Zechariah 11:16
New International Version
For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves.

New Living Translation
This illustrates how I will give this nation a shepherd who will not care for those who are dying, nor look after the young, nor heal the injured, nor feed the healthy. Instead, this shepherd will eat the meat of the fattest sheep and tear off their hooves.

English Standard Version
For behold, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for those being destroyed, or seek the young or heal the maimed or nourish the healthy, but devours the flesh of the fat ones, tearing off even their hoofs.

Berean Standard Bible
For 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.

King James Bible
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

New King James Version
For indeed I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who are cut off, nor seek the young, nor heal those that are broken, nor feed those that still stand. But he will eat the flesh of the fat and tear their hooves in pieces.

New American Standard Bible
For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or provide for the one who is exhausted, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.

NASB 1995
“For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or sustain the one standing, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.

NASB 1977
“For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or sustain the one standing, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.

Legacy Standard Bible
For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who face annihilation, seek the young, heal the broken, or sustain the one standing, but will consume the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.

Amplified Bible
For behold, I am going to raise up a [false] shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or feed the healthy; but will eat the flesh of the fat ones and tear off their hoofs [to consume everything].

Christian Standard Bible
I am about to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who are perishing, and he will not seek the lost or heal the broken. He will not sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I am about to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who are going astray, and he will not seek the lost or heal the broken. He will not sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves.

American Standard Version
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those that are cut off, neither will seek those that are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.

Contemporary English Version
Once more I am going to let a worthless nobody rule the land--one who won't care for the strays or search for the young or heal the sick or feed the healthy. He will just dine on the fattest sheep, leaving nothing but a few bones."

English Revised Version
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek those that be scattered, nor heal that that is broken; neither shall he feed that which is sound, but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and shall tear their hoofs in pieces.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'm about to place a shepherd in the land. He will not take care of those that are dying. He will not search for the young. He will not heal those that have broken their legs or support those that can still stand. But he will eat the meat of the fat animals and tear off their hoofs.

Good News Translation
I have put a shepherd in charge of my flock, but he does not help the sheep that are threatened by destruction; nor does he look for the lost, or heal those that are hurt, or feed the healthy. Instead, he eats the meat of the fattest sheep and tears off their hoofs.

International Standard Version
for I am now raising up a shepherd in the land who will neither search for the lost, nor care for the young, nor fix the broken, nor sustain the healthy. Instead, he will devour the meat of the best of the sheep, tearing off their hoofs."

Majority Standard Bible
For 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.

NET Bible
Indeed, I am about to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not take heed to the sheep headed to slaughter, will not seek the scattered, and will not heal the injured. Moreover, he will not nourish the one that is healthy but instead will eat the meat of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves.

New Heart English Bible
For, look, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.

Webster's Bible Translation
For lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who shall not visit those that are cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

World English Bible
For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the meat of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For behold, I am raising up a shepherd in the land, "" The cut off he does not inspect, "" The shaken off he does not seek, "" And the broken he does not heal, "" The standing he does not sustain, "" And the flesh of the fat he eats, "" And their hooves he breaks off.

Young's Literal Translation
For lo, I am raising up a shepherd in the land, The cut off he doth not inspect, The shaken off he doth not seek, And the broken he doth not heal, The standing he doth not sustain, And the flesh of the fat he doth eat, And their hoofs he doth break off.

Smith's Literal Translation
For behold, I raise up a shepherd in the land, he shall not review those being concealed; the youth he shall not seek, and he shall not heal the broken, and he shall not nourish the standing firmly: and he shall eat the flesh of the fading, and he shall break their hoofs.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For behold I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who shall not visit what is forsaken, nor seek what is scattered, nor heal what is broken, nor nourish that which standeth, and he shall eat the flesh of the fat ones, and break their hoofs.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit what is forsaken, nor seek what is scattered, nor heal what is broken, nor nourish what remains standing, and he will consume the flesh of the fatted ones and break their hoofs.

New American Bible
For I am raising up a shepherd in the land who will take no note of those that disappear, nor seek the strays, nor heal the injured, nor feed the exhausted; but he will eat the flesh of the fat ones and tear off their hoofs!

