Zechariah 13:3

Zechariah 13:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.

King James Version KJV

And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

American Standard Version ASV

And it shall come to pass that, when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of Jehovah; and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And if anyone goes on acting as a prophet, then his father and his mother who gave him life will say to him, You may not go on living, for you are saying what is false in the name of the Lord; and his father and his mother will put a sword through him when he does so.

Free Bible Version FBV

If anyone continues to prophesy, his father and mother to whom he was born will tell him, “You shall not live, because you have told lies in the Lord's name.” Then his parents shall kill him because he has prophesied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when any shall yet prophesie, his father and his mother that begate him, shall say vnto him, Thou shalt not liue: for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother that begat him, shall thrust him through, when he prophesieth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it hath been, when one prophesieth again, That said unto him have his father and his mother, his parents, 'Thou dost not live, For falsehood thou hast spoken in the name of Jehovah,' And pierced him through have his father and his mother, his parents, in his prophesying.

World English Bible WEB

It will happen that when anyone still prophesies, then his father and his mother who bore him will tell him, ‘You must die, because you speak lies in the LORD’s name;’ and his father and his mother who bore him will stab him when he prophesies.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say to him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it shall come to pass, that when any man shall prophesy any more, his father and his mother that brought him into the world, shall say to him: Thou shalt not live: because thou best spoken a lie in the name of the Lord. And his father, and his mother, his parents, shall thrust him through, when he shall prophesy.

Translation for Translators T4T

If someone continues to prophesy falsely, his parents must say to him, ‘You have told lies saying that Yahweh [MTY] gave those messages to you, so you must be executed.’ So if someone prophesies like that, his own father and mother must stab him and kill him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 13:3

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 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָ֗ה כִּֽי יִנָּבֵ֣א אִישׁ֮ עוֹד֒ וְ/אָמְר֣וּ אֵ֠לָי/ו אָבִ֨י/ו וְ/אִמּ֤/וֹ יֹֽלְדָי/ו֙ לֹ֣א תִֽחְיֶ֔ה כִּ֛י שֶׁ֥קֶר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֑ה וּ/דְקָרֻ֜/הוּ אָבִ֧י/הוּ וְ/אִמּ֛/וֹ יֹלְדָ֖י/ו בְּ/הִנָּבְאֽ/וֹ

וְ/הָיָ֗ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יִנָּבֵ֣א nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

אִישׁ֮ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

עוֹד֒ ʻôwd H5750 still Adv

וְ/אָמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-3cp

אֵ֠לָי/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אָבִ֨י/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וְ/אִמּ֤/וֹ ʼêm H517 mother Conj | N-fs | Suff

יֹֽלְדָי/ו֙ yâlad H3205 to beget V-Qal | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִֽחְיֶ֔ה châyâh H2421 to live V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj

שֶׁ֥קֶר sheqer H8267 deception N-ms

דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-2ms

בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וּ/דְקָרֻ֜/הוּ dâqar H1856 to pierce Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff

אָבִ֧י/הוּ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וְ/אִמּ֛/וֹ ʼêm H517 mother Conj | N-fs | Suff

יֹלְדָ֖י/ו yâlad H3205 to beget V-Qal | Suff

בְּ/הִנָּבְאֽ/וֹ nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 13:3

וְ/הָיָ֗ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יִנָּבֵ֣א nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.

Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.

אִישׁ֮ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

עוֹד֒ 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.

וְ/אָמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

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.

אֵ֠לָי/ו 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.

אָבִ֨י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וְ/אִמּ֤/וֹ ʼêm H517 "mother" Conj | N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.

Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

יֹֽלְדָי/ו֙ yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Qal | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִֽחְיֶ֔ה châyâh H2421 "to live" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.

Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.

כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

שֶׁ֥קֶר sheqer H8267 "deception" N-ms

This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.

Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain

Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.

דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-2ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

יְהוָ֑ה 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.

וּ/דְקָרֻ֜/הוּ dâqar H1856 "to pierce" Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff

To pierce or stab, as in Psalm 109:16, and can also mean to starve or revile, like in Psalm 57:4.

Definition: 1) to pierce, thrust through, pierce through 1a) (Qal) to pierce, run through 1b) (Niphal) to be pierced through 1c) (Pual) pierced, riddled (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound. See also: Numbers 25:8; Jeremiah 37:10; Isaiah 13:15.

אָבִ֧י/הוּ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וְ/אִמּ֛/וֹ ʼêm H517 "mother" Conj | N-fs | Suff

Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

יֹלְדָ֖י/ו yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Qal | Suff

בְּ/הִנָּבְאֽ/וֹ nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff

To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.

Study Notes — Zechariah 13:3

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Context
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Zechariah 13:3 Summary
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 13:3
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 13:3
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Sermons on Zechariah 13:3

Context — An End to Idolatry

1“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. 2And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.

3And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.

