What does Zechariah 11:14 mean?
"Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." - Zechariah 11:14

In the book of Zechariah, the prophet delivers a powerful message regarding the rejection and betrayal of the Good Shepherd. In Zechariah 11:14 (KJV), it states, "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." This verse is a part of a larger passage in which Zechariah portrays the rejection of the Good Shepherd by the people of Judah and Israel.
The verse begins with the phrase "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands." Here, the "staff" is a symbol of authority and leadership, and it represents the protection and guidance that the Good Shepherd provides to his flock. The cutting asunder of the staff signifies the breaking of this vital support, indicating the withdrawal of the divine protection and guidance over the people.
The mention of "Bands" in the verse refers to the unity and brotherhood between Judah and Israel. By breaking the "Bands," it represents the division and discord that will arise between the two nations. This disruption of unity reflects the consequences of the rejection of the Good Shepherd. The once-united brotherhood between Judah and Israel will be broken, leading to discord and strife among the people.
The underlying theme of Zechariah 11:14 (KJV) is the consequences of rejecting the leadership and guidance of the Good Shepherd. The people's rejection of God's chosen leader will result in the loss of divine protection, as symbolized by the cutting of the staff. Additionally, the breakdown of unity between Judah and Israel signifies the division and discord that will ensue due to their rejection of the Good Shepherd.
In a broader context, the rejection of the Good Shepherd in this passage can be interpreted as a metaphor for the rejection of God's guidance and leadership by His people. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as the ultimate shepherd, guiding and protecting His flock. When the people turn away from God and reject His authority, they are left vulnerable to the consequences of their actions. The broken brotherhood between Judah and Israel serves as a warning of the division and strife that result from turning away from God's guidance.
Symbolism plays a significant role in Zechariah 11:14 (KJV), as the staff represents authority and protection, while the "Bands" symbolize unity and brotherhood. The act of breaking the staff and Bands serves as a powerful visual representation of the consequences of rejecting the Good Shepherd. It signifies the loss of divine protection and the breakdown of unity among the people.
In conclusion, Zechariah 11:14 (KJV) conveys a message of warning and consequences for the rejection of the Good Shepherd. The breaking of the staff and Bands symbolizes the loss of divine protection and the division among the people. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of heeding God's guidance and the unity that comes from following His leadership. This verse serves as a timeless lesson for humanity, emphasizing the significance of remaining faithful to God and the detrimental effects of turning away from His guidance.
Have questions about Zechariah 11:14?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Zechariah 11:14 Artwork
Zechariah 11:14 - "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."
"Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." - Zechariah 11:14
Zechariah 14:11 - "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited."
"And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited." - Zechariah 14:11
Zechariah 14:9
Zechariah 11:11 - "And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD."
Zechariah 6:14 - "And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD."
Zechariah 12:14 - "All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart."
Zechariah 4:14 - "Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
Zechariah 11:4 - "Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;"
Zechariah 14:6 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:"
Zechariah 14:14 - "And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance."
Ezra 8:11 - "And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males."
Zechariah 12:11 - "In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon."
Zechariah 14:1 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
Zechariah 7:11 - "But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear."
Zechariah 11:1 - "Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars."
Zechariah 14:19 - "This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."
Zechariah 8:11 - "But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts."
Zechariah 11:15 - "¶ And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd."
Zechariah 14:15 - "And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague."
Zechariah 11:3 - "¶ There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled."
Zechariah 14:3 - "Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle."
Zechariah 14:9 - "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."
1 Chronicles 26:11 - "Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen."
Zechariah 6:11 - "Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;"
Luke 1:11-12
"And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD." - Zechariah 11:11
Zechariah 14:20 - "¶ In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar."
Zechariah 9:11 - "As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water."