New International Version “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones. New Living Translation “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, the man who is my partner,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the lambs. English Standard Version “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. Berean Standard Bible Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. Berean Literal Bible O Sword, awake against My shepherd, and against a man, My companion, a declaration of YHWH of hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones! King James Bible Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. New King James Version “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones. New American Standard Bible “Awake, sword, against My Shepherd, And against the Man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of armies. “Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones. NASB 1995 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones. NASB 1977 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones. Legacy Standard Bible “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd And against the man, My Associate,” Declares Yahweh of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones. Amplified Bible “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the Man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd so that the sheep [of the flock] may be scattered; And I will turn My hand and stretch it out against the little ones [of the flock]. Berean Annotated Bible Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered <Mat 26:31, Mrk 14:27>, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. Christian Standard Bible Sword, awake against my shepherd, against the man who is my associate — this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. Holman Christian Standard Bible Sword, awake against My shepherd, against the man who is My associate— this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will also turn My hand against the little ones. American Standard Version Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones. Contemporary English Version The LORD All-Powerful said: My sword, wake up! Attack my shepherd and friend. Strike down the shepherd! Scatter the little sheep, and I will destroy them. English Revised Version Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Arise, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is my friend," declares the LORD of Armies. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. Then I will turn my hand against the little ones." Good News Translation The LORD Almighty says, "Wake up, sword, and attack the shepherd who works for me! Kill him, and the sheep will be scattered. I will attack my people International Standard Version "Arise, sword, against my shepherd, against the mighty one who is related to me," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "Strike the shepherd, the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the insignificant ones. NET Bible "Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is my associate," says the LORD who rules over all. Strike the shepherd that the flock may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the insignificant ones. New Heart English Bible "Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me," says the LORD of hosts. "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones. Webster's Bible Translation Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand upon the little ones. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAwake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. World English Bible “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me,” says Yahweh of Armies. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSword, awake against My Shepherd, "" And against a hero—My Fellow,” "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, and the flock is scattered, "" And I have put back My hand on the little ones. Berean Literal Bible O Sword, awake against My shepherd, and against a man, My companion, a declaration of YHWH of hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones! Young's Literal Translation Sword, awake against My shepherd, And against a hero -- My fellow, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts. Smite the shepherd, and scattered is the flock, And I have put back My hand on the little ones. Smith's Literal Translation O sword, be raised up against my shepherd, and against the man of my fellowship, says Jehovah of armies: strike the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered; and I turned back my hand upon the little ones. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAwake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that cleaveth to me, saith the Lord of hosts: strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand to the little ones. Catholic Public Domain Version Awake, O spear, against my shepherd and against the man that clings to me, says the Lord of hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. And I will turn my hand to the little ones. New American Bible Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the one who is my associate —oracle of the LORD of hosts. Strike the shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. New Revised Standard Version “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is my associate,” says the LORD of hosts. Strike the shepherd, that the sheep may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAwake, O sword, against my shepherd and against the man who is my friend, says the LORD of hosts; smite the shepherd, and his sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the great ones. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Sword, awake against my Shepherd and against the man who is my friend. LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts says: strike The Shepherd and his flock will be scattered, and I shall turn my hand upon the disciples OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, And against the man that is near unto Me, Saith the LORD of hosts; Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; And I will turn My hand upon the little ones. Brenton Septuagint Translation Awake, O sword, against my shepherds, and against the man who is my citizen, saith the Lord Almighty: smite the shepherds, and draw out the sheep: and I will bring mine hand upon the little ones. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scattered7Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. 8And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it.… Cross References Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Psalm 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs. against the man who is My Companion, John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 10:30 I and the Father are one.” Philippians 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, declares the LORD of Hosts. Haggai 2:8 The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts. Malachi 1:4 Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever. Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, 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.’ Mark 14:27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ John 16:32 “Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. and I will turn My hand against the little ones. Isaiah 1:25 I will turn My hand against you; I will thoroughly purge your dross; I will remove all your impurities. Luke 22:31-32 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Isaiah 53:4-7 Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. … Treasury of Scripture Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, said the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand on the little ones. O sword. Deuteronomy 32:41,42 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me… Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still. my shepherd. Zechariah 11:4,7 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; … 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. Ezekiel 34:23,24 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd… the man. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Jeremiah 23:5,6 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth… Hosea 12:3-5 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: … smite. Isaiah 53:4-10 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted… Daniel 9:24-26 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy… John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. the sheep. Matthew 26:31,56 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad… Mark 14:27,50 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered… John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. Jump to Previous Armies Associate Awake Close Declares Fellow Hand Hosts Little Ones Scattered Sheep Shepherd Smite Stands Strike Sword TurnJump to Next Armies Associate Awake Close Declares Fellow Hand Hosts Little Ones Scattered Sheep Shepherd Smite Stands Strike Sword TurnZechariah 13 1. The fountain of purgation for Jerusalem,2. from idolatry, and false prophecy. 7. The death of Christ, and the trial of a third part. Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, God calls for judgment to fall upon the Shepherd He has appointed. The sword represents the death Christ would endure under the Father’s sovereign purpose. Isa 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him… against the man who is My Companion, The Shepherd is both truly man and uniquely one with God. Jesus came in human flesh while sharing the Father’s divine nature and will. Jhn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God… declares the LORD of Hosts. The Lord who commands heaven’s armies decrees these events. Christ’s death was not an accident or merely the work of His enemies, but part of God’s redemptive plan. Hag 2:8 The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine… Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, When Jesus was arrested and crucified, His disciples fled in fear. Their scattering revealed their weakness and fulfilled what God had foretold. Mat 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night… and I will turn My hand against the little ones. God’s hand would also come upon the frightened disciples through testing, discipline, and persecution. Though they were scattered for a time, He preserved them and established them as witnesses of the risen Christ. Isa 1:25 I will turn My hand against you; I will thoroughly purge… Persons / Places / Events 1. The ShepherdRepresents a leader or guide, often interpreted as a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament. 2. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, indicating divine authority and power. 3. The Sword Symbolizes judgment or divine intervention, often used in the Bible to represent God's instrument of justice. 4. The Sheep Represents the followers or disciples, who are scattered when the shepherd is struck, indicating a time of trial or dispersion. 5. The Little Ones Could refer to the vulnerable or less mature followers, highlighting God's continued attention and care even in times of judgment. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty and PurposeGod's plan often involves difficult events, but they serve a greater purpose in His redemptive history. Fulfillment of Prophecy Zechariah 13:7 is a clear example of Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament, affirming the reliability of Scripture. The Role of Jesus as the Shepherd Jesus' role as the Shepherd involves both sacrifice and leadership, calling us to trust in His guidance and care. The Scattering and Gathering of Believers Times of trial may lead to scattering, but God’s ultimate plan includes gathering and restoration. God's Care for the Vulnerable Even when judgment comes, God’s hand remains on the "little ones," showing His compassion and care for all believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 13:7?2. How does Zechariah 13:7 foreshadow Christ's crucifixion and the disciples' scattering? 