Zechariah 11:12

Authorized King James Version

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֹמַ֣ר

H559

And I said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

ט֧וֹב

H2896

good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֛ם

H5869

unto them If ye think

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הָב֥וּ

H3051

give

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

שְׂכָרִ֖י

H7939

for my price

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א׀

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

חֲדָ֑לוּ

H2308

and if not forbear

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

#11

וַיִּשְׁקְל֥וּ

H8254

So they weighed

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

שְׂכָרִ֖י

H7939

for my price

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

#14

שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים

H7970

thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

#15

כָּֽסֶף׃

H3701

pieces of silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?