Previous

Zechariah 11:16

Zechariah 11:17 web — Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be…

World English Bible

"Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!""

— Zechariah 11:17, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Zechariah 11:17 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Zechariah 11 — Context

14

Then I cut apart my other staff, even Union, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

15

Yahweh said to me, "Take for yourself yet again the equipment of a foolish shepherd.

16

For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.

17

Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!"

Zechariah 11:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Zechariah 11:17 say?
Zechariah 11:17 in the World English Bible reads: “Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!"”
Where is Zechariah 11:17 in the Bible?
Zechariah 11:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Zechariah, chapter 11, verse 17.
Who wrote Zechariah?
Zechariah is traditionally attributed to Zechariah son of Berechiah. It was written c. 520–470 BC.
What is the book of Zechariah about?
Zechariah encourages the temple builders with a series of eight night visions and oracles, all pointing forward to the coming King who will enter Jerusalem on a donkey and be "pierced" for his people. It is one of the most messianic books in the Old Testament.
What are the major themes of Zechariah?
Zechariah explores themes including Vision, Coming King, Messiah, Temple, Day of the LORD. These themes shape the meaning and context of Zechariah 11:17.
What translation should I read Zechariah 11:17 in?
Zechariah 11:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Zechariah 11:17?
Zechariah 11:17 reads (WEB): “Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on his arm, and on his right eye. His arm will be completely withered, and his right eye will be totally blinded!"” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2