Zechariah 13:6

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.

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}.

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

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.’

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.

Zechariah 13:6 is a profound prophetic verse, widely interpreted as a direct foreshadowing of the suffering of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It presents a stark image of a figure bearing wounds inflicted by those who should have been allies.

Context

This verse appears within a section of Zechariah (chapters 12-14) that focuses on the future restoration and purification of Israel, the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of God's kingdom. Specifically, Zechariah 13:1 speaks of a "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness." The preceding verses (13:2-5) address the removal of false prophets and idolatry, suggesting a time of spiritual cleansing. Verse 6 then introduces the one who bears the marks of suffering, acting as a poignant bridge to the prophecy of the smitten Shepherd in Zechariah 13:7, which explicitly points to the crucifixion of Christ and the scattering of His followers.

Key Themes

  • Messianic Prophecy: The "wounds in thine hands" are a powerful prefigurement of the crucifixion of Jesus, specifically the nail marks in His hands. This vision anticipates the physical suffering of the Anointed One.
  • Betrayal and Rejection: The phrase "wounded in the house of my friends" highlights the deep sorrow of being harmed by those who should have offered love and support. For Jesus, this points to His rejection by His own people, Israel, and the betrayal by Judas Iscariot (Psalm 41:9).
  • Redemptive Suffering: These wounds are not random but are integral to God's plan for salvation and purification. The suffering of the Messiah, though inflicted by human hands, serves a divine purpose—to atone for sin and bring about spiritual cleansing (Isaiah 53:5).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wounds" is makkot (מַכּוֹת), which signifies severe blows or stripes. While the KJV translates "hands," the Hebrew term for "hands" (יָדַיִךְ - yadayich) can refer to hands or forearms, consistent with how crucifixion wounds would appear. The phrase "house of my friends" uses the word 'ohavai (אֹהֲבָי) for "friends," which can also imply "lovers" or "those who love me," intensifying the sense of betrayal from those who should have been closest.

Practical Application

Zechariah 13:6 reminds us of the immense cost of our redemption. It invites believers to contemplate:

  • The Depth of Christ's Love: He willingly endured suffering and betrayal, even from His own, to accomplish salvation (John 15:13).
  • The Reality of Human Sin: This verse underscores humanity's capacity for rejection and betrayal, even of the divine.
  • God's Sovereign Plan: Despite human sin and malice, God's redemptive purposes are fulfilled. The wounds were part of a divine plan to bring about spiritual cleansing and a new covenant (Luke 24:46).

This verse serves as a powerful testament to the suffering Messiah, whose wounds bring healing and purification to all who believe.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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