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May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/zechariah/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What sorrow awaits this worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword will cut his arm and pierce his right eye. His arm will become useless, and his right eye completely blind.” <a href="/esv/zechariah/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Woe to my worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! Let his arm be wholly withered, his right eye utterly blinded!” <a href="/bsb/zechariah/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!” <a href="/kjv/zechariah/11.htm">King James Bible</a> Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. <a href="/nkjv/zechariah/11.htm">New King James Version</a> “Woe to the worthless shepherd, Who leaves the flock! A sword shall be against his arm And against his right eye; His arm shall completely wither, And his right eye shall be totally blinded.” <a href="/nasb_/zechariah/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Woe to the worthless shepherd Who abandons the flock! A sword will be on his arm And on his right eye! His arm will be totally withered, And his right eye will be blind.” <a href="/nasb/zechariah/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Woe to the worthless shepherd Who leaves the flock! A sword will be on his arm And on his right eye! His arm will be totally withered And his right eye will be blind.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/zechariah/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Woe to the worthless shepherd Who leaves the flock! A sword will be on his arm And on his right eye! His arm will be totally withered, And his right eye will be blind.” <a href="/lsb/zechariah/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Woe to the worthless shepherd Who forsakes the flock! A sword will be on his arm And on his right eye! His arm will be totally dried up, And his right eye will be utterly dimmed.” <a href="/amp/zechariah/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Woe (judgment is coming) to the worthless and foolish shepherd Who deserts the flock! The sword will strike his arm And his right eye! His arm shall be totally withered And his right eye completely blinded.” <a href="/csb/zechariah/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm wither away and his right eye go completely blind! ” <a href="/hcsb/zechariah/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm wither away and his right eye go completely blind!&#8221 <a href="/asv/zechariah/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. <a href="/cev/zechariah/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You worthless shepherd, deserting the sheep! I hope a sword will cripple your arm and blind your right eye. <a href="/erv/zechariah/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock, the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. <a href="/gwt/zechariah/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "How horrible it will be for the foolish shepherd who abandoned the sheep. A sword will strike his arm and his right eye. His arm will be completely withered. His right eye will be completely blind." <a href="/gnt/zechariah/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> That worthless shepherd is doomed! He has abandoned his flock. War will totally destroy his power. His arm will wither, and his right eye will go blind." <a href="/isv/zechariah/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye. May his arm wither and his right eye be completely blind." <a href="/msb/zechariah/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!? <a href="/net/zechariah/11.htm">NET Bible</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! May a sword fall on his arm and his right eye! May his arm wither completely away, and his right eye become completely blind!" <a href="/nheb/zechariah/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock. The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded." <a href="/wbt/zechariah/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Woe to the idle shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be wholly dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. <a href="/web/zechariah/11.htm">World English Bible</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will strike his arm and his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/zechariah/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Woe [to] the worthless shepherd, forsaking the flock, "" A sword [is] on his arm, and on his right eye, "" His arm is utterly dried up, "" And his right eye is very dim!” <a href="/ylt/zechariah/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd, forsaking the flock, A sword is on his arm, and on his right eye, His arm is utterly dried up, And his right eye is very dim!' <a href="/slt/zechariah/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wo! to the empty shepherd forsaking the sheep; the sword upon his arm, and upon his right eye: and his arm being dried up, shall be dried up, and his right eye being dim, shall be dim.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/zechariah/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> O shepherd, and idol, that forsaketh the flock: the sword upon his arm and upon his right eye: his arm shall quite wither away, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. <a href="/cpdv/zechariah/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> O shepherd and idol, abandoning the flock, with a sword upon his arm and over his right eye: his arm will be withered by drought, and his right eye will be obscured by darkness. <a href="/nabre/zechariah/11.htm">New American Bible</a> Ah! my worthless shepherd who forsakes the flock! May the sword fall upon his arm and upon his right eye; His arm will surely wither, and his right eye surely go blind! <a href="/nrsvce/zechariah/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Oh, my worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! Let his arm be completely withered, his right eye utterly blinded!