Old Testament
Zechariah 11:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Their buyers kill them and feel no guilt. Those who sell them say, 'Blessed be the LORD, I'm getting rich!' Their own shepherds do not pity them.
Compare translations
Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.
What Zechariah 11:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 11:5, the verse highlights the moral decay and exploitation of the people. The buyers of sheep, representing the leaders or those in power, kill the sheep without remorse, showing their lack of compassion. Meanwhile, those who profit from selling these sheep celebrate their wealth, attributing their success to God's blessing, despite the unethical means of their gain. The shepherds, who should care for the sheep, fail to show any pity, indicating a complete breakdown of responsibility and care. This passage serves as a critique of leaders who prioritize profit over the well-being of their people, reflecting a society where greed overshadows compassion and justice. It warns against the dangers of valuing wealth over ethical behavior and the importance of true leadership that cares for the vulnerable.
How to apply Zechariah 11:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own actions and motivations. Are we prioritizing profit over people? It challenges us to be compassionate leaders and to ensure that our pursuits do not come at the expense of others' well-being. We should strive to act ethically in all areas of life.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Zechariah 11:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Zechariah 11:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 11:5 mean?
Zechariah 11:5 describes the exploitation and moral decay of society, where leaders harm those they are supposed to protect for personal gain, showing a lack of compassion and responsibility.
What is the meaning of 'their buyers kill them' in Zechariah 11:5?
The phrase 'their buyers kill them' symbolizes leaders or powerful individuals who exploit and harm the vulnerable without remorse, prioritizing profit over the well-being of others.
What themes are present in Zechariah 11:5?
Key themes in Zechariah 11:5 include exploitation, greed, lack of compassion, false blessings, and failed leadership, illustrating the dangers of prioritizing wealth over ethical behavior.
How can we apply Zechariah 11:5 to our lives?
We can apply Zechariah 11:5 by examining our own actions and ensuring we prioritize compassion and ethical behavior in our pursuits, avoiding the exploitation of others for personal gain.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.