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.

ZECHARIAH 11:5KJV
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Zechariah 11:5 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 11:5 mean?

Zechariah 11:5 describes a situation where those who own or control the people (“possessors”) kill them without feeling guilty, and those who profit from selling them thank God for their wealth, while even the leaders or “shepherds” show no compassion. The verse paints a picture of deep injustice and a lack of mercy among those in power over vulnerable people.

In this part of Zechariah, the prophet is speaking God’s message to the people of Israel, describing how their leaders and those with authority are exploiting and harming them. The verse uses strong language to show that those responsible for the people’s suffering feel no remorse and even justify their actions, reflecting a breakdown of moral responsibility and care within the community.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 11:5

  • “Possessors” (קָנָה, qanah): This word often means to acquire or own. Here, it highlights that those in control treat people as property, emphasizing the depth of exploitation.
  • “Slay” (הָרַג, harag): This word means to kill or destroy. The verse accuses the possessors of outright violence, not just neglect.
  • “Guilty” (אָשַׁם, asham): The phrase “hold themselves not guilty” uses a word for being guilty or liable, showing that these people feel no responsibility for their actions.
  • “Shepherds” (רָעָה, ra‘ah): In the Hebrew Bible, “shepherds” often refers to leaders. Their lack of pity (חָמַל, chamal—not tagged, but implied) shows a failure in their duty to care for those they lead.

Why Zechariah 11:5 matters

  • Zechariah 11:5 exposes the moral failure of leaders and those in power, showing that injustice is not just about actions but also about attitudes—people can do wrong and still feel justified.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme in Zechariah 11, where God condemns the shepherds (leaders) of Israel for their neglect and abuse, setting the stage for judgment and the need for true leadership.
  • This verse helps clear up any idea that material success or religious language (“Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich”) is a sign of God’s approval, showing instead that such claims can mask deep wrongdoing.

Where else these words appear

“rich” Hebrew H6238 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
  • Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
  • Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

“guilty” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Jeremiah 50:7 All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

“pity” Hebrew H2550 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 2:6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
  • Job 20:13 Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:
  • Lamentations 3:43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.

“sell” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
  • 2 Kings 17:17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.