Zechariah 11:15
Zechariah 11:15 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd.
¶ And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
And Jehovah said unto me, Take unto thee yet again the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
And the Lord said to me, Take again the instruments of a foolish keeper of sheep.
The Lord told me, Get the things you use as a shepherd, a useless shepherd.
And the Lord said vnto me, Take to thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepheard.
And Jehovah saith unto me, 'Again take to thee the instrument of a foolish shepherd.
The LORD said to me, “Take for yourself yet again the equipment of a foolish shepherd.
And the LORD said to me, Take to thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
And the Lord said to me: Take to thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
Then Yahweh said to me, “Take again the things that a foolish shepherd uses,
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 11:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zechariah 11:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֵלָ֑/י
ע֣וֹד
קַח
לְ/ךָ֔
כְּלִ֖י
רֹעֶ֥ה
אֱוִלִֽי
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
ע֣וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
קַח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֔
Prep | Suff
כְּלִ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-ms
רֹעֶ֥ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
אֱוִלִֽי
ʼĕvilîy
H196
foolish
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 11:15
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
ע֣וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
קַח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לְ/ךָ֔
""
Prep | Suff
כְּלִ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
רֹעֶ֥ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אֱוִלִֽי
ʼĕvilîy
H196
"foolish"
Adj
The Hebrew word for foolish means being silly or impious. It describes someone who acts without wisdom or morals. This word is used to describe foolish people in the Bible.
Definition: foolish
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: foolish. See also: Zechariah 11:15.
Study Notes — Zechariah 11:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 11:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 11:15
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:15
- Sermons on Zechariah 11:15
Context — Thirty Pieces of Silver
13And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
14Then I cut in two my second staff called Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
15And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd.
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. 17Woe 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!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 6:10–12 | Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged, until the LORD has driven men far away and the land is utterly forsaken. |
| 2 | Luke 11:40 | You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? |
| 3 | Jeremiah 2:26–27 | As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’ |
| 4 | Matthew 23:17 | You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? |
| 5 | Lamentations 2:14 | The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The burdens they envisioned for you were empty and misleading. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 13:3 | This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, yet have seen nothing. |
| 7 | Matthew 15:14 | Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” |
Zechariah 11:15 Summary
[In Zechariah 11:15, the Lord is instructing the prophet Zechariah to act out the role of a foolish shepherd, which means he is to pretend to be a leader who does not truly care for his flock. This is a symbolic action to illustrate the consequences of poor leadership, as seen in Ezekiel 34:1-10. The Lord is using this action to demonstrate His judgment on the leaders of Israel who have failed to care for His people, and to call the people to repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 23:1-4. By doing so, the Lord is showing us that He is the true Shepherd who cares for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to take up the equipment of a foolish shepherd?
This means that the prophet Zechariah is being instructed by the Lord to act out the role of a shepherd who does not truly care for his flock, much like the leaders of Israel who have failed to care for God's people, as seen in Ezekiel 34:1-10. This is a symbolic action to illustrate the consequences of poor leadership.
Why is the Lord instructing Zechariah to do this?
The Lord is using this action to demonstrate His judgment on the leaders of Israel who have failed to care for His people, as seen in Zechariah 11:16-17. This is also a call to repentance, urging the people to turn back to the Lord and seek His guidance.
What is the significance of the equipment of a foolish shepherd?
The equipment of a foolish shepherd represents the tools and resources that a shepherd would use to care for his flock, but in this case, they are being used in a way that is harmful or neglectful, much like the leadership of Israel has been harmful to God's people, as seen in Jeremiah 23:1-4.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger section in which the Lord is judging the leaders of Israel for their failure to care for His people, as seen in Zechariah 11:13-14. The Lord is using Zechariah's actions to illustrate the consequences of this failure and to call the people to repentance, as seen in Zechariah 11:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which leaders in my life have failed to care for me, and how can I respond to this in a way that honors the Lord?
- How can I be a better leader or caretaker in my own sphere of influence, using the resources and tools that the Lord has given me?
- What are some areas in my life where I am being foolish or neglectful, and how can I seek the Lord's guidance and correction in these areas?
