Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. New Living Translation So I cared for the flock intended for slaughter—the flock that was oppressed. Then I took two shepherd’s staffs and named one Favor and the other Union. English Standard Version So I became the shepherd of the flock doomed to be slaughtered by the sheep traders. And I took two staffs, one I named Favor, the other I named Union. And I tended the sheep. Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. New King James Version So I fed the flock for slaughter, in particular the poor of the flock. I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bonds; and I fed the flock. New American Standard Bible So I pastured the flock doomed to slaughter, therefore also the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Favor, and the other I called Union; so I pastured the flock. NASB 1995 So I pastured the flock doomed to slaughter, hence the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Favor and the other I called Union; so I pastured the flock. NASB 1977 So I pastured the flock doomed to slaughter, hence the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Favor, and the other I called Union; so I pastured the flock. Legacy Standard Bible So I shepherded the flock doomed to slaughter—hence the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Favor, and the other I called Union; so I shepherded the flock. Amplified Bible So I [Zechariah] pastured the flock doomed for slaughter, truly [as the name implies] the most miserable of sheep. And I took two [shepherd’s] staffs, the one I called Favor (Grace) and the other I called Union (Bonds); so I pastured the flock. Christian Standard Bible So I shepherded the flock intended for slaughter, the oppressed of the flock. I took two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. Holman Christian Standard Bible So I shepherded the flock intended for slaughter, the afflicted of the flock. I took two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. American Standard Version So I fed the flock of slaughter, verily the poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. Contemporary English Version So I became a shepherd of those sheep doomed to be slaughtered by the sheep dealers. And I gave names to the two sticks I used for tending the sheep: One of them was named "Mercy" and the other "Unity." English Revised Version So I fed the flock of slaughter, verily the poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. GOD'S WORD® Translation So I became the shepherd of the sheep that were to be slaughtered and also of the oppressed sheep. I took two shepherd staffs and named one Favor and the other Unity. And I took care of the sheep. Good News Translation Those who bought and sold the sheep hired me, and I became the shepherd of the sheep that were going to be butchered. I took two sticks: one I called "Favor" and the other "Unity." And I took care of the flock. International Standard Version So I became shepherd of the flock marked for slaughter, paying attention to the oppressed of the flock. I took two staffs—naming one "Pleasant" and the other one "Union"—and then I pastured the flock. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible So I began to shepherd the flock destined for slaughter, the most afflicted of all the flock. Then I took two staffs, calling one "Pleasantness" and the other "Binders," and I tended the flock. New Heart English Bible So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called "Favor," and the other I called "Union," and I fed the flock. Webster's Bible Translation And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took to me two staffs; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. World English Bible So I fed the flock to be slaughtered, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called “Favor” and the other I called “Union”, and I fed the flock. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I feed the flock of slaughter, even you, you afflicted of the flock; and I take two staffs to myself; I have called one Pleasantness, and I have called the other Bands, and I feed the flock. Young's Literal Translation And I feed the flock of slaughter, even you, ye afflicted of the flock; and I take to me two staves, the one I have called Pleasantness, and the other I have called Bands, and I feed the flock. Smith's Literal Translation And I will feed the flock of slaughter for you, and the poor of the sheep: And I will take to me two rods; to the one I called Beauty, and to the one, I called Cords; and I will feed the sheep. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I will feed the hock of slaughter for this, O ye poor of the dock. And I took unto me two rods, one I called Beauty, and the other I called a Cord, and I fed the flock. Catholic Public Domain Version And I will pasture the flock of the slaughter, because of this, O poor of the flock. And I took to myself two staffs: the one I called Handsome, and the other I called Rope, and I pastured the flock. New American Bible So I shepherded the flock to be slaughtered for the merchants of the flock. I took two staffs: one I called Delight, and the other Union. Thus I shepherded the flock. New Revised Standard Version So, on behalf of the sheep merchants, I became the shepherd of the flock doomed to slaughter. I took two staffs; one I named Favor, the other I named Unity, and I tended the sheep. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo I fed the lean flock, for there were many sheep; and I took two staffs; the one I called Pleasant and the other I called Cord, and I fed the flock. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I fed the thin sheep because of the multitude of sheep, and I took to myself two staffs; the one I called Sweet and the other Agony, and I fed the sheep OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So I fed the flock of slaughter, verily the poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Graciousness, and the other I called Binders; and I fed the flock. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I will tend the flock of slaughter in the land of Chanaan: and I will take for myself two rods; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Line; and I will tend the flock. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Doomed Flock…6For I will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, declares the LORD, but behold, I will cause each man to fall into the hands of his neighbor and his king, who will devastate the land, and I will not deliver it from their hands.” 7So 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. 8And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me.… Cross References 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. John 10:11-16 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / 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. ... Jeremiah 23:1-4 “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. / Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. ... Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Isaiah 40:11 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. Psalm 23:1-4 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ... 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. Hebrews 13:20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of 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. Ezekiel 37:24 My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes. Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Isaiah 49:9-10 to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill. / They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Jeremiah 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Treasury of Scripture And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took to me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. I will. Zechariah 11:4,11 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; … Zechariah 13:8,9 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein… even you, O poor. Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Jeremiah 5:4,5 Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God… staves. Zechariah 11:10,14 And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people… Leviticus 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. 1 Samuel 17:40,43 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine… one. Psalm 133:1-3 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! … Ezekiel 37:16-23 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: … John 17:21-23 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me… Bands. John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ… Jump to Previous Afflicted Bands Beautiful Beauty Binders Care Death Doomed Especially Favor Fed Feed Flock Grace Graciousness Hence Marked Naming Oppressed Particularly Pastured Poor Rods Shepherd Slain Slaughter Staffs Staves Tended Union VerilyJump to Next Afflicted Bands Beautiful Beauty Binders Care Death Doomed Especially Favor Fed Feed Flock Grace Graciousness Hence Marked Naming Oppressed Particularly Pastured Poor Rods Shepherd Slain Slaughter Staffs Staves Tended Union VerilyZechariah 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. So I pastured the flock marked for slaughter This phrase indicates a prophetic action by Zechariah, symbolizing God's relationship with Israel. The "flock marked for slaughter" represents the people of Israel, who were facing impending judgment due to their disobedience and rejection of God. This imagery is consistent with the shepherd motif found throughout Scripture, where God is often depicted as a shepherd caring for His people (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). The idea of being "marked for slaughter" suggests a predetermined judgment, reflecting the consequences of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet in the post-exilic period who conveyed God's messages to the Israelites. His prophecies often contained visions and symbolic actions. 2. The Flock Represents the people of Israel, particularly those who are oppressed and in need of guidance and protection. 3. Two Staffs - Favor and Union Symbolic tools used by Zechariah in his role as a shepherd. "Favor" represents God's grace and blessing, while "Union" symbolizes the unity among the people of Israel. 4. The Shepherd Zechariah himself, acting out a symbolic role to convey God's message to the people. 5. The Oppressed of the Flock A specific group within the flock that is particularly vulnerable and in need of care, representing those who are faithful and attentive to God's word. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and CareThe staffs "Favor" and "Union" symbolize God's active role in guiding and uniting His people. Believers can trust in God's sovereign care and seek His favor in their lives. The Role of Leadership Zechariah's role as a shepherd highlights the responsibility of leaders to care for and protect those under their charge. Christian leaders today are called to shepherd their communities with integrity and compassion. Unity Among Believers The staff "Union" emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to work towards reconciliation and harmony within their communities. Listening to God's Word The "oppressed of the flock" who recognize God's message serve as a reminder of the importance of being attentive to God's word and responding in faith. The Consequences of Rejection The breaking of the staffs later in the chapter serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God's guidance and favor. Believers are urged to remain faithful and obedient to God's leading.Verse 7. - And I will feed. Thus the Greek and Latin Versions; but it should be, So I fed. It is the account of what the prophet did in accordance with the command in ver. 4 (see the end of this verse, "and I fed"). Even you, O poor of the flock. There is difficulty about the word rendered "you" (lachen) which may be the personal pronoun, or an adverb meaning "therefore," "therewith," "truly," or a preposition, "on account of;" Vulgate, propter hoc. The best rendering is, I fed the flock therefore the poor among the flock. "Therefore" refers to the previous command. It is also rendered "in sooth." The LXX., arranging the letters differently, translates, Ποιμανῶ τὰ πρόβατα τῆς σφαγῆς εἰς τὴν Ξαναανίτιν "I will go and tend the flock of slaughter in the land of Canaan;" some render the last words, "for the merchants." This Jerome interprets to mean that the Lord will nourish the Israelites for slaughter in the land of the Gentiles (but see note on ver. 6). And I took unto me two staves. Executing in vision his commission of feeding the flock, the prophet, as the representative of the Shepherd, took two shepherd's staves. The two staves intimate the manifold care of God for his flock from the earliest days, and the two blessings which he designed to bestow (as the names of the staves show), favour and unity. Beauty; Κάλλος (Septuagint); Decorem (Vulgate); "Graciousness" (Revised Version margin). It probably means the favour and grace of God, as in Psalm 90:17. Bands; literally, Those that bind; Σχοίνισμα, "Cord;" Vulgate, Funiculum. The name is meant to express the union of all the members of the flock, especially that between Israel and Judah (see ver. 14). These make one flock under one shepherd. I fed the flock. This repetition emphasizes the beginning of the verse, and expresses God's ears in time past and in time to come also. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So I pasturedוָֽאֶרְעֶה֙ (wā·’er·‘eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with the flock צֹ֣אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock marked for slaughter, הַֽהֲרֵגָ֔ה (ha·hă·rê·ḡāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2028: A slaughter especially לָכֵ֖ן (lā·ḵên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus the afflicted עֲנִיֵּ֣י (‘ă·nî·yê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble of the flock. הַצֹּ֑אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Then I took וָאֶקַּֽח־ (wā·’eq·qaḥ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3947: To take for myself לִ֞י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew two שְׁנֵ֣י (šə·nê) Number - mdc Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) staffs, מַקְל֗וֹת (maq·lō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4731: A shoot, stick calling קָרָ֤אתִי (qā·rā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read one לְאַחַ֞ד (lə·’a·ḥaḏ) Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first Favor נֹ֙עַם֙ (nō·‘am) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5278: Agreeableness, delight, suitableness, splendor, grace and the other וּלְאַחַד֙ (ū·lə·’a·ḥaḏ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first Union, חֹֽבְלִ֔ים (ḥō·ḇə·lîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2256: A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin and I pastured וָאֶרְעֶ֖ה (wā·’er·‘eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with the flock. הַצֹּֽאן׃ (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Links Zechariah 11:7 NIVZechariah 11:7 NLT Zechariah 11:7 ESV Zechariah 11:7 NASB Zechariah 11:7 KJV Zechariah 11:7 BibleApps.com Zechariah 11:7 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 11:7 Chinese Bible Zechariah 11:7 French Bible Zechariah 11:7 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 11:7 So I fed the flock of slaughter (Zech. 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