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.

ZECHARIAH 11:16KJV
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Zechariah 11:16 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 11:16 mean?

Zechariah 11:16 describes a leader God will raise up among the people, pictured as a shepherd over sheep. The leader will fail the vulnerable people in his care and use the strongest for his own benefit. The image portrays leadership that harms rather than protects.

God is speaking to Zechariah after telling him to take the equipment of a foolish shepherd in verse 15. The sheep picture people under a leader’s care. Tearing the animals’ claws adds a final image of violence to the neglect listed earlier in the verse.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 11:16

  • “visit” — פָּקַד (paqad): This word can mean to attend to or look after. Here, “not visit” suggests more than failing to stop by; the shepherd gives no care to those who are cut off.
  • “claws” — פַּרְסָה (parsah): This word refers to the hoof of an animal. The shepherd’s tearing of the hooves adds a detail of cruelty to the picture of eating the fat animals.

Why Zechariah 11:16 matters

  • God’s role in raising up the shepherd does not mean the shepherd’s conduct is approved. The next verse announces judgment on the “idol shepherd,” meaning a worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock.
  • The verse’s list shows a complete failure of care. The shepherd neither seeks, heals, nor feeds the animals that need attention, while the fat animals become food for him.

Where else these words appear

“tear” Hebrew H6561 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 27:40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
  • Exodus 32:24 And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
  • Psalms 136:24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

“fat” Hebrew H1277 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.
  • Genesis 41:18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:
  • Psalms 73:4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

“claws” Hebrew H6541 · used in 16 verses

  • Exodus 10:26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.
  • Leviticus 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
  • Isaiah 5:28 Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

“off” Hebrew H3582 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 47:18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
  • Psalms 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.