Zechariah 13:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.'

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:5 vividly portrays a false prophet, confronted by a divinely ordained era of purification, desperately disavowing his deceptive spiritual claims. Rather than confessing his past pretense, he attempts to escape the severe judgment awaiting false prophecy by asserting a humble, non-spiritual identity as a common laborer, claiming his skills were learned from human instruction rather than divine inspiration. This verse highlights the profound shift in Israel's spiritual landscape, where truth will prevail and deception will be exposed and rejected.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 13 is a pivotal chapter within the larger prophetic book, immediately following the vision of the shepherd king and preceding the final eschatological battle in chapter 14. The chapter opens with the promise of a "fountain opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness" ([Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Cleansing Fountain")), signifying a profound spiritual purification. This cleansing extends specifically to the eradication of idolatry and, crucially, false prophecy. Verses 2-4 describe the radical measures taken against false prophets: God will "cut off the names of the idols out of the land" and "cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart" ([Zechariah 13:2](/zechariah/13-2 "Zechariah 13:2 - Eradication of Idols and False Prophets")). The severity is underscored by the shocking image of parents piercing their own child for prophesying lies ([Zechariah 13:3](/zechariah/13-3 "Zechariah 13:3 - Parental Judgment on False Prophets")), and the false prophets themselves abandoning their distinctive, often rough, prophetic garments (like Elijah's [hairy garment](/2_kings/1-8 "2 Kings 1:8 - Elijah's Hairy Garment")) out of shame ([Zechariah 13:4](/zechariah/13-4 "Zechariah 13:4 - False Prophets Abandon Their Garments")). In this atmosphere of intense divine scrutiny and societal rejection, Zechariah 13:5 presents the false prophet's desperate attempt at self-preservation through denial.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah was written during the post-exilic period, around 520-518 BC, as the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This was a time of spiritual renewal and a renewed emphasis on covenant faithfulness and purity. False prophets had been a persistent problem throughout Israel's history, often leading the people astray with messages of peace when judgment was due, or encouraging idolatry. True prophets, like Zechariah himself, were God's appointed messengers, often identified by their distinctive attire and authoritative pronouncements. The cultural understanding of a "husbandman" (or farmer) was that of a common, honest laborer, whose work was tangible and earthly, contrasting sharply with the spiritual claims of a prophet. For a prophet to claim to be a husbandman was to disavow any divine connection or spiritual authority, preferring the anonymity and safety of a mundane profession over the dangerous consequences of a fraudulent spiritual calling in a time of divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 13:5 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader prophetic message. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Denial and Deception**, as the false prophet attempts to mask his true, deceptive identity when faced with exposure and severe judgment. This highlights the self-preserving nature of those without genuine spiritual conviction. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Rejection of False Authority**, foreshadowing a future era when society, purified by God, will no longer tolerate fraudulent spiritual claims, forcing deceivers to abandon their pretense. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Consequences of False Prophecy**, where the extreme measures taken against those who mislead God's people (even by their own families, as seen in [Zechariah 13:3](/zechariah/13-3 "Zechariah 13:3 - Parental Judgment on False Prophets")) underscore the gravity of leading God's people astray with lies. Finally, the stark contrast between a "prophet" and a "husbandman" highlights the theme of **Authenticity vs. Pretense**, symbolizing a societal shift from spiritual fraudulence to genuine, earthly labor, reflecting a desire for integrity and truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_ H559):** This primitive root means "to say" and is used with great latitude, encompassing answering, appointing, boasting, commanding, declaring, demanding, and more. In Zechariah 13:5, its usage signifies a deliberate, verbal declaration of denial. The false prophet is actively speaking out, asserting a new identity, not merely thinking it. This active "saying" is a performative act of disavowal, intended to distance himself from his former, dangerous profession.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_ H5030):** Derived from a root meaning "to bubble up" or "to announce," this term refers to a prophet or generally an inspired man, one who speaks for God. The false prophet's denial of being a _nâbîyʼ_ is a direct rejection of the very identity he once claimed, highlighting the shame and fear associated with this title in the context of divine judgment. It underscores the contrast between a true messenger of God and one who merely pretends to be.
* **Husbandman (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_ H5647):** This primitive root means "to work" in any sense, by implication to serve, till, or enslave. When combined with "man" (H376, _ʼîysh_) and "ground" (H127, _ʼădâmâh_), it forms the concept of a "man who works the ground" or a farmer. Here, _ʻâbad_ emphasizes the practical, physical labor involved in tilling the soil or keeping cattle. By claiming to be an _ʻâbad_, the false prophet attempts to ground his identity in a mundane, verifiable profession, rather than a spiritual one that is now subject to severe scrutiny and punishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he shall say, I [am] no prophet,"**: This opening clause marks a dramatic shift and a direct denial. The "he" refers to the false prophet, who, under the intense pressure of the coming purification and judgment, will explicitly repudiate his former identity. The declaration "I am no prophet" is a desperate attempt to disassociate himself from the dangerous spiritual calling he once feigned, acknowledging the severe consequences now attached to it.
* **"I [am] an husbandman;"**: Following the denial of his false prophetic role, the individual immediately asserts an alternative, humble identity. A "husbandman" refers to a farmer, one who works the land or tends to livestock. This profession is presented as the antithesis of a prophet—it is earthly, tangible, and carries no spiritual authority or pretense. It is a claim to a simple, honest, and non-threatening occupation, a stark contrast to the spiritual deception he previously practiced.
* **"for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth."**: This final clause provides the justification for his claimed identity, emphasizing its mundane and human origin. By stating that "man taught me," the false prophet explicitly denies any divine instruction or calling, reinforcing his disavowal of spiritual gifts. The phrase "from my youth" further solidifies this claim, suggesting a lifelong, practical trade learned through human apprenticeship, thereby attempting to establish a credible, non-spiritual history that would exempt him from the judgment reserved for false prophets.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing the identity of a "prophet" with that of a "husbandman." This highlights the radical shift from spiritual pretense to mundane reality, underscoring the severity of the coming judgment. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the individual who once claimed divine inspiration now vehemently denies it, revealing the shallow and opportunistic nature of his original calling. Furthermore, the "husbandman" serves as **Symbolism**, representing honest, earthly labor in opposition to fraudulent spiritual claims. The act of claiming to have been taught "from my youth" by "man" rather than God is a form of **Evasion**, a desperate attempt to rewrite one's history and avoid accountability by emphasizing human, rather than divine, origins for one's skills.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:5 speaks profoundly to the biblical themes of truth, deception, and divine judgment. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to the purity of His people and the integrity of His message. The severity of the consequences for false prophets in this passage reveals the profound offense of spiritual deception in God's eyes, as it leads people away from truth and into error. This divine intolerance for falsehood serves as a powerful reminder that God will ultimately purify His church, exposing and removing those who mislead for personal gain or false authority. The passage implicitly affirms the necessity of true prophecy and genuine spiritual authority, contrasting it with the desperate denial of the imposter.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 13:5 offers timeless lessons for believers and the church today, particularly concerning discernment and integrity. In an age saturated with diverse voices and spiritual claims, the call to "test the spirits" remains paramount. We are challenged to examine the source and substance of all teachings, ensuring they align with the unchanging Word of God, rather than relying on charismatic personalities or popular opinions. This verse reminds us that true humility does not deny a God-given calling but exercises it with responsibility, accountability, and faithfulness to divine truth. It also serves as a sobering warning against spiritual pretense and the grave consequences of leading others astray. Ultimately, Zechariah's prophecy instills hope that God's purifying work will prevail, exposing all deception and establishing truth within His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, as individuals and as a church, cultivate a deeper discernment to identify and reject false spiritual claims in our contemporary context?**
* **What does the false prophet's desperate denial in Zechariah 13:5 teach us about the nature of spiritual deception and the importance of genuine conviction?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be tempted to deny our true identity or calling to avoid discomfort, scrutiny, or perceived negative consequences?**

