Zechariah 13:6

KJV

And [one] shall say unto him, What [are] these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, [Those] with which I was wounded [in] the house of my friends.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one shall say {H559} unto him, What are these wounds {H4347} in thine hands {H3027}? Then he shall answer {H559}, Those with which I was wounded {H5221} in the house {H1004} of my friends {H157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone asks him, 'Then what are these gashes between your shoulders?' he will answer, 'I got hurt at my friends' house.'

Berean Standard Bible

If someone asks him, ‘What are these wounds on your chest?’ he will answer, ‘These are the wounds I received in the house of my friends.’

American Standard Version

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds between thine arms? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:6 presents a poignant prophetic dialogue where a wounded figure is questioned about the source of their injuries, revealing that the wounds were inflicted "in the house of my friends." This verse serves as a profound foreshadowing of the Messiah's suffering, specifically highlighting the betrayal and rejection He would experience from those who should have been closest to Him, culminating in His atoning sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 13:6 is situated within a highly eschatological and Messianic section of the book, specifically chapters 12-14, which describe the future restoration and purification of Israel, the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of God's kingdom. The immediate context of chapter 13 begins 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 Fountain for Sin")). Following this, verses 2-5 detail the removal of idolatry and false prophecy from the land, indicating a profound spiritual cleansing and a rejection of deceptive spiritual leadership. Verse 6 then introduces a mysterious figure bearing wounds, serving as a crucial bridge to the subsequent prophecy in [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Smitten Shepherd"), which explicitly speaks of the smiting of the Shepherd and the scattering of the sheep, a prophecy directly applied to Christ's crucifixion and the scattering of His disciples in the New Testament. This sequence establishes a clear progression from purification to the suffering that enables it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, a people struggling with spiritual apathy, the rebuilding of the temple, and the re-establishment of their national identity. The concept of a "prophet" was central to Israelite society, but the post-exilic period saw a rise in false prophets who misled the people, making the theme of discerning true prophecy (as addressed in [Zechariah 13:2-5](/zechariah/13-2-5 "Zechariah 13:2-5 - Removal of False Prophets")) particularly relevant. Wounds, in the ancient Near East, could signify punishment, battle injuries, or even marks of identity (though less common for inflicted wounds). The idea of being wounded "in the house of my friends" would have carried a deep sting, as hospitality and loyalty to one's own household or community were paramount cultural values. Betrayal from within was considered the most grievous form of treachery, underscoring the profound pain and injustice described in the verse.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it powerfully advances the theme of **Messianic Suffering**, prefiguring the physical wounds of the Anointed One, particularly those inflicted upon His hands. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Betrayal and Rejection**, emphasizing the profound sorrow of being harmed by those who should have offered love and support. This resonates deeply with the experiences of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was rejected by His own people and betrayed by a close associate, Judas Iscariot, as foretold in passages like [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"). Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Redemptive Suffering**, suggesting that these wounds, though inflicted by human malice, are not random but are integral to God's sovereign plan for purification and salvation, connecting to the "fountain opened for sin" mentioned earlier in [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Fountain for Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wounds (Hebrew, _makkâh'_):** From H4347, this word signifies "a blow," and by implication, "a wound." It can also denote "carnage" or "pestilence," suggesting severe, inflicted injury. In the context of Zechariah 13:6, it refers to visible, physical marks of violence, indicating a profound and painful experience.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to "a hand" (the open one, indicating power, means, direction, etc.). While often translated as "hands," its semantic range can include the forearm or even the general vicinity of the hand and wrist. This broad meaning is significant when considering the nature of crucifixion wounds.
* **friends (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** From H157, this root means "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)." It forms the basis for words like "love," "lover," and "friend." The use of "friends" here implies a relationship of affection, loyalty, and trust, intensifying the shock and pain of the betrayal that led to the wounds.
* **wounded (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this primitive root means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." It encompasses actions like beating, killing, smiting, or giving wounds. The passive voice "I was wounded" emphasizes that the figure is the recipient of these violent acts.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word primarily means "a house" but carries a wide range of applications, including "family," "household," or "palace." The phrase "in the house of my friends" suggests an intimate, trusted, or familial setting, making the act of wounding even more heinous due to the violation of sanctuary and trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands?"**: This opening clause establishes a direct, interrogative dialogue. A questioner confronts a mysterious figure, drawing attention to visible injuries on the figure's hands. The curiosity or concern expressed by "one" sets the stage for the shocking revelation that follows. The specificity of "hands" is crucial, pointing to a location of particular vulnerability and significance.
* **"Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends."**: The response is profoundly impactful. The figure does not deny the wounds but identifies their origin not as battle or external enemies, but as an act of violence from within a circle of trust – "the house of my friends." This statement conveys deep personal pain, betrayal, and a violation of expected loyalty, making the suffering even more poignant and unjust.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:6 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The primary device is **Interrogative Dialogue**, where a direct question elicits a revealing answer, drawing the reader into the mystery and then delivering a profound truth. This creates a sense of immediacy and personal confrontation. **Symbolism** is heavily present: the "wounds in thine hands" are symbolic of suffering and sacrifice, particularly pointing to the crucifixion. The "house of my friends" is a potent symbol of betrayal, representing a place of expected safety and affection that instead became a site of injury. This also introduces a strong element of **Irony**, as the place of supposed friendship becomes the source of profound harm. Furthermore, the verse functions as clear **Foreshadowing**, looking forward to a future event of immense theological significance, specifically the suffering and betrayal of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:6 stands as a stark prophetic utterance, profoundly connecting the Old Testament's anticipation of a suffering servant to the New Testament's revelation of Jesus Christ. The wounds, inflicted by "friends," underscore the depth of betrayal and rejection that the Messiah would endure, not just from His enemies, but from His own people and even those within His inner circle. This suffering is not random but is intrinsically linked to God's redemptive plan, serving as the means by which a "fountain for sin and uncleanness" is opened ([Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Fountain for Sin")). The theological implication is that true atonement requires a sacrifice of immense personal cost, one borne by the innocent at the hands of those who should have known better, highlighting both the severity of human sin and the boundless nature of divine love.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [John 20:25-27](/john/20-25-27 "John 20:25-27 - Thomas and the Wounds of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 13:6 calls us to a profound contemplation of the cost of our salvation and the nature of divine love. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that humanity's sin, even the sin of those who claim to be "friends" or followers of God, can lead to the deepest betrayal and suffering for the innocent. For believers, this verse deepens our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice, reminding us that His wounds were not merely physical but were also deeply emotional and spiritual, stemming from the rejection by His own. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly "friends" of Christ, or do our actions, at times, contribute to His ongoing suffering in the world through our indifference, disobedience, or betrayal of His truth? The verse also offers comfort, reminding us that even the most grievous acts of human sin are woven into God's sovereign plan for redemption, leading to ultimate purification and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of being wounded "in the house of my friends" deepen your understanding of Christ's suffering?**
* **In what ways might we, as "friends" of Christ, inadvertently contribute to His suffering or betray His trust today?**
* **How does this verse connect to the broader theme of God's redemptive plan, even amidst human sin and betrayal?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "one" asking the question, and who is "him" who bears the wounds?**