New Revised Standard Version
For I am now raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for the perishing, or seek the wandering, or heal the maimed, or nourish the healthy, but devours the flesh of the fat ones, tearing off even their hoofs.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who shall not search for those that are lost, neither shall seek those that have gone astray nor bind those that are broken nor heal those that are sick nor feed those that stand still; but he shall eat the flesh of the fat and break off their shanks.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because, behold, I am establishing a Shepherd in the land who will not visit lost ones, and the strays he will not seek, and the broken ones he will not bandage and the sick he will not heal, and those who are paralyzed he will not feed, and the flesh of the healthy he will eat and their legs he will gnaw
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not think of those that are cut off, neither will seek those that are young, nor heal that which is broken; neither will he feed that which standeth still, but he will eat the flesh of the fat, and will break their hoofs in pieces.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd against the land: he shall not visit that which is perishing, and he shall not seek that which is scattered, and he shall not heal that which is bruised, nor guide that which is whole: but he shall devour the flesh of the choice ones, and shall dislocate the joints of their necks.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Thirty Pieces of Silver
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
Ezekiel 34:2-4
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.

Jeremiah 23:1-2
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 34:10
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’

Jeremiah 10:21
For the shepherds have become senseless; they do not seek the LORD. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.

Ezekiel 34:8
‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because My flock lacks a shepherd and has become prey and food for every wild beast, and because My shepherds did not search for My flock but fed themselves instead,

Isaiah 56:11
Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:

Ezekiel 34:5-6
They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts. / My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’

Jeremiah 50:6
My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.

Matthew 23:1-4
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: / “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. ...

John 10:12-13
The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.

Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Matthew 15:14
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Luke 15:4
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?


Treasury of Scripture

For, see, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that stands still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

which.

Jeremiah 23:2,22
Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD…

Ezekiel 34:2-6,16
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? …

Matthew 23:2-4,13-29
Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: …

cut off.

Genesis 33:13
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

1 Samuel 17:34,35
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: …

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

feed.

Genesis 31:38
This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Ezekiel 34:10,21
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them…

John 10:1
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

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Broken Claws Cut Eat Fat Feed Flesh Heal Hoofs Land Pieces Raise Scattered Seek Sheep Shepherd Sound Standeth Tear Think Visit Young
Zechariah 11
1. The destruction of Jerusalem.
3. The elect being cared for, the rest are rejected.
10. The staves of Beauty and Bands broken by the rejection of Christ.
15. The type and curse of a foolish shepherd.














For behold
The phrase "For behold" serves as a divine announcement, drawing attention to the significance of what follows. In Hebrew, the word "behold" is often used to emphasize the importance and certainty of God's actions. It is a call to the reader to pay close attention, as God is about to reveal something of great consequence. This introduction sets the stage for a prophetic declaration, underscoring the seriousness of the message.

I will raise up
The phrase "I will raise up" indicates God's sovereign action in appointing or allowing a leader to emerge. In the Hebrew context, this can imply both a divine appointment and a permissive will, where God allows certain events to unfold for a greater purpose. Historically, God has raised up leaders, both good and bad, to fulfill His divine plans, as seen throughout the narratives of the Old Testament.

a shepherd
In biblical terms, a "shepherd" is often a metaphor for a leader or ruler, responsible for the care and guidance of the people. The imagery of a shepherd is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where shepherds were seen as protectors and providers. However, this particular shepherd is described negatively, contrasting with the ideal shepherd who cares for the flock.

in the land
The phrase "in the land" refers to the geographical and spiritual context of Israel. The land is not just a physical territory but also a place of covenantal significance, where God's people are meant to live under His rule and blessing. The mention of "the land" highlights the national implications of the prophecy, affecting the entire community of Israel.

who will not care for the lost
This phrase describes the negligence of the shepherd, who fails to fulfill his primary duty of seeking and caring for the lost sheep. In Hebrew, the word for "lost" can also mean "perishing" or "wandering," indicating those who are spiritually or physically in danger. The failure to care for the lost reflects a deep moral and spiritual failing, contrasting sharply with the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who seeks and saves the lost.

or seek the young
The phrase "or seek the young" further emphasizes the shepherd's neglect. The "young" are often the most vulnerable members of the flock, requiring special attention and care. In a spiritual sense, this neglect represents a failure to nurture and disciple new believers or those who are immature in their faith. The shepherd's indifference to the young highlights a lack of compassion and responsibility.

or heal the broken
The phrase "or heal the broken" points to the shepherd's disregard for those who are wounded or in need of restoration. In the Hebrew context, "broken" can refer to those who are physically injured or spiritually crushed. Healing the broken is a key aspect of a shepherd's role, symbolizing the restoration and reconciliation that God desires for His people.

or feed the healthy
This phrase indicates the shepherd's failure to provide sustenance and care even for those who are healthy. In a spiritual sense, feeding the healthy involves teaching, guiding, and nurturing those who are strong in faith. The neglect of this duty suggests a complete abdication of responsibility, leaving the flock vulnerable and malnourished.

