Zechariah 13:5

But he shall say, I [am] no prophet, I [am] an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.

But he shall say {H559}, I am no prophet {H5030}, I am an husbandman {H376}{H5647}{H127}; for man {H120} taught me to keep cattle {H7069} from my youth {H5271}.

and instead, he will say, 'I'm no prophet, I just work the soil; since my youth I've only wanted to be an ordinary man.'

He will say, ‘I am not a prophet; I work the land, for I was purchased as a servant in my youth.’

but he shall say, I am no prophet, I am a tiller of the ground; for I have been made a bondman from my youth.

Commentary

Zechariah 13:5 presents a stark picture of a false prophet denying his deceptive calling, driven by the severe consequences awaiting such individuals in the era of purification. This verse is part of a powerful prophecy concerning the cleansing of Israel from idolatry and false spiritual guidance.

Context

Chapter 13 of Zechariah describes a future time when a "fountain shall be opened" (Zechariah 13:1) for sin and uncleanness, leading to a radical purging of the land. This cleansing specifically targets idolatry and, crucially, false prophecy. Verses 3 and 4 graphically depict the shame and rejection that will befall those who claim to speak for God falsely. A parent would even pierce their own child for prophesying lies, and the false prophets themselves would be ashamed of their visions and abandon their distinctive rough garments, which were often associated with prophetic attire (like Elijah's hairy garment). In this context, verse 5 shows the desperate attempt of a false prophet to escape judgment by completely disavowing any spiritual claims, preferring to be seen as a common laborer.

Key Themes

  • Denial and Deception: The verse highlights the willingness of false prophets to deny their true (deceptive) identity and vocation when faced with exposure and severe judgment. This speaks to their lack of genuine conviction and their self-preservation instinct.
  • Rejection of False Authority: It foreshadows a time when society will no longer tolerate false spiritual claims. The spiritual atmosphere will be so purified that those who once deceived will be forced to abandon their pretense.
  • Consequences of False Prophecy: The extreme measures taken against false prophets (even by their own families, as seen in Zechariah 13:3) underscore the gravity of leading God's people astray with lies.
  • Authenticity vs. Pretense: The contrast between a "prophet" and a "husbandman" emphasizes the shift from spiritual deception to mundane, honest labor, symbolizing a rejection of fraudulent spiritual claims in favor of genuine, earthly work.

Linguistic Insights

The term "husbandman" in the King James Version refers to a farmer or one who tills the ground and keeps cattle. By claiming, "I am an husbandman," the false prophet is asserting a common, non-spiritual profession, attempting to blend into ordinary society and avoid the stigma and punishment associated with being a false prophet. The phrase "for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth" further emphasizes a lifelong, practical trade learned from human instruction, rather than a divine calling or spiritual revelation.

Practical Application

Zechariah 13:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Discernment is Crucial: Just as in ancient Israel, there are still those who claim spiritual authority without genuine divine calling. Believers are called to test the spirits and teachings against the unchanging Word of God (Acts 17:11).
  • Beware of False Humility: Sometimes, those who are deceptive may attempt to appear humble or ordinary to avoid scrutiny. True humility does not deny a God-given calling but exercises it responsibly.
  • The End of Deception: Ultimately, all deception will be exposed. This verse provides hope that God will purify His people and remove those who mislead, ensuring truth will prevail.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 7:14

    Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I [was] no prophet, neither [was] I a prophet's son; but I [was] an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

  • Acts 19:17

    And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

  • Acts 19:20

    So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
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