Zechariah 11:8
Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Interpreters have proposed numerous identifications for the "three shepherds," but the broader meaning is clear: Jesus confronted and condemned Israel's corrupt leadership classes. During passion week, He challenged the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and elders, pronouncing seven woes against them (Matthew 23). They responded by plotting His death: "Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people...and consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him" (Matthew 26:3-4).
The "one month" may be the approximately 30 days from Jesus's triumphal entry to His ascension, during which He systematically dismantled the religious establishment's authority and after His resurrection sent disciples to preach the gospel, bypassing traditional leadership structures. Alternatively, it could refer to the brief period of the Jewish revolt (AD 66-70) when the entire leadership system collapsed. Whatever the specific referent, the point is clear: the Good Shepherd exposes and judges false shepherds.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Jesus "cut off" the corrupt leadership of His day, even though they appeared to triumph by crucifying Him?
- What does mutual loathing between the shepherd and shepherds reveal about the incompatibility between true and false ministry?
- How should this warning shape our evaluation of religious leaders today—are they faithful shepherds or among those God will "cut off"?
Analysis & Commentary
Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me. This cryptic verse describes the shepherd's action against corrupt leadership. "Three shepherds also I cut off in one month" (va-akhchid et-sheloshet ha-ro'im be-yerach echad, וָאַכְחִיד אֶת־שְׁלֹשֶׁת הָרֹעִים בְּיֶרַח אֶחָד) has generated extensive interpretation. The "three shepherds" likely represent categories of Israel's leadership: prophets, priests, and kings/rulers—or perhaps Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes in Jesus's day. "Cut off" means destroyed, removed from office, rendered powerless.
"In one month" suggests swift, decisive action within a short time period. This could refer to Jesus's final confrontation with the religious leaders during His last Passover week, when He systematically exposed and condemned their hypocrisy (Matthew 21-23). Or it may point to the rapid collapse of Israel's leadership system after AD 70 when the temple, priesthood, and Sanhedrin all ended permanently.
"My soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me" (va-tiktzar nafshi bahem ve-gam nafsham ba'alah oti, וַתִּקְצַר נַפְשִׁי בָּהֶם וְגַם־נַפְשָׁם בָּעֲלָה אֹתִי) describes mutual rejection. The shepherd's soul grew impatient/weary with their wickedness (qatzar can mean shortened, impatient, disgusted). They in turn abhorred Him (ba'al means to loathe, reject). This mutual antagonism describes Jesus's relationship with Israel's leaders—He condemned them; they crucified Him.