Zechariah 13:7
New International Version
“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.

New Living Translation
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, the man who is my partner,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the lambs.

English Standard Version
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.

Berean Standard Bible
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.

New American Standard Bible
“Awake, sword, against My Shepherd, And against the Man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of armies. “Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.

NASB 1995
“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.

NASB 1977
“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd And against the man, My Associate,” Declares Yahweh of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Amplified Bible
“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the Man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd so that the sheep [of the flock] may be scattered; And I will turn My hand and stretch it out against the little ones [of the flock].

Christian Standard Bible
Sword, awake against my shepherd, against the man who is my associate — this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Sword, awake against My shepherd, against the man who is My associate— this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will also turn My hand against the little ones.

American Standard Version
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD All-Powerful said: My sword, wake up! Attack my shepherd and friend. Strike down the shepherd! Scatter the little sheep, and I will destroy them.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Arise, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is my friend," declares the LORD of Armies. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. Then I will turn my hand against the little ones."

Good News Translation
The LORD Almighty says, "Wake up, sword, and attack the shepherd who works for me! Kill him, and the sheep will be scattered. I will attack my people

International Standard Version
"Arise, sword, against my shepherd, against the mighty one who is related to me," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "Strike the shepherd, the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the insignificant ones.

Majority Standard Bible
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

NET Bible
"Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is my associate," says the LORD who rules over all. Strike the shepherd that the flock may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the insignificant ones.

New Heart English Bible
"Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me," says the LORD of hosts. "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 my hand upon the little ones.

World English Bible
“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me,” says Yahweh of Armies. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Sword, awake against My Shepherd, "" And against a hero—My Fellow,” "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, and the flock is scattered, "" And I have put back My hand on the little ones.

Young's Literal Translation
Sword, awake against My shepherd, And against a hero -- My fellow, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts. Smite the shepherd, and scattered is the flock, And I have put back My hand on the little ones.

Smith's Literal Translation
O sword, be raised up against my shepherd, and against the man of my fellowship, says Jehovah of armies: strike the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered; and I turned back my hand upon the little ones.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that cleaveth to me, saith the Lord of hosts: strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand to the little ones.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Awake, O spear, against my shepherd and against the man that clings to me, says the Lord of hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. And I will turn my hand to the little ones.

New American Bible
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the one who is my associate —oracle of the LORD of hosts. Strike the shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.

New Revised Standard Version
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is my associate,” says the LORD of hosts. Strike the shepherd, that the sheep may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd and against the man who is my friend, says the LORD of hosts; smite the shepherd, and his sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the great ones.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Sword, awake against my Shepherd and against the man who is my friend. LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts says: strike The Shepherd and his flock will be scattered, and I shall turn my hand upon the disciples
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, And against the man that is near unto Me, Saith the LORD of hosts; Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; And I will turn My hand upon the little ones.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Awake, O sword, against my shepherds, and against the man who is my citizen, saith the Lord Almighty: smite the shepherds, and draw out the sheep: and I will bring mine hand upon the little ones.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scattered
7Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. 8And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it.…

Cross References
Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Mark 14:27
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

Isaiah 53:4-7
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. ...

John 16:32
“Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Matthew 26:56
But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

John 10:11-18
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Ezekiel 34:23
I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.

Psalm 22:16-18
For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. / I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. / They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

1 Peter 2:24-25
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” / For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Jeremiah 23:5-6
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.

Micah 5:2-4
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. / Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel. / He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Acts 2:23
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.


Treasury of Scripture

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, said the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand on the little ones.

O sword.

Deuteronomy 32:41,42
If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me…

Isaiah 27:1
In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

Jeremiah 47:6
O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

my shepherd.

Zechariah 11:4,7
Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; …

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Ezekiel 34:23,24
And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…

the man.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Jeremiah 23:5,6
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth…

Hosea 12:3-5
He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: …

smite.

Isaiah 53:4-10
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted…

Daniel 9:24-26
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy…

John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

the sheep.

Matthew 26:31,56
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad…

Mark 14:27,50
And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered…

John 16:32
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

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Zechariah 13
1. The fountain of purgation for Jerusalem,
2. from idolatry, and false prophecy.
7. The death of Christ, and the trial of a third part.














Awake, O sword
The phrase "Awake, O sword" is a divine command, indicating the initiation of judgment or action. In the Hebrew context, the "sword" often symbolizes divine judgment or warfare. Here, it is personified and called to action by God Himself. This reflects the seriousness and inevitability of the forthcoming event. The sword's awakening signifies a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, where divine justice and mercy intersect.

against My Shepherd
"My Shepherd" refers to a divinely appointed leader or figure, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. In the Hebrew tradition, a shepherd symbolizes guidance, care, and leadership. The possessive "My" emphasizes the close relationship and divine appointment of this shepherd. Historically, shepherds were vital to the community, and their role as protectors and guides is a recurring biblical theme, underscoring the gravity of the shepherd being struck.

against the man who is My Companion
The term "Companion" in Hebrew can denote a close associate or equal, suggesting a profound relationship between God and this individual. This phrase highlights the unique and intimate connection between God and the shepherd, further supporting the messianic interpretation. The use of "man" emphasizes the humanity of this figure, aligning with the Christian belief in the incarnation of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man.

declares the LORD of Hosts
This declaration comes from the "LORD of Hosts," a title that underscores God's supreme authority and command over heavenly armies. It reinforces the divine origin and authority of the prophecy. The phrase assures the reader of the certainty and power behind the words, as they are not merely human predictions but divine decrees from the sovereign Creator.

