Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

ZECHARIAH 13:7KJV
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Zechariah 13:7 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 13:7 mean?

Zechariah 13:7 describes God calling for a sword to strike His shepherd, a close companion, causing the shepherd’s followers to scatter and leaving the vulnerable ones exposed. The verse shows God’s involvement in a coming act of judgment or suffering that will disrupt and scatter a community.

In this verse, the LORD of hosts is speaking, addressing a “sword” as if it is an instrument to be awakened against “my shepherd” and “the man that is my fellow.” The setting is a prophetic message to the people of Israel, using the image of a shepherd and sheep to describe a leader and his followers. The verse signals a dramatic event where the leader is struck down, leading to confusion and vulnerability among those he led.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 13:7

  • “Shepherd” (רֹעֶה, ro‘eh): This word refers to a leader or caretaker, not just someone who tends sheep. In this context, it points to a significant leader among God’s people.
  • “Fellow” (עָמִית, ‘amith): This word means a close associate or companion, suggesting the shepherd is not just any leader but someone with a special relationship to God.
  • “Smite” (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means to strike or hit forcefully, emphasizing the violence and seriousness of the action God is calling for.
  • “Sheep” (צֹאן, tson): This word refers to the followers or the people under the shepherd’s care, highlighting their dependence on the shepherd for guidance and protection.

Why Zechariah 13:7 matters

  • Zechariah 13:7 clarifies that the suffering of the shepherd is not accidental or random but comes by God’s command, showing God’s control even in times of crisis.
  • The verse highlights the vulnerability of the “little ones” or followers when their leader is removed, emphasizing the importance of leadership and the impact of its loss.
  • Zechariah 13:7 connects to the wider prophetic message about purification, judgment, and restoration in Zechariah, setting the stage for hope and renewal after a time of scattering and hardship.

Where else these words appear

“ones” Hebrew H6819 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 14:21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.
  • Jeremiah 30:19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

“fellow” Hebrew H5997 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Leviticus 25:14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:

“man” Hebrew H1397 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 10:11 Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
  • Job 33:17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
  • Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

“Awake” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
  • Isaiah 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.