Zechariah 7:11
Zechariah 7:11 in Multiple Translations
But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing.
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear.
But they would not give attention, turning their backs and stopping their ears from hearing;
But they refused to listen. They were obstinate, turning their backs and closing their ears.
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their eares, that they should not heare.
And they refuse to attend, And they give a refractory shoulder, And their ears have made heavy against hearing.
But they refused to listen, and turned their backs, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear.
But they refused to hearken, and withdrew the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
But they would not hearken, and they turned away the shoulder to depart: and they stopped their ears, not to hear.
But the people refused to pay attention to what Yahweh said. They turned their backs to him, and put their hands over their ears in order to not hear what he said.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 7:11
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 7:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְמָאֲנ֣וּ
לְ/הַקְשִׁ֔יב
וַ/יִּתְּנ֥וּ
כָתֵ֖ף
סֹרָ֑רֶת
וְ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֖ם
הִכְבִּ֥ידוּ
מִ/שְּׁמֽוֹעַ
וַ/יְמָאֲנ֣וּ
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/הַקְשִׁ֔יב
qâshab
H7181
to listen
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
וַ/יִּתְּנ֥וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָתֵ֖ף
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
N-fs
סֹרָ֑רֶת
çârar
H5637
to rebel
V-Qal
וְ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Conj | N-fd | Suff
הִכְבִּ֥ידוּ
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
מִ/שְּׁמֽוֹעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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 7:11
וַ/יְמָאֲנ֣וּ
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
לְ/הַקְשִׁ֔יב
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
וַ/יִּתְּנ֥וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
כָתֵ֖ף
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
סֹרָ֑רֶת
çârar
H5637
"to rebel"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to rebel or turn away, often used to describe someone being stubborn or disobedient, as seen in its use in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to rebel, be stubborn, be rebellious, be refractory 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be stubborn 1a2) stubborn, rebel (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] away, backsliding, rebellious, revolter(-ing), slide back, stubborn, withdrew. See also: Deuteronomy 21:18; Isaiah 1:23; Psalms 66:7.
וְ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
הִכְבִּ֥ידוּ
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
מִ/שְּׁמֽוֹעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Zechariah 7:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 7:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:11
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
- Sermons on Zechariah 7:11
Context — A Call to Justice and Mercy
9“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another.
10Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’
11But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing.
12They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. 13And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 9:29 | You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They stubbornly shrugged their shoulders; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 8:5 | Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. |
| 3 | Hosea 4:16 | For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow? |
| 4 | Acts 7:57 | At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 35:15 | Again and again I have sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your wicked ways, and correct your actions. Do not go after other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I have given to you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 3:7 | But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. |
| 7 | Zechariah 1:4 | Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Isaiah 6:10 | 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. ” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 44:16 | “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! |
| 10 | Isaiah 1:19–20 | If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. |
Zechariah 7:11 Summary
Zechariah 7:11 describes a group of people who refused to listen to God's commands and instead turned away from Him. This is like when we deliberately ignore or disobey our parents or other authorities (Romans 6:17). When we turn away from God like this, it can lead to serious consequences, including facing God's anger (Zechariah 7:12). To avoid this, we need to be humble and willing to listen to God's voice, seeking to obey His commands and follow His ways (John 14:15).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'turn a stubborn shoulder' in Zechariah 7:11?
To turn a stubborn shoulder means to deliberately and rebelliously refuse to listen or obey God's commands, similar to what is described in Nehemiah 9:29, where the Israelites 'stiffened their necks and would not listen'
Why did the people stop up their ears from hearing in Zechariah 7:11?
The people stopped up their ears because they did not want to hear the message of repentance and obedience that God was sending through the prophets, as seen in Isaiah 6:9-10, where the people are described as having ears that cannot hear
What are the consequences of refusing to listen to God's commands, as described in Zechariah 7:11?
The consequences of refusing to listen to God's commands include facing God's great anger, as described in Zechariah 7:12, and potentially being cut off from God's presence and blessings, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:17
How can we avoid turning a stubborn shoulder to God's commands, like the people in Zechariah 7:11?
We can avoid turning a stubborn shoulder by humbly seeking God and His commands, as described in Deuteronomy 4:29, and by being willing to listen and obey, as seen in Luke 11:28, where Jesus says that those who hear and obey God's word are blessed
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be turning a stubborn shoulder to God's commands in my own life, and how can I humbly seek to obey Him?