Strike the Shepherd
The command to "Strike the Shepherd" is a prophetic foretelling of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, this is directly referenced in the Gospels, where Jesus applies it to Himself (Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27). The striking of the shepherd is a necessary part of God's redemptive plan, illustrating the sacrificial role of Christ as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

and the sheep will be scattered
The scattering of the sheep symbolizes the dispersion and confusion of Christ's followers after His arrest and crucifixion. In a broader sense, it reflects the vulnerability of believers without their shepherd. Historically, this scattering was evident in the disciples' initial fear and disbandment. Yet, it also sets the stage for the eventual gathering and strengthening of the early Church through the Holy Spirit.

and I will turn My hand against the little ones
This phrase can be interpreted as a continuation of judgment or discipline, possibly referring to the trials faced by the early followers of Christ. The "little ones" may symbolize the disciples or the nascent Christian community. However, from a redemptive perspective, this turning of God's hand also implies His eventual protection and guidance, as seen in the growth and perseverance of the Church despite persecution. The phrase serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the refining process of His people through trials.

Verses 7-9. - § 4. For the smiting of the good Shepherd Israel is punished, passes through much tribulation, by which it is refined, and in the end (though reduced to a mere remnant) is saved. Verse 7. - Awake, O sword. Zechariah proceeds to show the course of the purification of the people. The mention of the false prophet and the shameful wounds in his flesh leads him to the contrast of the true Prophet and the effects of his "piercing." The abruptness of the commencement of the verse is dramatic, and gives no sufficient cause for supposing that this paragraph ought to be transferred (as Ewald and others desire) to the end of ch. 11. (For a similar apostrophe, comp. Jeremiah 47:6.) It is introduced here to show that all that happened to the Shepherd was done after the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God; and as if the sword could never have dared to act thus except it were permitted by the Divine will. The "sword" represents any kind of instrument that inflicts death (comp. Exodus 5:21; 2 Samuel 12:9; Isaiah 27:1). My Shepherd. The Shepherd of Jehovah, who is speaking. He is the good Shepherd, the Representative of Jehovah, mentioned in Zechariah 11:4, etc., the Messiah, who is identified with Jehovah in Zechariah 12:10. The Septuagint has, τοὺς ποιμένας μου, "my shepherds" (Vatican), as if no particular person was indicated, but rather all the leaders of the people of God; but the next clause seems to render the reference definite. The man that is my fellow. The word rendered "man" means rather "mighty man;" that rendered "fellow" occurs often in Leviticus, but nowhere else (Leviticus 5:21; 6:2; 19:11, 15, 17, etc.), and is usually translated "neighbour;" it implies one united to another by the possession of common nature, rights, and privileges. God could speak only of One thus associated with himself, that is, of him who could say, "I and my Father are One" (John 10:30). The term is variously translated by the versions. Septuagint, Ανδρα = πολίτην μου: Aquila, Ανδρα σύμφυλον μου: Vulgate, Virum cohaerentem mihi. That the Shepherd is Messiah is proved by Christ's application of the following clause to himself (Matthew 26:31). Smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. When Christ was apprehended, all the disciples forsook him and fled (Matthew 26:56); and what they did was done by others. Even the faithful few were scandalized at the cross The command, "Smite the Shepherd," like the apostrophe, "Awake, O sword," shows that it was God's purpose that was being there executed (see John 19:11; Acts 2:23). It is also thus intimated that the dispersion of the Jews, and their denationalizing, were results of this rejection and smiting of the Shepherd. This dispersion is farther explained in vers. 8, 9, where it is shown that to some it will be ruin, to others salvation. I will turn mine hand. "To turn," or "bring back the hand over," is used in a good and a bad sense (comp. Isaiah 1:25; Amos 1:8). There is a promise of comfort in the use of the phrase here. God's hand shall cover and protect some, while he punishes the others. Those thus protected are called the little ones, the humble and meek. This recalls Christ's words to his disciples, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Awake,
עוּרִ֤י (‘ū·rî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

O sword,
חֶ֗רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

My shepherd,
רֹעִי֙ (rō·‘î)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7473: Pastoral, a shepherd

against
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the man
גֶּ֣בֶר (ge·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply

who is My Companion,”
עֲמִיתִ֔י (‘ă·mî·ṯî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5997: Companionship, a comrade, kindred man

declares
נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

of Hosts.
צְבָא֑וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

“Strike
הַ֤ךְ (haḵ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the shepherd,
הָֽרֹעֶה֙ (hā·rō·‘eh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

and the sheep
הַצֹּ֔אן (haṣ·ṣōn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

will be scattered,
וּתְפוּצֶ֣יןָ (ū·ṯə·p̄ū·ṣe·nā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered

and I will turn
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י (wa·hă·ši·ḇō·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

My hand
יָדִ֖י (yā·ḏî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the little ones.
הַצֹּעֲרִֽים׃ (haṣ·ṣō·‘ă·rîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6819: To be or grow insignificant


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 13:7 Awake sword against my shepherd and against (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 13:6
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