Zechariah 11:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הִנֵּֽה
H2009
lo!
#3
אָנֹכִי֩
H595
i
#4
מֵקִ֨ים
H6965
For lo I will raise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#5
רֹעֶ֜ה
H7462
a shepherd
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#6
בָּאָ֗רֶץ
H776
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
הַנִּכְחָד֤וֹת
H3582
those that be cut off
to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy
#8
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יִפְקֹד֙
H6485
which shall not visit
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#10
הַנַּ֣עַר
H5289
the young one
a wanderer
#11
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יְבַקֵּ֔שׁ
H1245
neither shall seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#13
וְהַנִּשְׁבֶּ֖רֶת
H7665
that that is broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#14
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יְרַפֵּ֑א
H7495
nor heal
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
#16
הַנִּצָּבָה֙
H5324
that that standeth
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#17
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
יְכַלְכֵּ֔ל
H3557
nor feed
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
#19
וּבְשַׂ֤ר
H1320
the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#20
הַבְּרִיאָה֙
H1277
of the fat
fatted or plump
#21
יֹאכַ֔ל
H398
still but he shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#22
וּפַרְסֵיהֶ֖ן
H6541
their claws
a claw or split hoof
#23
יְפָרֵֽק׃
H6561
and tear
to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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