- How can I use my own experiences of being hurt or neglected by leaders to minister to others and point them to the Lord's care and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:15
And the Lord said unto me,.... The Prophet Zechariah: Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd; the meaning is, that the prophet should put on the habit of a shepherd, and take a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:15
And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
Take unto thee, O Zechariah. The instruments; put on the garb and personate once more a shepherd, quite different from him thou hast represented. Of a foolish shepherd: this foolish people have rejected the wisest and best shepherd; let them see what one they will choose, in seeing what part thou now actest.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
Zechariah 11:15 And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.Ver. 15. Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd] And so represent in a type, or figure, the wicked and depraved government, that, for a just punishment of their frowardness and uuthankfulness, I shall set up among this people. "The instruments of a foolish shepherd," that is, of an oppressive and self-seeking magistrate, are not virga et pedum, a rod and a staff, but forcipes et mulctra, shears to clip them and a milk pail to drain them. Lac et lana Milk and fleece are all they look after. Now it is threatened as a heavy curse, Leviticus 26:17, They that hate you shall reign over you; mischievous, malignant princes, such as are described in the next verse. England was once called the Pope’ s ass, for bearing his burdens and impositions. An Emperor of Germany said, for the like reason, that the king of France was king of asses, rather than of men ( Rex hominum Hispanus, asinorum Gallus, Regum ego, dixit Maximil.). King John of England’ s exactors received from his subjects no less sums of curses than of coin, saith our chronicler. He gathered money, the sinews of war; but lost their affections, the joints of peace. A taxation by the poll, first granted to Edward III, became a precedent to the next reign; and caused therein the first and greatest popular insurrection that ever was seen in this kingdom, saith another of our historians.
And what sad effects poll money, ship money, coat and conduct money, and other oppressive practices have lately produced among us, is well known to all. But what a cruel shepherd was that prince mentioned by Melancthon, that when he wanted money would send for such and such a rich subject of his, and require of him what he pleased. If the man denied to bring it, he would knock out first one of his teeth, and then another, threatening to do the like by all the rest, in case the money were not brought in by such a time! Was not this one of those foolish, or rather furious shepherds in the next verse, who do eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces? that shall eat thy fruit, and drink thy milk, as another prophet phraseth it, Ezekiel 25:4. Fisco potius apud multos consulitur quam Christo; attonsioni potius gregis quam attentioni, as Bishop Andrews truly complaineth. And no less justly Mr Bolton. Some follow the administration of justice as a trade only; with an unquenchable and unconscionable desire of gain; which justifieth the common resemblance of ill governors to the bush, whereto while the sheep fleeth for defence in weather, he is sure to lose a good part of his fleece.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
(15) Instruments of a foolish shepherd.—It is needless to inquire in what respects, if any, these instruments differed from those of a wise shepherd. The words merely imply that the prophet, having represented the one character, should now personate the other. Foolish is almost equivalent to “wicked” in Bible language, whether this word be used, or that of Psa 53:2.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:15
Verse 15. The instruments of a foolish shepherd.] Such as a bag without bread, a scrip without measure, and a staff without a hook, c., things that were needless or of no use to point out to the Jewish pastors, who took no care of the flock, but devoured them, or ruled them with force and with cruelty.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 11:15
15–17. The foolish shepherd, Zechariah 11:15; the misery he inflicts upon the flock, Zechariah 11:16; and his doom, Zechariah 11:17.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:15
Take to thee yet the instrument - o Of a foolish shepherd - Osorius: “Yet He had enacted one tragedy, in which he clearly set forth the future guilt of Judas; now another is set forth, the accumulated scoffing through antichrist.
Sermons on Zechariah 11:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching from the heart rather than just from the head. He discusses the concept of burden, which is a deep concern or we |
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Studies in Zechariah 10 Zechariah 11: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God upon Israel due to their disobedience. The speaker emphasizes that God protected his people and directed his favor towards |
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Prepared Instrument by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of being a prepared soul and instrument for God's message. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the Word of God |
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(Christ in Isaiah) Part 4 by Tom Orr | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of the servant in the book of Isaiah, specifically in chapters 52 and 53. The preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading th |
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John's Gospel - Understanding Unbelief by John Vissers | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of parables in the Bible, specifically in Mark chapter 4 and verse 12. He explains that parables are not meant to make things cle |
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Hardness of Heart by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the 'Hardness of Heart' in his sermon, emphasizing how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, failed to understand due to their hardened hearts. He ex |
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Hardness of Heart by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the peril of a hardened heart, emphasizing that repeated rejection of God's warnings leads to an incurable state. He explains that hardness of heart is ch |