<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/zechariah/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Woe to you, O foolish shepherd, for you have left the flock neglected on your side and before your eyes! Let your right arm be withered and your right eye be blinded. <a href="/hpbt/zechariah/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Woe, simple Shepherd, because you have abandoned the sheep at your arm and before your right eye! Your right arm shall wither and your right eye will be blind! <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/zechariah/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd That leaveth the flock! The sword shall be upon his arm, And upon his right eye; His arm shall be clean dried up, And his right eye shall be utterly darkened. <a href="/sep/zechariah/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Alas for the vain shepherds that have forsaken the sheep! the sword shall be upon the arms of such a one, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be completely withered, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. <a href="/parallel/zechariah/11-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFPk_KgOyMk?start=1810" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/zechariah/11.htm">Thirty Pieces of Silver</a> …16For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves. 17<a href="/hebrew/1945.htm" title="1945: hō·w (Interjection) -- Ah! alas! ha! A prolonged form of how; oh!">Woe</a> <a href="/hebrew/457.htm" title="457: hā·’ĕ·lîl (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Insufficiency, worthlessness. Apparently from 'al; good for nothing, by anal. Vain or vanity; specifically an idol.">to the worthless</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘î (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">shepherd,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘ō·zə·ḇî (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">who deserts</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">the flock!</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥe·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">May a sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2220.htm" title="2220: zə·rō·w·‘ōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Arm, shoulder, strength. Or zroao; and zrowpah; or zrowah; from zara'; the arm, or the foreleg; figuratively, force.">strike his arm</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: yə·mî·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">and his right</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ên (N-csc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">eye!</a> <a href="/hebrew/2220.htm" title="2220: zə·rō·‘ōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Arm, shoulder, strength. Or zroao; and zrowpah; or zrowah; from zara'; the arm, or the foreleg; figuratively, force.">May his arm</a> <a href="/hebrew/3001.htm" title="3001: yā·ḇō·wōš (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To be dry, dried up, or withered. A primitive root; to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also to dry up or wither.">be completely</a> <a href="/hebrew/3001.htm" title="3001: tî·ḇāš (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To be dry, dried up, or withered. A primitive root; to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also to dry up or wither.">withered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: yə·mî·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">and his right</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: wə·‘ên (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">eye</a> <a href="/hebrew/3543.htm" title="3543: kā·hōh (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To be weak, to despond, to grow dull. A primitive root; to be weak, i.e. to despond, or to grow dull.">utterly blinded!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3543.htm" title="3543: ṯiḵ·heh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To be weak, to despond, to grow dull. A primitive root; to be weak, i.e. to despond, or to grow dull."></a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-10</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. ... <a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-2</a> “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-12</a> Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: / “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” <a href="/jeremiah/50-6.htm">Jeremiah 50:6</a> My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. <a href="/ezekiel/34-21.htm">Ezekiel 34:21-22</a> Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, / I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another. <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13-15</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. <a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12-13</a> The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a> Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. <a href="/jeremiah/10-21.htm">Jeremiah 10:21</a> For the shepherds have become senseless; they do not seek the LORD. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. <a href="/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3-4</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing. / Your prophets, O Israel, are like foxes among the ruins. <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a> Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29-30</a> I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. <a href="/jeremiah/23-11.htm">Jeremiah 23:11-12</a> “For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. / “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Woe to the idol shepherd that leaves the flock! the sword shall be on his arm, and on his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.Woe.<a href="/jeremiah/22-1.htm">Jeremiah 22:1</a> Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,<a href="/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3</a> Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!<a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2</a> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?idol.<a href="/isaiah/9-15.htm">Isaiah 9:15</a> The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.<a href="/isaiah/44-10.htm">Isaiah 44:10</a> Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?<a href="/jeremiah/23-32.htm">Jeremiah 23:32</a> Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.that leaveth.<a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12,13</a> But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep… the sword.<a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9,10</a> And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not… <a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10</a> For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.