Zechariah 11:3

Authorized King James Version

There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ק֚וֹל
H6963
There is a voice
a voice or sound
#2
יִֽלְלַ֣ת
H3215
of the howling
a howling
#3
הָרֹעִ֔ים
H7462
of the shepherds
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
#4
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
שֻׁדַּ֖ד
H7703
is spoiled
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#6
אַדַּרְתָּ֑ם
H155
for their glory
something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)
#7
ק֚וֹל
H6963
There is a voice
a voice or sound
#8
שַׁאֲגַ֣ת
H7581
of the roaring
a rumbling or moan
#9
כְּפִירִ֔ים
H3715
of young lions
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
#10
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
שֻׁדַּ֖ד
H7703
is spoiled
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#12
גְּא֥וֹן
H1347
for the pride
the same as h1346
#13
הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃
H3383
of Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine

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 glory 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

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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection