Old Testament
Zechariah 11:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God expresses a shift in His attitude towards the people of the land.
- Author
- Zechariah the prophet
- Written
- Around 520-480 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
"For I will no longer pity the inhabitants of the land," declares the LORD. "Instead, I will deliver everyone into the hands of their neighbors and their king. They will strike the land, and I will not rescue them from their hands."
For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses a shift in His attitude towards the people of the land. Previously, He showed compassion and care, but now He declares that He will no longer feel pity for them. Instead, He will allow them to face the consequences of their actions by handing them over to their neighbors and their king. This means that they will suffer at the hands of those around them, and God will not intervene to save them. This reflects a serious warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting judgment that can come from such actions. The inhabitants will experience strife and hardship, illustrating the severity of their situation and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Zechariah 11:6 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying aligned with God's will. It warns against the dangers of turning away from Him, as doing so can lead to dire consequences. We should seek to maintain our relationship with God and heed His guidance in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zechariah 11:6 mean?
Zechariah 11:6 means that God is declaring a change in His attitude towards the people, stating that He will no longer show them pity. Instead, He will allow them to face the consequences of their actions by delivering them into the hands of their neighbors and their king, leading to suffering without divine intervention.
What is the significance of God's lack of pity in Zechariah 11:6?
The lack of pity in Zechariah 11:6 signifies a serious warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It highlights the severity of judgment that can come when people reject divine guidance and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful.
What does 'deliver everyone into the hands of their neighbors' mean in Zechariah 11:6?
In Zechariah 11:6, 'deliver everyone into the hands of their neighbors' means that God will allow the people to be harmed or oppressed by those around them. This reflects the consequences of their actions and the breakdown of community and safety.
What themes are present in Zechariah 11:6?
Key themes in Zechariah 11:6 include divine judgment, loss of compassion, the consequences of sin, and God's sovereignty. It serves as a warning to the people about the dangers of straying from God's path.

The Book of Zechariah
Zechariah 1: Call to Return and Vision of Horses
The word of the LORD comes to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, telling the people not to be like their fathers who refuse to listen to the earlier prophets. The LORD reminds them that their fathers experience the consequences of disobedience. The people acknowledge that the LORD deals with them according to their ways and actions.
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