Old Testament
Zechariah 11:13
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The LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter—a fine price at which they valued me!" So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
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And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
What Zechariah 11:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Zechariah to throw thirty pieces of silver to the potter, symbolizing the value placed on Him by the people. This amount reflects the price of a slave, indicating how lowly they regarded God. The act of throwing the money to the potter signifies a rejection of God's worth and a prophetic foreshadowing of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus for the same amount. The potter represents the idea of creation and craftsmanship, contrasting the devaluation of God with the value of the potter's work. This moment highlights the theme of betrayal and the consequences of undervaluing divine worth, as well as the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah's rejection. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of how we value God in our lives and the impact of our choices.
How to apply Zechariah 11:13 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on how we value our relationship with God. Are we treating Him with the honor He deserves, or are we, like the people in Zechariah's time, undervaluing His significance in our lives?
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 11:13 mean in context?
Zechariah 11:13 conveys God's message to Zechariah about the low value the people placed on Him, symbolized by the thirty pieces of silver, which was the price of a slave. This act foreshadows Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus for the same amount, illustrating a profound rejection of God's worth. The instruction to throw the money to the potter signifies a prophetic act, highlighting the consequences of undervaluing divine significance.
Why thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:13?
The thirty pieces of silver mentioned in Zechariah 11:13 represents the price of a slave, indicating how the people of Israel valued God. This amount is significant as it parallels the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who was paid thirty pieces of silver to betray the Messiah. This connection emphasizes the theme of betrayal and the serious implications of how we perceive and value God in our lives.
How does Zechariah 11:13 relate to Judas Iscariot?
Zechariah 11:13 is often seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. Just as the thirty pieces of silver were thrown to the potter, Judas received the same amount for betraying Jesus. This connection highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and underscores the theme of rejection, illustrating the tragic consequences of undervaluing the divine.
What is the significance of the potter in Zechariah 11:13?
In Zechariah 11:13, the potter symbolizes creation and craftsmanship, contrasting with the devaluation of God by the people. By throwing the thirty pieces of silver to the potter, it signifies a rejection of God's worth while also reminding us of the importance of recognizing the value of the Creator. The potter's role emphasizes the artistry and care involved in creation, serving as a stark reminder of how we should honor God in our lives.
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