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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Zechariah 11  › Zechariah 11:4

Zechariah 11:4

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Zechariah 11:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is what the LORD my God says: “Pasture the flock marked for slaughter,

King James Version KJV

Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;

American Standard Version ASV

Thus said Jehovah my God: Feed the flock of slaughter;

Bible in Basic English BBE

This is what the Lord my God has said: Take care of the flock of death;

Free Bible Version FBV

This is what the Lord my God says: Become a shepherd of the flock marked for slaughter.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thus sayeth the Lord my God, Feede the sheepe of the slaughter.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Thus said Jehovah my God: 'Feed the flock of the slaughter,

World English Bible WEB

The LORD my God says: “Feed the flock of slaughter.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thus saith the Lord my God: Feed the flock of the slaughter,

Translation for Translators T4T

This is what Yahweh my God said to me: “I want you to become a shepherd for a flock of sheep that are about to be slaughtered.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 11:4

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 11:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כֹּ֥ה אָמַ֖ר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֑/י רְעֵ֖ה אֶת צֹ֥אן הַ/הֲרֵגָֽה
כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 thus Adv
אָמַ֖ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהָ֑/י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
רְעֵ֖ה râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
צֹ֥אן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) N-cs
הַ/הֲרֵגָֽה hărêgâh H2028 slaughter Art | N-fs
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 11:4

כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֖ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-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.
יְהוָ֣ה 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.
אֱלֹהָ֑/י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
רְעֵ֖ה râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֹ֥אן tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
הַ/הֲרֵגָֽה hărêgâh H2028 "slaughter" Art | N-fs
Slaughter, similar to H2027, refers to the act of killing, often used to describe the killing of animals for food or sacrifice, as seen in Leviticus and Numbers. It is a noun form of the verb to kill.
Definition: a killing, slaughter
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: slaughter. See also: Jeremiah 7:32; Jeremiah 19:6; Jeremiah 12:3.

Study Notes — Zechariah 11:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Zechariah 11:7 So I pastured the flock marked for slaughter, especially the afflicted of the flock. Then I took for myself two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I pastured the flock.
2 Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
3 Romans 15:8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
4 Matthew 15:24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
5 Zechariah 14:5 You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him.
6 Isaiah 40:9–11 Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. 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.
7 Isaiah 49:4–5 But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him— for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength—
8 Micah 5:4 He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.
9 Ezekiel 34:23–24 I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken.
10 John 20:17 “Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’”

Zechariah 11:4 Summary

In Zechariah 11:4, God is giving a command to care for a group of people who are destined for judgment or destruction. This means that even though these people may face difficult circumstances, God still wants us to show them love, kindness, and compassion, just like Jesus did in Luke 19:41-44. As we care for others, we can trust in God's sovereignty and plan, knowing that He is working everything out for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28. By following God's commands and showing love to those around us, we can be a part of His plan to bring salvation and hope to a lost world, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'pasture the flock marked for slaughter' in Zechariah 11:4?

This phrase means to care for and lead a group of people who are destined for judgment or destruction, as seen in Zechariah 11:4, similar to how Jesus weeps over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41-44, showing His compassion for those who are lost.

Is God commanding someone to hurt or harm the flock in Zechariah 11:4?

No, God is not commanding harm, but rather, He is giving a command to care for the flock, even though they are marked for slaughter, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to care for their people, as seen in Jeremiah 23:4, where God promises to raise up shepherds who will care for His people.

What is the significance of the LORD speaking directly in Zechariah 11:4?

The LORD speaking directly in Zechariah 11:4 emphasizes the importance and authority of the message, highlighting God's personal involvement and concern for His people, similar to how God speaks directly in Isaiah 46:13, promising to bring salvation to His people.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of Zechariah 11?

Zechariah 11:4 is part of a larger section that describes the judgment of God's people, emphasizing the consequences of their actions, as seen in Zechariah 11:6, where God declares He will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, and in Ezekiel 34:1-10, where God condemns the false shepherds of Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can 'pasture the flock marked for slaughter' in my own life, caring for those around me who may be struggling or lost?
  2. How can I balance the responsibility to care for others with the knowledge that they may still face judgment or difficult circumstances, as seen in Zechariah 11:4?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate compassion and care for those around me, even if they are not following God's ways, as seen in Matthew 9:36-38, where Jesus has compassion on the crowds?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when I don't understand why certain people or groups are 'marked for slaughter', as seen in Romans 11:33-36, where Paul praises God's wisdom and knowledge?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 11:4

Thus saith the Lord my God,.... The Syriac version adds, "to me"; not the Prophet Zechariah, but the Messiah, who calls the Lord his God, as he was man and Mediator, John 20:17 for what follow are

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 11:4

Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; Thus saith the Lord my God.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 11:4

Thus saith the Lord my God; God the Father. Feed; O Zechariah, feed, comfort, rule: but rather the Father speaks to Christ the Son, and appoints him who is the eternal Shepherd to feed his sheep. The flock of the slaughter; appointed to the slaughter by different hands, and for different causes. It speaks of the people of the Jews, who were killed by many hands; during four hundred and fifty years they were a flock of slaughter to the Egyptians, Chaldeans, &c.; afterward to the Romans, who ruined their commonwealth, slew their citizens, and burnt their city.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 11:4

