Zechariah 11:4

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֖ר
H559
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֱלֹהָ֑י
H430
my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
רְעֵ֖ה
H7462
Feed
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
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
צֹ֥אן
H6629
the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#8
הַהֲרֵגָֽה׃
H2028
of the slaughter
slaughter

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 sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection