Old Testament
Zechariah 11:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I said to them, "If you think it's good, give me my price; if not, refrain." So they weighed out my price—thirty pieces of silver.
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And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
What Zechariah 11:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker, who is often interpreted as a prophetic figure, is negotiating his worth with the people. He asks them to determine what they think is a fair price for his services. The response is the weighing out of thirty pieces of silver, which is significant as it symbolizes betrayal and is later associated with the price for which Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. This transaction highlights themes of value, worth, and the consequences of choices made in moments of decision. The thirty pieces of silver also reflect a low valuation of the speaker, indicating a lack of appreciation for his role. This moment serves as a foreshadowing of deeper themes of sacrifice and redemption that are prevalent throughout the biblical narrative.
How to apply Zechariah 11:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own worth and the value we place on relationships and commitments. It challenges us to consider how we respond to others' worth and the implications of our choices, especially when it comes to trust and loyalty.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Zechariah
- Author
- Zechariah the prophet
- Written
- Around 520-480 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zechariah 11:12 mean?
Zechariah 11:12 depicts a negotiation where the speaker asks for a fair price for his services, resulting in thirty pieces of silver being offered. This amount symbolizes betrayal and reflects a low valuation of the speaker, foreshadowing themes of sacrifice and redemption.
What is the significance of thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12?
The thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12 is significant as it represents the price of betrayal. This amount is later associated with Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, highlighting themes of worth and the consequences of choices.
How does Zechariah 11:12 relate to betrayal?
Zechariah 11:12 relates to betrayal through the act of weighing out thirty pieces of silver, which symbolizes a low valuation of the speaker. This moment foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, emphasizing the theme of trust and loyalty.
What themes are present in Zechariah 11:12?
The themes present in Zechariah 11:12 include betrayal, value, negotiation, prophecy, and sacrifice. These themes highlight the complexities of worth and the consequences of choices made in relationships.
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