<a href="/isaiah/42-19.htm">Isaiah 42:19,20</a> Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant? … his arm.<a href="/1_samuel/2-31.htm">1 Samuel 2:31</a> Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.<a href="/1_kings/13-4.htm">1 Kings 13:4</a> And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.<a href="/ezekiel/30-22.htm">Ezekiel 30:22-24</a> Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/11-6.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-17.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-11.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-5.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-2.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-13.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-15.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/joel/3-15.htm">Darkened</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-10.htm">Deserts</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-11.htm">Dried</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-11.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-1.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-11.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/hosea/9-1.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-6.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/daniel/4-21.htm">Leaves</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-12.htm">Right</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-16.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-6.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-6.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/amos/9-8.htm">Totally</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm">Wholly</a> <a href="/nahum/1-10.htm">Withered</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/malachi/2-3.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-4.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/john/12-40.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-11.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Darkened</a> <a href="/luke/1-80.htm">Deserts</a> <a href="/matthew/13-6.htm">Dried</a> <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-4.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/acts/7-41.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/matthew/2-6.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Leaves</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-4.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-4.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Totally</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/luke/11-36.htm">Wholly</a> <a href="/matthew/12-10.htm">Withered</a> <a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/matthew/7-17.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Zechariah 11</div>1. <a href="/zechariah/11-1.htm">The destruction of Jerusalem.</a> 3. <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm">The elect being cared for, the rest are rejected.</a> 10. <a href="/zechariah/11-10.htm">The staves of Beauty and Bands broken by the rejection of Christ.</a> 15. <a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">The type and curse of a foolish shepherd.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zechariah/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zechariah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/zechariah/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Woe to the worthless shepherd, This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement of judgment against a leader who fails in his duties. In biblical context, shepherds often symbolize leaders or kings, responsible for guiding and protecting their people. The term "worthless" indicates a failure to fulfill these responsibilities. This can be seen as a critique of leaders in Israel's history who led the people astray, such as the corrupt kings and false prophets. It also foreshadows the coming of false leaders in the end times, as referenced in the New Testament (e.g., <a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12-13</a>).who deserts the flock! The imagery of desertion highlights the shepherd's neglect and abandonment of his duties. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a shepherd's primary role was to care for and protect the sheep. This phrase underscores the betrayal and neglect of the people by their leaders. It echoes the warnings against false prophets and leaders found in <a href="/ezekiel/34.htm">Ezekiel 34</a>, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for feeding themselves instead of the flock.May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! The sword symbolizes divine judgment and punishment. The arm and right eye are significant as they represent strength and vision, essential qualities for leadership. The arm is often associated with power and action, while the right eye symbolizes insight and guidance. The judgment here is a removal of the leader's ability to act and see, rendering him ineffective. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God opposing the proud and those who misuse their power (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Isaiah 10:33-34</a>).May his arm be completely withered The withering of the arm signifies a total loss of strength and capability. In biblical symbolism, a withered arm represents impotence and the inability to perform one's duties. This imagery is reminiscent of the judgment against King Jeroboam in <a href="/1_kings/13-4.htm">1 Kings 13:4</a>, where his hand withered as a sign of God's displeasure. It serves as a warning that those who fail to lead righteously will be rendered powerless.and his right eye utterly blinded!” Blinding the right eye signifies a complete loss of vision and discernment. In ancient times, blindness was often seen as a curse or divine punishment. This phrase emphasizes the total incapacitation of the leader, both physically and spiritually. It reflects the biblical principle that those who lead others into spiritual blindness will themselves be blinded (<a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a>). This judgment serves as a stark warning against the consequences of failing to shepherd God's people faithfully.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/w/worthless_shepherd.htm">Worthless Shepherd</a> This figure represents leaders who fail in their duty to care for and protect their people. In the context of Zechariah, it can symbolize both historical leaders of Israel and future false leaders. