Zechariah 11:8

Authorized King James Version

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאַכְחִ֛ד

H3582

also I cut off

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

אֶת

H853

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

שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת

H7969

Three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

הָרֹעִ֖ים

H7462

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

בְּיֶ֣רַח

H3391

month

a lunation, i.e., month

אֶחָ֑ד

H259

in one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַתִּקְצַ֤ר

H7114

lothed

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

נַפְשָׁ֖ם

H5315

and my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בָּהֶ֔ם

#10

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#11

נַפְשָׁ֖ם

H5315

and my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#12

בָּחֲלָ֥ה

H973

also abhorred

to loath

#13

בִֽי׃

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 revelation 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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?