Zechariah 13:6 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 13:6 mean?

Zechariah 13:6 describes a person being questioned about wounds on his hands, and he replies that he received these wounds in the house of his friends. The verse shows someone being asked about visible injuries and giving an answer that connects the wounds to people close to him, not to enemies.

The setting is a prophetic vision in which Zechariah speaks about a future time of cleansing for Israel. The conversation in this verse is between an unnamed questioner and a wounded person, likely referring to false prophets who are exposed and shamed. The fuller sense is that the wounds are not from battle or punishment by outsiders, but from within one’s own circle, highlighting betrayal or misguided loyalty.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 13:6

• "wounds" (מַכּוֹת, makkot): This word means physical injuries or blows. Its use here draws attention to real, visible harm, not just emotional pain.
• "hands" (יָדַיִם, yadaim): The Hebrew word refers to the hands, which would be a visible and unusual place for wounds, making the question more pointed.
• "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word means a home or household, emphasizing that the harm came from a familiar, close environment.
• "friends" (אֹהֲבַי, ohavai): The word means loved ones or companions, making the answer more striking because it suggests betrayal or harm from those who should be trusted.

Why Zechariah 13:6 matters

• Zechariah 13:6 clears up the idea that the suffering described comes from outsiders; instead, it highlights pain caused by those close to the person.
• The verse emphasizes the theme of false prophets being exposed and held accountable, fitting into the larger context of Zechariah’s warnings about spiritual cleansing.
• Zechariah 13:6 connects to the wider passage by showing how even those who seem trustworthy can be sources of harm, deepening the message about the need for true faithfulness among God’s people.