3. What does "Strike the Shepherd" reveal about God's plan for redemption? 4. How does Matthew 26:31 connect with Zechariah 13:7's prophecy fulfillment? 5. In what ways can we remain steadfast when spiritual leaders face trials? 6. How can understanding Zechariah 13:7 strengthen our faith during personal challenges? 7. How does Zechariah 13:7 foreshadow the events of Jesus' crucifixion? 8. Why does God command the striking of the shepherd in Zechariah 13:7? 9. What is the significance of the sheep being scattered in Zechariah 13:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 13? Verses 7-9. - § 4. For the smiting of the good Shepherd Israel is punished, passes through much tribulation, by which it is refined, and in the end (though reduced to a mere remnant) is saved. Verse 7. - Awake, O sword. Zechariah proceeds to show the course of the purification of the people. The mention of the false prophet and the shameful wounds in his flesh leads him to the contrast of the true Prophet and the effects of his "piercing." The abruptness of the commencement of the verse is dramatic, and gives no sufficient cause for supposing that this paragraph ought to be transferred (as Ewald and others desire) to the end of ch. 11. (For a similar apostrophe, comp. Jeremiah 47:6.) It is introduced here to show that all that happened to the Shepherd was done after the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God; and as if the sword could never have dared to act thus except it were permitted by the Divine will. The "sword" represents any kind of instrument that inflicts death (comp. Exodus 5:21; 2 Samuel 12:9; Isaiah 27:1). My Shepherd. The Shepherd of Jehovah, who is speaking. He is the good Shepherd, the Representative of Jehovah, mentioned in Zechariah 11:4, etc., the Messiah, who is identified with Jehovah in Zechariah 12:10. The Septuagint has, τοὺς ποιμένας μου, "my shepherds" (Vatican), as if no particular person was indicated, but rather all the leaders of the people of God; but the next clause seems to render the reference definite. The man that is my fellow. The word rendered "man" means rather "mighty man;" that rendered "fellow" occurs often in Leviticus, but nowhere else (Leviticus 5:21; 6:2; 19:11, 15, 17, etc.), and is usually translated "neighbour;" it implies one united to another by the possession of common nature, rights, and privileges. God could speak only of One thus associated with himself, that is, of him who could say, "I and my Father are One" (John 10:30). The term is variously translated by the versions. Septuagint, Ανδρα = πολίτην μου: Aquila, Ανδρα σύμφυλον μου: Vulgate, Virum cohaerentem mihi. That the Shepherd is Messiah is proved by Christ's application of the following clause to himself (Matthew 26:31). Smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. When Christ was apprehended, all the disciples forsook him and fled (Matthew 26:56); and what they did was done by others. Even the faithful few were scandalized at the cross The command, "Smite the Shepherd," like the apostrophe, "Awake, O sword," shows that it was God's purpose that was being there executed (see John 19:11; Acts 2:23). It is also thus intimated that the dispersion of the Jews, and their denationalizing, were results of this rejection and smiting of the Shepherd. This dispersion is farther explained in vers. 8, 9, where it is shown that to some it will be ruin, to others salvation. I will turn mine hand. "To turn," or "bring back the hand over," is used in a good and a bad sense (comp. Isaiah 1:25; Amos 1:8). There is a promise of comfort in the use of the phrase here. God's hand shall cover and protect some, while he punishes the others. Those thus protected are called the little ones, the humble and meek. This recalls Christ's words to his disciples, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). Zechariah 13:7 is a precise prophecy of Christ’s crucifixion and its immediate aftermath. God awakens His judgment, directs it at His own equal—the Shepherd—then allows temporary scattering and refining of the flock. Every detail unfolds under the absolute sovereignty of the LORD of Hosts, confirming both the reliability of Scripture and the central place of the cross in God’s plan to save and purify His people. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Awake,עוּרִ֤י (‘ū·rî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake O sword, חֶ֗רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against My shepherd, רֹעִי֙ (rō·‘î) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd against וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the man גֶּ֣בֶר (ge·ḇer) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply who is My Companion,” עֲמִיתִ֔י (‘ă·mî·ṯî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5997: Companionship, a comrade, kindred man declares נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH of Hosts. צְבָא֑וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign “Strike הַ֤ךְ (haḵ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike the shepherd, הָֽרֹעֶה֙ (hā·rō·‘eh) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with and the sheep הַצֹּ֔אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock will be scattered, וּתְפוּצֶ֣יןָ (ū·ṯə·p̄ū·ṣe·nā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered and I will turn וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י (wa·hă·ši·ḇō·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again My hand יָדִ֖י (yā·ḏî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the little ones. הַצֹּעֲרִֽים׃ (haṣ·ṣō·‘ă·rîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6819: To be or grow insignificant Additonal Resources Zechariah 13:7 Blue Letter BibleZechariah 13:7 Bible Gateway Zechariah 13:7 Bible.com Zechariah 13:7 NIV |
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