusting through" symbolizes the decisive and complete eradication of spiritual falsehood. The verse also contains a stark **Contrast** between the life-giving role of parents ("that begat him") and their life-taking role in judgment, highlighting the perversion of the prophetic gift that necessitates such a reversal of natural order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:3 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to the purity of His name and the integrity of His revelation. It underscores the theological truth that true worship and relationship with God demand absolute adherence to His truth, and that spiritual deception is a grave offense against His holiness. The radical nature of the judgment against false prophets demonstrates that God values the preservation of His true word and the spiritual well-being of His people above all else, even human life and familial ties. This reflects a divine intolerance for anything that would lead His people astray from Him, emphasizing the critical importance of discerning true prophetic utterance from deceitful ones. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is uncompromising when His character and truth are maligned.

* [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Punishment for False Prophets")
* [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The Prophet Who Presumes to Speak Falsely")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets and Their Lies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal application of Zechariah 13:3's severe punishment is not practiced in the New Covenant era, its underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse compels us to consider the immense gravity of spiritual truth and the dangers of spiritual deception. It calls for an unwavering commitment to God's Word as the ultimate standard for all teaching and prophecy. We are challenged to cultivate a discerning spirit, carefully testing all claims and teachings against the clear revelation of Scripture, rather than simply accepting them at face value. Furthermore, it reminds us that loyalty to Christ and His truth must take precedence over all other allegiances, even those to family or tradition, if they contradict God's revealed will. This passage should instill in us a deep reverence for God's name and a fierce protectiveness of the purity of the Gospel message within the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 13:3 challenge my perspective on the seriousness of spiritual truth and falsehood?**
* **In what ways am I called to exercise discernment in my own life and in the Christian community today?**
* **Are there any areas where my loyalty to human relationships or traditions might subtly compromise my allegiance to God's truth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my understanding of God's Word and better equip myself to identify false teaching?**

### FAQ

**Does Zechariah 13:3 command parents to literally kill their children for false prophecy in all contexts?**

Answer: No, Zechariah 13:3 describes a prophetic vision of extreme purification in a specific future context for Israel, where the integrity of God's name and prophecy would be so paramount that even familial bonds would be superseded by divine law. While the Old Testament Law did prescribe death for false prophets ([Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Punishment for False Prophets")), the graphic imagery of parents executing their own child in Zechariah 13:3 is best understood as **hyperbole** or **symbolism**, emphasizing the absolute, uncompromising commitment to eradicating spiritual deception, rather than a literal, universal command for all time. In the New Covenant, the focus shifts from physical punishment to spiritual discernment and the consequences of false teaching, which include spiritual death and divine judgment ([2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Their Destruction")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:3, with its drastic portrayal of purging false prophecy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law mandated the physical removal of false prophets to preserve the purity of Israel, Christ's coming inaugurated a new covenant where the purification is primarily spiritual and internal. Jesus himself is the **True Prophet** ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")), the embodiment of truth, who perfectly revealed the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He warned against false prophets ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")) and cleansed the temple, symbolizing the spiritual purification He would bring. The "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness" mentioned in [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Fountain for Cleansing") is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's atoning blood, which cleanses believers from all sin and spiritual defilement, including the deceit that gives rise to false prophecy ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from physical execution to spiritual discernment guided by the Holy Spirit ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and the authoritative Word of God, ensuring that the church, as the body of Christ, remains pure from the lies that profane God's name.

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

Deuteronomy 13:6

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

Deuteronomy 13:11

And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

Deuteronomy 18:20

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Ezekiel 14:9

And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

Jeremiah 23:34

And [as for] the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

2 Corinthians 5:16

¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.