### FAQ
**Why does the false prophet claim to be a "husbandman" specifically?**

Answer: The false prophet claims to be a "husbandman" (a farmer or one who tends cattle) to disavow any spiritual calling or connection to prophecy, which has become a dangerous and punishable profession in the era of purification described in [Zechariah 13](/zechariah/13 "Zechariah 13 - The Cleansing Fountain"). This claim is a desperate attempt to escape judgment by adopting a humble, common, and non-spiritual identity. A husbandman's work is tangible, earthly, and learned from human instruction, contrasting sharply with the divine inspiration claimed by a prophet. By asserting this mundane trade, the individual hopes to blend into ordinary society and avoid the severe consequences awaiting those who have falsely claimed to speak for God.

**What is the significance of the phrase "for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth"?**

Answer: The phrase "for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth" is crucial because it further emphasizes the false prophet's complete denial of any divine origin for his skills or former claims. By stating that his trade was learned from "man" and "from my youth," he attempts to establish a lifelong, human-based apprenticeship, thereby negating any suggestion of a divine calling or spiritual gifting. This declaration serves as a justification for his new, non-prophetic identity, reinforcing his desperate attempt to distance himself from the dangerous title of "prophet" and the judgment associated with it in this time of spiritual cleansing. It highlights the contrast between human instruction and divine revelation, asserting that his life has always been rooted in the mundane, not the miraculous.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:5, with its portrayal of a false prophet denying his calling in the face of divine purification, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fountain opened for sin and uncleanness" in [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Cleansing Fountain") is profoundly realized in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, which provides true and complete cleansing from sin for all who believe ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). Unlike the false prophet who denies his identity, Jesus is the True Prophet, the ultimate Word of God incarnate, who never denied His divine mission or identity, even unto death ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus Before Pilate")). He consistently spoke God's truth, fulfilling the prophecies of a prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"); [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus as the Prophet")). Furthermore, Jesus' ministry actively exposed and condemned the false religious leaders and hypocrites of His day ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to purity and truth. The judgment against false prophecy in Zechariah foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all deception and the establishment of His kingdom, where truth reigns supreme and all falsehood is banished ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")). Thus, Zechariah 13:5, by depicting the desperate flight from false prophecy, indirectly points to the unwavering truth and purifying power embodied in Christ, the only one who truly speaks for God.

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

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.