Old Testament
Zechariah 13:7
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Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is my equal, says the LORD of hosts: strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. Then I will turn my hand against the little ones.
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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.
What Zechariah 13:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 13:7, God speaks about a coming time of trial for His people, symbolized by the striking of the shepherd. The shepherd represents a leader or a messianic figure, and the command to 'awake, O sword' indicates a divine judgment. When the shepherd is struck, the followers, or sheep, will scatter, illustrating the impact of the leader's downfall on the community. This verse foreshadows the suffering of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament. The scattering of the sheep signifies the challenges and dispersion that the followers will face. Additionally, the mention of turning against the 'little ones' suggests that even the vulnerable will experience hardship. This passage highlights themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the consequences of divine judgment, emphasizing the need for faith and resilience in times of crisis.
How to apply Zechariah 13:7 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of strong leadership and the impact it has on a community. In times of difficulty, we should support our leaders and remain united, even when challenges arise. Trusting in God can help us navigate through trials.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
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Keep studying Zechariah 13:7
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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 13:7 mean?
Zechariah 13:7 speaks of a time of trial for God's people, symbolized by the striking of the shepherd, representing a leader or messianic figure. This act leads to the scattering of the followers, illustrating the consequences of the leader's downfall.
What is the significance of the shepherd in Zechariah 13:7?
In Zechariah 13:7, the shepherd symbolizes a leader or messianic figure whose suffering impacts the community. The verse highlights the connection between leadership and the fate of the followers, emphasizing the challenges they face when their leader is struck.
What does 'strike the shepherd' mean in Zechariah 13:7?
The phrase 'strike the shepherd' in Zechariah 13:7 indicates a divine judgment against a leader, leading to turmoil among the followers. It foreshadows the suffering of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, and the scattering of His disciples.
How does Zechariah 13:7 relate to Jesus?
Zechariah 13:7 foreshadows the suffering of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament. The verse illustrates the impact of His sacrifice on His followers, who would face challenges and dispersion after His death.
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