4And on that day every prophet who prophesies will be ashamed of his vision, and he will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive. 5He will say, ‘I am not a prophet; I work the land, for I was purchased as a servant in my youth. ’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 13:6–11	If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other), you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him. Instead, you must surely kill him. Your hand must be the first against him to put him to death, and then the hands of all the people. Stone him to death for trying to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you.
2	Deuteronomy 18:20	But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”
3	Ezekiel 14:9	But if the prophet is enticed to speak a message, then it was I the LORD who enticed him, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel.
4	Jeremiah 23:34	As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.
5	Matthew 10:37	Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;
6	2 Corinthians 5:16	So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
7	Exodus 32:27–28	He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead.
8	Luke 14:26	“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.
9	Deuteronomy 33:9	He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

Zechariah 13:3 Summary

[Zechariah 13:3 is a warning against false prophecy, where people claim that God has said something that He has not. This is a serious offense, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20, and can lead to severe consequences, as seen in this verse where the prophet's own parents will turn against him. The Bible teaches that those who claim to speak for God will be held accountable for their words, and that we should always seek to speak truthfully and honestly, as seen in Ephesians 4:25. By being mindful of the importance of integrity and honesty, we can avoid speaking falsely and instead bring glory to God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Zechariah 13:3 say that the prophet's parents will pierce him through?

This verse is emphasizing the severity of the punishment for false prophecy, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:6-10, where family members are instructed to stone those who lead others astray from the Lord.

What does it mean to 'speak falsely in the name of the Lord'?

According to Zechariah 13:3, speaking falsely in the name of the Lord means to claim that God has spoken or revealed something that He has not, which is a form of blasphemy, as seen in Jeremiah 23:25-32, where God condemns those who prophesy out of their own imagination.

How does this verse relate to the idea of accountability in the Bible?

Zechariah 13:3 shows that those who claim to speak for God will be held accountable for their words, as seen in James 3:1, where teachers are warned that they will face stricter judgment, and in Matthew 18:6, where Jesus teaches that causing others to stumble is a serious offense.

Is this verse still relevant for believers today?

Yes, the principle of accountability for those who claim to speak for God is still relevant today, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, where the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I might be 'speaking falsely in the name of the Lord' in my own life, and how can I ensure that my words are truthful and honoring to God?
How can I balance the need to speak truth with the need to be compassionate and loving towards those who may be deceived by false teachings?
What are some signs that a prophet or teacher is speaking falsely, and how can I discern whether someone is truly speaking for God?
How does this verse challenge my understanding of the importance of integrity and honesty in my own life and ministry?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 13:3

And it shall come to pass, [that] when any shall yet prophesy,.... Or attempt to prophesy, or propagate their idolatrous religion and principles after this time, when they shall be abundantly

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 13:3

And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 13:3

When any shall yet prophesy; whosoever he be that shall pretend hereafter to prophesy through the instigation of that unclean spirit, for it can be from no other, when the Lord shall have fully revealed his mind to us. His father and his mother that begat him; his dearest friends, they who are by nature/nearest to him, who begat him. Shall say unto him; shall discourse to him, and inform him what the law of Moses directeth in this case. Thou shalt not live; which I take to be not the sentence condemnatory, for, being private persons, they could not condemn him; but it is a repetition of the law which saith such shall not live, and then it amounts to this: A false prophet ought not to live, ,8; what then dost thou do to break this law, and endanger thy life? Their oughtest to die for this by the law. The father and mother thus should admonish and show the matter of law and danger, but not judicially pass sentence, and determine what shall be done. Thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord; thou fallest under that law, . Shall thrust him through; or, wound, chastise with stripes that may leave their marks behind them; or rather, shall sharply reprove him, and with cutting words terrify him from the like practice. You read of words that are piercing words, , words that run through as a sword; and the Chaldee paraphrast on this of our prophet allows the father and mother to deal sharply with their son, they shall rebuke cuttingly. Besides, if it were to be understood of killing, the law directs to stone such a one, , not to run him through with lance or sword.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 13:3

