What does Zechariah 11:9 mean?
"Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another." - Zechariah 11:9

The verse Zechariah 11:9 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another." This verse is part of a larger passage in which the prophet Zechariah is delivering a message from the Lord to the people of Israel. In this particular passage, Zechariah is addressing the leaders of Israel, condemning their corruption and predicting the consequences of their actions.
In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to first examine the broader context in which it is found. The book of Zechariah was written during a time of great turmoil for the people of Israel. They had recently returned from exile in Babylon and were working to rebuild their nation and their relationship with God. However, they were still facing many challenges, both internal and external. The leaders of Israel were particularly corrupt, putting their own interests above those of the people they were supposed to be leading. Zechariah was sent by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people, urging them to repent and turn back to God.
The specific verse in question is a reflection of the judgment that Zechariah prophesies will come upon the corrupt leaders of Israel. The imagery used in the verse is vivid and stark, depicting a situation in which the leaders are abandoned by God and left to face the consequences of their actions. The refusal of the prophet to "feed" them symbolizes God's rejection of their leadership and the withdrawal of His care and protection. The statement "let it die" and "let it be cut off" further emphasizes the severity of the judgment that will befall them. The leaders will be left to face the destruction and devastation that they have brought upon themselves.
The final part of the verse, "let the rest eat every one the flesh of another," is a particularly vivid and disturbing image. This part of the verse has been interpreted in several different ways, but one common interpretation is that it represents the chaos and desperation that will result from the fall of the corrupt leaders. Without strong and righteous leadership, the people will turn against each other in their efforts to survive, leading to a society marked by selfishness, violence, and moral decay.
Overall, the verse Zechariah 11:9 is a powerful and sobering warning of the consequences of corruption and moral decay. It is a reminder that God will not tolerate injustice and oppression, and that those who abuse their power will ultimately face judgment. The verse also serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of pursuing righteousness and justice in all areas of life.
In conclusion, the verse Zechariah 11:9 from the King James Version of the Bible is a striking and powerful passage that carries a message of warning and judgment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of corruption and moral decay, and the importance of pursuing righteousness and justice. It is a stark and vivid portrayal of the judgment that will come upon those who abuse their power and fail to live in accordance with God's will. As such, it is a powerful and timeless message that continues to resonate with readers today.
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"Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another." - Zechariah 11:9
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."
Zechariah 14:9
1 Chronicles 9:37 - "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth."
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 6:9 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
"As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water." - Zechariah 9:11
Zechariah 11:4 - "Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;"
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."
1 Chronicles 9:21 - "And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
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 9:6 - "And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines."
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 9:2 - "And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise."
Zechariah 14:11 - "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited."
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."
1 Chronicles 26:11 - "Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen."
"And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth." - 1 Chronicles 9:37
Zechariah 12:9 - "¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."
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."
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 the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Zechariah 6:9
"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 9:3 - "And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets."
Zechariah 7:9 - "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:"
Zechariah 11:14 - "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."