- What are some things that I might be using to 'stop up my ears' from hearing God's voice, and how can I remove those distractions to better listen to Him?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is soft and receptive to God's word, rather than hardened and stubborn like the people in Zechariah 7:11?
- What are some practical ways that I can demonstrate my willingness to listen to and obey God's commands, as described in Zechariah 7:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:11
But they refused to hearken,..... That is, the Jews, before the captivity, refusal to give heed to the above exhortations, and obey the voice of God in them: and pulled away the shoulder; from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:11
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
But they refused to hearken; they wilfully were ignorant, ant, would not consider nor understand. Pulled away the shoulder; next they shift from doing their duty, withdraw their shoulder from the yoke of the law, . And stopped their ears; and to make it highest contempt, they act the deaf man, stop their ears, and so turn their backs on God. That they should not hear; all this out of an obstinate resolution to be unacquainted with God’ s will and their own duty.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
Zechariah 7:11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.Ver. 11. But they refused to hearken] Being a nation void of counsel, Deuteronomy 32:28, not willing to know what they should do, lest they should do what they would not. Nay (said they once, when they had nothing else to say), but we will have a king. And pulled away the shoulder] As untamed heifers do from the yoke, or untoward porters from the burden. The Vulgate rendereth it: Averterunt scapulam recedentem, making it a metaphor from those that scornfully turn their backs upon their betters when they like not their commands; as the Earl of Essex did once upon Queen Elizabeth; whereat she, waxing impatient, gave him a cuff on the ear, bidding him be gone with a mischief. Sides and shoulders should be set to God’ s work, Zephaniah 3:9. And stopped their ears] Heb. They made heavy their ears. See here how they proceeded by fit degrees from bad to worse (for Nemo repente fit turpissimus), noted in the many "ands" here used. There is a concatenation of vices as well as of graces; and he that is one step down the ladder of hell knoweth not where he shall stop, till he break his neck at the very bottom.
Wherefore principiis obsta. Meddle not with sin; it is modest and maidenlike at first, but who knows what it may come to? We have heard of virgins so modest at first as to blush at the motions of an honest love, who, being once corrupt and debauched, have grown boldly lascivious so as to solicit others, so as to prostitute themselves to all comers. Keep thee, therefore, far from an evil matter, Exodus 23:7; have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness, Ephesians 5:11. Circa serpentis antrum positus non eris diu illaesus (Isidore). He that plays upon the hole of the asp may be suddenly stung.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
(11) Pulled away the shoulder.—Better, offered a stubborn shoulder (Nehemiah 9:29), as an ox that refuses to receive the yoke.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
Verse 11. Pulled away the shoulder] From under the yoke of the law, like an unbroken or restive bullock in the plough.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:11
11. pulled away the shoulder] Nehemiah 9:29; Hosea 4:16. stopped] Lit. made heavy, i.e. dull. Comp. Isaiah 6:10. The same word is used of the eyes, Genesis 48:10, and of the tongue, Exodus 4:10.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:11
But they gave a backsliding shoulder - Like a restive animal, which would not endure the yoke, dull and stupid as the beasts: as Hosea says, “Israel slideth back like a backsliding heifer” Hosea 4:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:11
The true requirements of Jehovah, 7-14.The vague answer, in 4-6, though it leaves, for the time being, the question unsolved, opens the way for a discourse, in which the prophet goes to the root of
Sermons on Zechariah 7:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Pleading God's Promises by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a pastor who struggled with addiction to pornography. The pastor realized the impact of his actions on Christ who lives w |
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(Through the Bible) Zechariah 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a change of heart and how it is only achieved through being born again. He emphasizes that while people may change their minds |
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More on Josiah Humbling Himself Before the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of responding humbly to God's word, using the example of King Josiah who, upon hearing the neglected word of God, humbly tore his clothes an |
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My People Know Not the Judgement of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that God is doing something profound in the church and will bring about a deep purification in the coming year. The message is |
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The Beggars Are a Sign by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor focuses on Lamentations 4 and describes the state of society and the people of God. He emphasizes how the nation, once pure and founded on righteous prin |
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Why People Backslide; the Old Adamic Nature by John R. Rice | John R. Rice shares a personal testimony of struggling with backsliding, making promises to God but repeatedly failing, until he learned the reality of having an old carnal nature |
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Traditions vs Commandments by Chuck Smith | This sermon from Jeremiah chapter 35 and Mark's Gospel chapter 7 emphasizes the dangers of prioritizing man-made traditions over God's commandments. It highlights the importance of |