Zechariah 11:16 Meaning and Explanation
“For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord will raise up a shepherd who neglects the perishing and ignores the weak, instead devouring the best of the flock.
What Does Zechariah 11:16 Mean?
The Lord explains the meaning of the foolish shepherd. He will raise up over the land a leader who does the opposite of every shepherd's duty: he will not seek the lost, gather the young, heal the injured, or feed the healthy. Instead he will eat the choicest sheep and tear them to pieces for his own gain.
This is the dark mirror of true shepherding, drawn point by point against the care a flock should receive. It exposes leadership that exists only to consume those it should protect. By showing what a false shepherd is, the verse makes the Good Shepherd shine all the brighter, the One who seeks the lost, binds up the broken, and gives Himself for the sheep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 11:16
What does Zechariah 11:16 mean?
The Lord will raise up a shepherd who neglects the perishing and ignores the weak, instead devouring the best of the flock.