Zechariah 11:12
Then I told them, "If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them." So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 11:12?

2. What does Zechariah 11:12 reveal about the value placed on the shepherd's work?

3. How does the "thirty pieces of silver" connect to Judas' betrayal of Jesus?

4. Why is understanding Zechariah 11:12 important for comprehending God's justice and mercy?

5. How can we ensure we value spiritual leadership appropriately in our communities?

6. What lessons from Zechariah 11:12 can be applied to our daily walk with Christ?

7. How does Zechariah 11:12 foreshadow Judas' betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver?

8. What is the significance of the thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12?

9. Why does Zechariah 11:12 mention a specific amount for the shepherd's wages?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 11?

11. Zechariah 11:12–13 mentions thirty pieces of silver—does this passage genuinely predict Judas’s betrayal, or is it anachronistic in light of New Testament narratives?

12. Who is mentioned in Matthew 27:9, Jeremiah or Zechariah?

13. Who will betray me as foretold in scripture?

14. Why do some scholars argue that Zechariah 11 is a later addition (Deutero-Zechariah), and how might that undermine the chapter’s authenticity and unity with earlier sections?
Discussion Questions
1. How does the role of the shepherd in Zechariah 11:12 relate to the role of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament?

2. What does the valuation of thirty pieces of silver reveal about the spiritual state of the people in Zechariah's time, and how does this apply to us today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are valuing and supporting our spiritual leaders appropriately?

4. How does understanding the prophetic connections between the Old and New Testaments strengthen your faith?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt undervalued or betrayed. How can the account of Zechariah and the fulfillment in Jesus' life provide comfort and perspective?1. How does Zechariah 11 relate to the overall narrative of Zechariah's prophecy?

2. In what ways does the rejection of the Good Shepherd in Zechariah 11 foreshadow the events of the New Testament?

3. In our modern context, how can we identify and avoid the "worthless shepherd's" traits in leaders today?

4. How does Zechariah's reaction to his wages (thirty pieces of silver) highlight the underappreciation of divine favor and guidance?

5. How can we apply the lessons from the symbolic staffs, Favor and Union, in promoting unity and favor in our community today?

6. How can we use Zechariah 11 to evaluate our own actions as potential shepherds or leaders within our spheres of influence?

7. What does the chapter say about God's attitude towards those who exploit and neglect their responsibilities towards their "flock"?

8. How can we apply Zechariah’s prophecy to understand the consequences of rejecting God's guidance in our personal life?

9. How does the symbolism in Zechariah 11 deepen your understanding of the consequences of disobedience to God?

10. How can we interpret the prophecy of the destruction of Lebanon, Bashan, and Jordan in our contemporary global context?

11. Can we see a parallel between the worthlessness of the shepherd and any aspects of our society today?

12. How does the context of Zechariah 11 enhance your understanding of the Judas' betrayal in the New Testament?

13. In the face of "bad shepherds" or leaders, how should we act as followers of Christ?

14. What lessons about leadership and responsibility can we derive from Zechariah 11 that are applicable to our current societal or personal challenges?

15. How does Zechariah 11 challenge you in your spiritual journey?

16. How can we help others in our community to understand and avoid the pitfalls of the 'worthless shepherd'?

17. If you were in Zechariah's place, how would you feel when your worth was equated to thirty pieces of silver?

18. How can the church ensure that it functions under the guidance of the 'good shepherd' and not fall into the trappings of the 'worthless shepherd'?

19. What are the qualities that make a 'good shepherd' in our modern society? How can you cultivate these qualities in your own life?

20. As you reflect on Zechariah 11, how do you see its relevance and application to the challenges you're facing today?

Links
Zechariah 11:12 NIV
Zechariah 11:12 NLT
Zechariah 11:12 ESV
Zechariah 11:12 NASB
Zechariah 11:12 KJV

Zechariah 11:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Zechariah 11:11
Top of Page
Top of Page