Answer: The "one" asking the question is an unidentified individual, representing perhaps a curious observer or even humanity itself, confronting the reality of the suffering. The "him" who bears the wounds is widely understood by Christian theology to be a prophetic figure representing the Messiah. While the immediate context in Zechariah might suggest a prophet or even the nation of Israel, the depth of the wounds and the nature of the betrayal ("in the house of my friends") strongly align with the suffering of Jesus Christ, particularly when read in conjunction with the subsequent verse about the smitten Shepherd in [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Smitten Shepherd").

**Why are the wounds specifically "in thine hands," and what is the significance of "in the house of my friends"?**

Answer: The wounds being "in thine hands" is a powerful detail that strongly foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where nail prints would be visible in His hands or wrists. This specificity points to the very instrument of His death and the physical marks of His sacrifice. The phrase "in the house of my friends" signifies the profound betrayal and rejection Jesus experienced. It speaks not of wounds from an external enemy in battle, but from those who should have been allies, family, or close companions. For Jesus, this points to His rejection by the Jewish leadership and people, and the ultimate betrayal by Judas Iscariot, one of His own disciples, as well as the abandonment by His other disciples during His arrest and crucifixion. It emphasizes the deep personal pain of being harmed by those one loves and trusts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:6 finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wounds in thine hands" are a direct prefigurement of the nail prints that marked Jesus' hands and feet during His crucifixion, as attested by the resurrected Christ showing His disciples His hands and side in [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus Appears to Thomas"). The shocking revelation that these wounds were inflicted "in the house of my friends" resonates deeply with Christ's experience of betrayal. He was rejected by His own people, Israel, whom He came to save, and was specifically betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of His chosen twelve disciples, as foretold in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend") and recounted in [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas's Betrayal"). This verse underscores the unique nature of Christ's suffering: it was not merely physical, but deeply personal, stemming from the treachery of those who should have been His closest allies. Yet, these very wounds, inflicted by human sin and betrayal, became the means of our salvation, opening the promised "fountain for sin and uncleanness" ([Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Fountain for Sin")) and fulfilling God's eternal plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through the suffering of His beloved Son, the smitten Shepherd of [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Smitten Shepherd").

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

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

John 18:35

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

Proverbs 27:5

¶ Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful.

John 19:14

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

John 19:16

¶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

Revelation 14:11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.