but will eat the meat of the fat sheep
The phrase "but will eat the meat of the fat sheep" reveals the selfish and exploitative nature of the shepherd. Instead of caring for the flock, he consumes the best for himself, prioritizing his own gain over the well-being of the sheep. This imagery is a stark indictment of corrupt leadership, where those in power exploit their position for personal benefit.

and tear off their hooves
The phrase "and tear off their hooves" conveys a sense of violence and destruction. The hooves are essential for the sheep's mobility and survival, and tearing them off symbolizes a complete disregard for the flock's welfare. This brutal imagery underscores the destructive consequences of ungodly leadership, leaving the people crippled and unable to thrive.

Verse 16. - I will raise up a shepherd in the land. God explains the reason of the symbolical character which he directed the prophet to assume. He was going to allow the people to be chastised by an instrument whom he would permit to work his will upon them. As this evil shepherd was to arise to punish them for their rejection of Messiah, he must represent some person or power that existed subsequent to Christ's death. Many consider that he symbolizes the Romans; but these people could not be deemed to exercise pastoral care over the Israelites, nor could their neglect of this (ver. 17) be attributed to them as a sin; nor, again, did their destruction follow upon the overthrow of the Jewish polity (ver. 18). Others see here a prediction of the coming of antichrist; but the character of "shepherd" does not suit his attributes as given elsewhere; at any rate. this cannot be the primary reference of the symbol, though all evil powers that oppose the Church of Christ are in some sense images and anticipations of antichrist. The genuine reference here is to the native chiefs and rulers ("in the land") who arose in the later times of the nation - monsters like Herod, false Christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:5, 11, 12, 24; Mark 13:22), hirelings who made merchandise of the flock, teachers who came in their own name (John 5:43), and deceived the people to their destruction. Which shall not visit those that be cut off; or, those that are perishing. This foolish shepherd shall perform none of the offices of a good shepherd; he will not care for and tend those that are in danger of death (Jeremiah 23:2). The young one; rather, those that are scattered; Septuagint, τὸ ἐσκορπισμένον: Vulgate, dispersum (Matthew 18:12). That that is broken. Bruised, or with limb fractured. Feed that that standeth still; literally, that standeth; i.e. is sound and healthy. This shepherd attended neither to the diseased nor to the healthy sheep. Septuagint, τὸ δλόκληρον, "that which is whole." He shall eat the flesh of the fat. He thinks only how to get personal advantage from the flock (comp. Ezekiel 34:2-8). Tear their claws (hoofs) in pieces, as some say, by making them traverse rough places, and not caring where he led them; but as such travelling would not specially injure sheep, and as the immediate context is concerned with their treatment as food, it is better to see here a picture of a greedy and voracious man who tears asunder the very hoofs to suck out all the nourishment he can find, or one who mutilates the fattest of his flock, that they may not stray, and that he may always have a dainty morsel at hand.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

behold,
הִנֵּֽה־ (hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

I
אָנֹכִי֩ (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

will raise up
מֵקִ֨ים (mê·qîm)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

a shepherd
רֹעֶ֜ה (rō·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

in the land
בָּאָ֗רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

who will neither
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

care for
יִפְקֹד֙ (yip̄·qōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

the lost,
הַנִּכְחָד֤וֹת (han·niḵ·ḥā·ḏō·wṯ)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 3582: To secrete, by act, word, to destroy

nor
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

seek
יְבַקֵּ֔שׁ (yə·ḇaq·qêš)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

the young,
הַנַּ֣עַר (han·na·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

nor heal
יְרַפֵּ֑א (yə·rap·pê)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7495: To mend, to cure

the broken,
וְהַנִּשְׁבֶּ֖רֶת (wə·han·niš·be·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 7665: To break, break in pieces

nor
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

sustain
יְכַלְכֵּ֔ל (yə·ḵal·kêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain

the healthy,
הַנִּצָּבָה֙ (han·niṣ·ṣā·ḇāh)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

but he will devour
יֹאכַ֔ל (yō·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

the flesh
וּבְשַׂ֤ר (ū·ḇə·śar)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man

of the choice [sheep]
הַבְּרִיאָה֙ (hab·bə·rî·’āh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1277: Fatted, plump

and tear off
יְפָרֵֽק׃ (yə·p̄ā·rêq)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6561: To break off, crunch, to deliver

their hooves.
וּפַרְסֵיהֶ֖ן (ū·p̄ar·sê·hen)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 6541: A claw, split hoof


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 11:16 For behold I will raise up (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 11:15
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