Zechariah 11:4 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;Ver. 4. Thus saith the Lord my God; Feed the flock of slaughter] So lately pulled out of the jaws of those lions, Zechariah 11:3 cf. Amos 3:12, and yet destined to destruction by the Romans, those Raptores Orbis robbers of the world, (their former preservation being but a reservation to future mischief), for their desperate obstinace and incorrigibility. Feed them] Saith God to the prophets; for their ordinary shepherds have cast off all care of their good. Tell them what evil will betide them unless they repent; forewarn them "to flee from the wrath to come," Matthew 3:7; to take course that they may "escape all these things that shall come to pass," Luke 21:36. Oh the goodness of God to a nation so shamelessly, so lawlessly wicked! Besides himself, the Shepherd of lsrael, that led Joseph like a flock, Psalms 80:1, and neglected no good office of seeking and feeding them, of handling and healing them, of washing them and watching over them, &c., how careful was he ever to raise them up "seven shepherds, and eight principal men," Micah 5:5, till at length he sent the man Christ Jesus, who is the chief of ten thousand, the "chief Shepherd," as St Peter calls him, 1 Peter 5:4, that one and only Shepherd, as Solomon, Ecclesiastes 12:11, that great Shepherd of the sheep, as Paul, Hebrews 13:20, who came to look up the lost sheep of the house of Israel, whom (to move compassion and affection) he here calleth the sheep of slaughter, until the time prefixed for their total dispersion, by reason of their ingratitude.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 11:4

(4-17) The great difficulty of this passage, which is metaphorical and symbolical throughout, consists in the fact that hardly any clue to the interpretation is given to us. Thus commentators are quite unable to agree as to whether the shepherds spoken of are heathen or native rulers. And on this point the whole nature of the interpretation turns. Guided by the language of Zec 11:6; Zechariah 11:10, we conclude that the shepherds represent foreign oppressors. Our prophet seems to have had Ezekiel 37:16-22 in his mind when he, probably in a vision, performed the symbolical acts of the two shepherds; but he had also Ezekiel 34 in view. In feeding the flock, he actually, though, no doubt, unconsciously, represents not only God, who Himself would feed the flock (Ezekiel 34:11-12; Ezekiel 34:15-16), but also that ideal shepherd, “my servant David,” whom He would set up as “one shepherd over them” (Ezekiel 34:23-24). At the same time, he retains his old imagery of Zec 10:3, and speaks of the foreign oppressors as shepherds. The prophet’s historical starting-point seems to be the same here as in Zechariah 9, 10, though his goal is more distant.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 11:4

Verse 4. Feed the flock of the slaughter] This people resemble a flock of sheep fattened for the shambles; feed, instruct, this people who are about to be slaughtered.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 11:4

4. Feed] The person addressed is Zechariah. The passage is dramatic. The prophet is represented as personating, inclusively perhaps, as is so generally the case in O. T. prophecy, the long line of Jehovah’s true shepherds, but chiefly and ultimately the Good Shepherd of whom they all were types. Compare, as illustrating the rejection alike of the whole typical order and of the Antitype, St Stephen’s words: “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and the murderers.” Acts 7:52. “Hic autem non recitat propheta simpliciter quale mandatum ipse acceperit a Deo: sed in genere docet semper Deum officio boni et fidi pastoris defunctum fuisse erga Judæos. Suscipit igitur propheta in se personam omnium prophetarum.” Calv. flock of the slaughter] Rather, of slaughter, R. V., i.e. exposed to slaughter, as Zechariah 11:5 explains. Comp. Psalms 44:22, where “sheep for the slaughter,” or “sheep appointed to be slain” (P. B. V.) is literally, “sheep of slaughter.”

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 11:4

Thus saith the Lord my God, Feed the flock of the slaughter - The fulfillment of the whole prophecy shows, that the person addressed is the prophet, not in, or for himself, but (as belongs to

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 11:4

The shepherd’s loving care, Zechariah 11:4-6.4. The author represents Jehovah as appointing him the shepherd of the flock of slaughter, which Jehovah has determined to deliver from its oppressors.

Sermons on Zechariah 11:4

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - Zechariah by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses various visions and messages from the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of true fasting and worship that is focused on pleasing God rather t
Zac Poonen 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
G.W. North Utter Holiness - Send the Fire by G.W. North In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Zechariah, specifically chapter 11. He highlights verses that speak about the flock of the slaughter that needs to be fed. The sp
Dick Brogden Beauty and Bonds by Dick Brogden Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of having a generous heart that God blesses, contrasting it with a stingy heart that restricts ministry and seeks to minimize influence. He h
Leonard Ravenhill The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's h
Jackie Pullinger Chasing the Dragon 1 of 2 by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jesus and a rich young man as described in Mark chapter 10. The young man approaches Jesus and asks what he must do to
David Wilkerson Whatever Happened to Repentance? by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess t
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