Zechariah 11:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who own the flock slaughter it without remorse, the sellers thank God for their profit, and the shepherds feel no pity.
What Does Zechariah 11:5 Mean?
The Lord describes the cruelty surrounding this flock. The owners kill the sheep and feel no guilt; the traders sell them and praise God for the riches it brings; and even the shepherds, who should protect them, show no compassion. The people have been exploited from every side and shielded by no one.
The pairing of profit with piety is especially sharp: men bless the Lord for wealth gained by harming the helpless. The verse exposes how easily greed dresses itself in religious language. It warns against any care for others that has been hollowed out by self-interest, and it stirs longing for a Shepherd whose love for the flock is real and costly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 11:5
What does Zechariah 11:5 mean?
Those who own the flock slaughter it without remorse, the sellers thank God for their profit, and the shepherds feel no pity.