Zechariah 13:3 And it shall come to pass, [that] when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.Ver. 3. And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy] Here the prophet showeth how God will effect the former promise. He will first give unto his people a spirit of judgment, and then a spirit of burning, as Isaiah 4:4, so that they shall be able to discern both good and evil, and not be led away with the error of the wicked, to fall from their own steadfastness, Hebrews 5:14 2 Peter 2:17. They shall also be adeo perciti zelo, so carried on by zeal of God’ s glory, and so blessedly blown up, as I may so say, in his cause, that they shall fall upon their dearest relations in this case, and labour to bring their own children to condign punishment, according to the law of God in that behalf provided, Deuteronomy 13:8-9. Neither let any object here, that this is Old Testament: we find no such thing in the gospel, for the prophet here speaketh of the times of the gospel and of the kingdom of Christ. Sequitur ergo, saith Mr Calvin here well and worthily, non mode legem illam fuisse Iudaeis positam, quemadmodum nugantur fanatici homines, qui vellent hodie sibi permitti orbis, turbandi licentiam; sed extenditur ad nos etiam eadem lex. It followeth, therefore, that that law, Deuteronomy 13:9, was not made for the Jews only (as some brain sick people conceit it, who would fain get leave to trouble the world with their fopperies), but the same law extendeth itself even to us; for if at this day thieves, and witches, and adulterers, &c., are held worthy of punishment, how much more are heretics, seducers, blasphemers, who poison men’ s souls, rob God of his glory, confound the whole order of the Church, &c. See Romans 13:4 1 Peter 2:13-14, and hold to that old rule, Non distinguendum, ubi scriptura non distinguit, Men must not distinguish where the Scripture doth not. That his father] In whose heart there is naturally an ocean of love to his own child, as we see in David toward Absalom, in old Andronicus, the Greek emperor, in our William the Conqueror, and Maud, his wife, toward their unnatural son, Robert Curtuoise, whom she maintained out of her own coffers in his quarrel for Normandy; which the king her husband knew, and took as a cause rather of displeasure than of hatred, as proceeding from motherly indulgence for advancing their son. That begat him] This is twice here repeated, for honour’ s sake, to these zealots, who had forgotten all natural and carnal respects for the vindication of God’ s glory and his sincere service. See Matthew 10:37. Thou shalt not live] sc.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 13:3

(3) The reaction from superstition would be scepticism. The people would no longer believe in prophecy at all, and the very parents of a prophet would slay him as an impostor, even though not legally convicted of falsehood (Deuteronomy 18:19-22). But God would have pity of their “zeal not according to knowledge,” and “pour out . . . the Spirit . . . so that they should look on Him whom they pierced,” &c. The word “pierced” is the same as is better rendered in Zechariah 13:3 by “thrust through” The Hebrew has “shall look upon me,” but by the addition of the small letter, it would mean “upon him,” which suits better the succeeding clauses, and has the support of Aquila, Theodotion, and Symmachus, and is defended by Kennicott, Ewald. Geiger, Bunsen, &c. (and is so quoted in John 19:37). We, accordingly, adopt this rendering. If our conjecture concerning the original position of Zec 12:10 in the text be correct, the whole passage will run as follows (Zechariah 13:1): “In that day shall be a fountain opened, for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for [removal of] sin and of uncleanness.—(2) And it shall be in that day (‘tis the utterance of Jehovah of Hosts) I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they shall not be remembered any more; and the [false] prophets and the unclean spirit will I cause to pass away from the land. (3) And it shall be, when a man shall prophesy, then they shall say to him, his father and his mother, they that bare him, “Thou shalt not live, because thou hast Spoken lies in the name of Jehovah;” and they shall thrust him through, his father and his mother, they that bare him, on account of his prophesying. (Zechariah 12:10) Then will I pour out upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplication, and they shall look on him, even him whom they thrust through, and they shall mourn over him, as the mourning for an only son, and they shall make bitter mourning over him, as one mourneth bitterly for a firstborn. In that day . . . (14) . . . and their wives apart.” When scepticism should have reached such a pitch that parents would without hesitation slay their son if he should pretend to prophetic powers, then God would smite the people with prickings of the heart, and they would look on such a case with the utmost remorse, and make great lamentation for the victim. As with Zechariah 11:12 (see Notes), so this prophecy must not be regarded as being fulfilled in one single event only. But, certainly, in the case of Christ it received its most signal fulfilment. There was One, professing more than prophetic powers, rejected by His people, and especially by His own relatives—slain, thrust through, and then deeply lamented (Luke 23:48; Acts 2:37-41).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 13:3

Verse 3. When any shall yet prophesy] Falsely; such shall be the horror of such an evil, that there shall be no toleration of it. Itself, and they who practise it, shall be everywhere destroyed.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 13:3

3. his father and his mother] In holy zeal they would carry out the law, “thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death.” Deuteronomy 13:6; Deuteronomy 13:9.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 13:3

His father and mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live - The prophet describes the zeal against false prophecy, with reference to the law against those who seduced to apostasy from God.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 13:3

1. In that day — When the mourning described in Zechariah 12:10-14, will be held.

Sermons on Zechariah 13:3

	Sermon	Description
	K-027 the Fear of Man by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true submission to God rather than relying on material offerings or religious ceremonies. He uses the story of Abraham bei
	Stone Him to Death! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry and the dangers posed by close relationships that may lead one away from God. He draws from Deuteronomy 13:6-10, urging believe
	Is Muhammad a True Prophet of God? by Sam Shamoun	Sam Shamoun presents six propositions that challenge the belief in Muhammad as a true prophet of God, urging Muslims to reflect on these claims. He argues that Muhammad's teachings
	Testimony and Challenge by Gladys Aylward	In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The
	Do We Really Believe in Hell? by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the billions of people who have never heard the name of Jesus and are on their way to hell. He encourages l
	What Is a Christian by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being a businessman who was torn between pursuing worldly success and following God's calling. He emphasizes the impor
	Becoming Familiar With the Presence of God by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's savior. He encourages the audience to make the decision to follow Christ and assures them