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_flock.htm">The Flock</a> Symbolic of the people of Israel, and by extension, God's people who are under the care of their leaders. 3. <a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a> A prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Israel during the post-exilic period, around 520-518 BC. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sword.htm">Sword</a> Represents divine judgment and punishment, often used metaphorically in the Bible to signify God's intervention. 5. <a href="/topical/a/arm_and_right_eye.htm">Arm and Right Eye</a> Symbols of strength and vision, respectively. The withering of the arm and blinding of the eye indicate a complete loss of power and insight.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_leadership.htm">The Responsibility of Leadership</a> Leaders are accountable to God for the care and guidance of those they lead. Neglect and self-interest lead to divine judgment. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_neglect.htm">The Consequences of Neglect</a> Just as the worthless shepherd faces severe consequences, leaders today must understand that neglecting their duties can lead to personal and communal downfall. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> God is just and will not allow His people to be led astray indefinitely. He intervenes to correct and restore. <a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_discernment.htm">The Need for Discernment</a> Believers must be discerning about who they follow, ensuring that their leaders align with God's truth and righteousness. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_ultimate_shepherd.htm">Christ as the Ultimate Shepherd</a> Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of a good shepherd, providing the perfect model of leadership and care.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zechariah_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 11</a> <a href="/q/ezekiel_34__judgment_inconsistencies.htm">Ezekiel 34 - Are there any inconsistencies with other prophetic books about how judgment is executed and who is held accountable?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_zechariah_11_8_event.htm">Zechariah 11:8 refers to three shepherds cut off in a single month--where is the historical or archaeological evidence that this event ever happened?</a> <a href="/q/who_fulfilled_zechariah_11_15-17_prophecy.htm">Zechariah 11:15-17 describes a 'worthless shepherd'--if this was a genuine prophecy, who historically fulfilled it, and why is there no clear extra-biblical record to confirm it?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_wisdom_lead_to_foolishness.htm">Is there only one shepherd?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zechariah/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Woe to the idol shepherd! rather, woe to the worthless shepherd! literally, shepherd of vanity, or nothingness, as <a href="/job/13-4.htm">Job 13:4</a>, "physicians of no value." The LXX., recognizing that no special shepherd is signified, renders, Ω οἱ ποιμαίνοντες τὰ μάταια, "Alas for those who tend vanities!" St. Jerome, expounding the verse of antichrist, "O pastor, et idolum!" That leaveth the flock. Thus Christ speaks of the hireling (<a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12</a>). The sword shall be upon his arm, etc. The punishment denounced is in accordance with the neglect of the shepherd's duties. The sword represents the instrument of punishment, whatever it he; the right eye, the severity of the retribution (<a href="/1_samuel/11-2.htm">1 Samuel 11:2</a>). The arm that ought to have defended the flock shall be withered up as by catalepsy; the eye that should have watched for their safety shall be blinded. This is the judgment on the foolish shepherd. Ewald thinks that the passage <a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7-9</a> is out of place there, and belonged originally to the end of the, present chapter. <a href="/commentaries/zechariah/11-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Woe ה֣וֹי (hō·w) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1945.htm">Strong's 1945: </a> Ah! alas! ha! to the worthless הָֽאֱלִיל֙ (hā·’ĕ·lîl) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_457.htm">Strong's 457: </a> Good for, nothing, by anal, vain, vanity, an idol shepherd, רֹעִ֤י (rō·‘î) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7473.htm">Strong's 7473: </a> Pastoral, a shepherd who deserts עֹזְבִ֣י (‘ō·zə·ḇî) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> To loosen, relinquish, permit the flock! הַצֹּ֔אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock May a sword חֶ֥רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword strike his arm זְרוֹע֖וֹ (zə·rō·w·‘ōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2220.htm">Strong's 2220: </a> The arm, the foreleg, force and his right יְמִינ֑וֹ (yə·mî·nōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> The right hand, side, the south eye! עֵ֣ין (‘ên) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain May his arm זְרֹעוֹ֙ (zə·rō·‘ōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2220.htm">Strong's 2220: </a> The arm, the foreleg, force be completely יָב֣וֹשׁ (yā·ḇō·wōš) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3001.htm">Strong's 3001: </a> To be ashamed, confused, disappointed, to dry up, wither withered תִּיבָ֔שׁ (tî·ḇāš) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3001.htm">Strong's 3001: </a> To be ashamed, confused, disappointed, to dry up, wither and his right יְמִינ֖וֹ (yə·mî·nōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> The right hand, side, the south eye וְעֵ֥ין (wə·‘ên) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain utterly blinded!” כָּהֹ֥ה (kā·hōh) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3543.htm">Strong's 3543: </a> To be weak, to despond, to grow dull <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">OT Prophets: Zechariah 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves (Zech. Zec Zc) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zechariah/11-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zechariah 11:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zechariah 11:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zechariah/12-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zechariah 12:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zechariah 12:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>