Zechariah 11:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord tells the prophet to take up once more the gear of a foolish, worthless shepherd.
What Does Zechariah 11:15 Mean?
The enacted parable takes a new turn. The Lord tells the prophet to equip himself again, this time with the implements of a foolish shepherd. Having portrayed the good shepherd who was rejected, he is now to act the part of a worthless one, so that the people may see what kind of leadership their refusal invites.
When a faithful shepherd is cast off, a foolish one is left to fill the void. The verse warns that rejecting God's good care does not leave people unled; it leaves them under leaders who do not love them. It sharpens the reader's gratitude for the true Shepherd and the danger of trading Him for those who only consume the flock.
Zechariah 11:15 in the Original Language
eviyli (אֱוִלִי), 'foolish' -- morally senseless, the folly of one who lacks the fear of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 11:15
What does Zechariah 11:15 mean?
The Lord tells the prophet to take up once more the gear of a foolish, worthless shepherd.