Zechariah 11:17

Authorized King James Version

Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֣וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
רֹעִ֤י
shepherd
pastoral; as noun, a shepherd
#3
הָֽאֱלִיל֙
to the idol
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#4
עֹזְבִ֣י
that leaveth
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#5
הַצֹּ֔אן
the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#6
חֶ֥רֶב
the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
זְרֹעוֹ֙
his arm
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#9
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וְעֵ֥ין
eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#11
יְמִינ֖וֹ
and his right
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#12
זְרֹעוֹ֙
his arm
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#13
תִּיבָ֔שׁ
dried up
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#14
תִּיבָ֔שׁ
dried up
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#15
וְעֵ֥ין
eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#16
יְמִינ֖וֹ
and his right
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#17
תִכְהֶֽה׃
darkened
to be weak, i.e., (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull
#18
תִכְהֶֽה׃
darkened
to be weak, i.e., (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection