Zechariah 11:13

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַ֗י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וָאַשְׁלִ֥יךְ

H7993

and cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַיּוֹצֵֽר׃

H3335

it unto the potter

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

אֶ֣דֶר

H145

a goodly

amplitude, i.e., (concrete) a mantle; also (figuratively) splendor

הַיְקָ֔ר

H3366

price

value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

יָקַ֖רְתִּי

H3365

that I was prised

properly, apparently, to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) valuable; causatively, to make rare (figuratively, to inhibit)

#11

מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

וָֽאֶקְחָה֙

H3947

at of them And I took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#13

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים

H7970

the thirty

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

#14

הַכֶּ֔סֶף

H3701

pieces of silver

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

#15

וָאַשְׁלִ֥יךְ

H7993

and cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

#16

אֹת֛וֹ

H853

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

#17

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#19

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#20

הַיּוֹצֵֽר׃

H3335

it unto the potter

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Zechariah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Zechariah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?