Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.

ZECHARIAH 11:9KJV
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Zechariah 11:9 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 11:9 mean?

Zechariah 11:9 describes a moment when the prophet, acting as a shepherd, announces that he will no longer care for the people, leaving those destined to die or be destroyed to their fate, and allowing the survivors to turn on each other. This verse uses strong language to show the withdrawal of guidance and protection because of persistent disobedience.

In the setting of Zechariah 11, God speaks through the prophet Zechariah, who acts out the role of a shepherd over a flock that represents the people of Israel. The verse comes after repeated warnings and rejection of God’s care. The shepherd’s decision to stop "feeding" the flock means he will no longer provide leadership or rescue, and the grim consequences—death, destruction, and internal strife—are allowed to unfold.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 11:9

  • "Feed" (רָעָה, ra‘ah) means to shepherd or care for. Here, it highlights the deliberate ending of active care, not just withholding food but stopping all guidance and protection.
  • "Dieth" and "die" (מוּת, muth) both refer to physical death. The repetition underlines the certainty and finality of what will happen to those who are perishing.
  • "Rest" (יָתַר, yathar) means those who remain or are left over. This word shows that even the survivors are not safe but will face desperate conditions.
  • "Eat" (אָכַל, akhal) and "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) together paint a vivid picture of extreme breakdown in community, where people turn against each other in desperation.

Why Zechariah 11:9 matters

  • Zechariah 11:9 clarifies that God’s patience has limits; persistent rejection can lead to the removal of His protective care, with severe consequences.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the people's choices and the reality that rejecting guidance leads to chaos and self-destruction.
  • In the wider context, this verse is a turning point in Zechariah’s acted-out prophecy, marking a shift from warning to the announcement of judgment, which helps the reader understand the gravity of what follows in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“another” Hebrew H7468 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 11:2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.
  • Esther 1:19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
  • Isaiah 34:16 Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

“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.

“rest” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
  • Ezra 9:15 O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

“feed” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.