Zechariah 13 6

Zechariah 13:6 kjv

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Zechariah 13:6 nkjv

And one will say to him, 'What are these wounds between your arms?' Then he will answer, 'Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.'

Zechariah 13:6 niv

If someone asks, 'What are these wounds on your body?' they will answer, 'The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.'

Zechariah 13:6 esv

And if one asks him, 'What are these wounds on your back?' he will say, 'The wounds I received in the house of my friends.'

Zechariah 13:6 nlt

And if someone asks, 'Then what about those wounds on your chest? ' he will say, 'I was wounded at my friends' house!'

Zechariah 13 verses

Zechariah 13 6 Meaning

Zechariah 13:6 describes a future scene where a figure, bearing visible wounds, is questioned about their origin. The figure explains that these wounds were inflicted "in the house of my friends," signifying suffering or betrayal by those who should have been allies or loved ones. The context is prophetic, hinting at the severe suffering of a unique individual who is central to the nation's purification and ultimately, the atonement for sin. The verse speaks to the unexpected source of deep pain, suggesting a poignant treachery or internal affliction rather than battle with open adversaries.

Zechariah 13 6 Context

Zechariah 13 is set within a broader prophetic discourse (Zech 9-14) concerning the future of Israel and Jerusalem, culminating in the Lord's universal reign. Chapter 13 specifically transitions from national repentance and mourning over a pierced one (Zech 12:10) to a vision of purification. It begins with the opening of a "fountain for sin and for uncleanness" (Zech 13:1). This cleansing leads to the eradication of idolatry and false prophecy from the land (Zech 13:2-5). The passage describing the interrogation about wounds in Zechariah 13:6 immediately precedes the pronouncement of the Lord striking "My Shepherd" (Zech 13:7). This sequence places the individual with wounds at a pivotal point of suffering and purification, implicitly connecting their affliction to the profound spiritual cleansing and the ultimate striking of the Messianic Shepherd for the sake of His people. The question posed in Zech 13:6 can be understood as coming from those who have come through a process of spiritual awakening and now encounter this wounded figure, whose suffering is linked to unexpected internal origins rather than external enemies.

Zechariah 13 6 Word analysis

• And one shall say unto him:

  • Significance: This signifies an inquiry from an observer, suggesting that the wounds are visible and notable enough to provoke questioning. "One" is undefined, implying a common, perhaps bewildered, inquiry. It establishes an interaction, making the wounds a matter of public attention.

• What are these wounds (מַכּוֹת - makkōṯ) in thine hands (יָדַיִךְ - yāḏayik̠)?:

  • makkōṯ: "Wounds," "blows," or "stripes." This term strongly implies severe, inflicted injury, not accidental. It points to a violent cause.
  • yāḏayik̠: "Hands." The specific mention of hands is crucial. In prophetic literature, wounds in hands carry significant weight, especially when considering the Messiah. Historically, punishments could be meted out on various parts of the body, but specific wounds to the hands are distinctive and suggest a particularly painful and vulnerable affliction. It also denotes the instrument of activity, now marked by suffering.
  • Significance: The question is direct, focusing on the visible signs of trauma, particularly on the hands. For Christian interpreters, this evokes the pierced hands of Jesus on the cross, making this a pivotal messianic prophecy. The nature of "makkot" confirms violent infliction, setting it apart from self-harm.

• Then he shall answer, 'Those with which I was wounded':

  • Significance: The immediate answer confirms the wounds are real and suffered, directly countering any notion of self-infliction or deception. The "he" here is the recipient of the questioning, clearly identifying with the affliction.

• in the house (בֵּית - bêṯ) of my friends (מְאַהֲבָי - mə’ahăḇay).:

  • bêṯ: "House." Denotes origin, place of residence, or family/kinship circle. Not just a random location, but an intimate or familiar one.
  • mə’ahăḇay: "My friends," "my lovers," or "those who love me." This term suggests intimacy, affection, and loyalty. Its use here in contrast with causing wounds creates a powerful oxymoron, highlighting deep betrayal.
  • Significance: This phrase is the most poignant aspect of the verse. The wounds are not from acknowledged enemies but from within a circle of trusted associates or family. This implies betrayal, treachery, or profound disappointment, amplifying the suffering. It turns the conventional understanding of conflict on its head; the greatest wounds come from those nearest. For Christ, this finds a direct parallel in Judas's betrayal, as well as the rejection and crucifying of the Son by His own people (Israel). The original audience would have understood the sting of internal conflict and disloyalty within a community or family unit, though they may not have fully grasped its ultimate Messianic significance without further divine revelation.

• "What are these wounds in thine hands?" (group analysis)

  • This phrase captures intense curiosity mixed with horror regarding clearly visible, severe injuries to the most active part of a person. The wounds are not discreet, prompting an undeniable public inquiry.

• "Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends." (group analysis)

  • This full reply paints a vivid picture of personal suffering that is both profound and deeply intimate. The location "house" underscores the closeness, while "friends/lovers" transforms the wound's origin from expected hostility to devastating betrayal. It points to suffering inflicted not by strangers or declared foes, but by those expected to give love and protection, a powerful statement on the nature of ultimate sacrifice and human failing.

Zechariah 13 6 Bonus section

The historical-cultural context for the original audience might have brought to mind scenarios of clan warfare, family feuds, or the pain of a son or leader being wounded by internal factions or disloyal followers. The idea of one's own people causing harm would have been a vivid reality for Israel, having experienced civil strife, rebellion against kings, and prophets rejected by their own countrymen. This underlying cultural resonance intensifies the prophetic picture of a messianic figure wounded by "his own." This prophetic statement sets up a future revelation where the wounds, rather than being a mark of shame from enemies, become a powerful identifier of suffering and, ultimately, a conduit for national repentance and redemption. It serves as a stark reminder that rejection of divine truth often originates not from outright opposition, but from those within one's community or household who harden their hearts.

Zechariah 13 6 Commentary

Zechariah 13:6 stands as a powerfully enigmatic verse, especially significant for its prophetic foreshadowing. It depicts a figure bearing the marks of a violent ordeal, specifically in their hands, who, when asked about the origin of these wounds, reveals they were inflicted by "friends" or "lovers" within their own "house." This immediately draws the reader's attention from an external enemy to an internal source of suffering, imbuing the affliction with the added pain of betrayal and disloyalty.

The immediate context (Zech 13:1-5) speaks of purification from sin and idolatry, and then Zech 13:7 declares God's command to strike "My Shepherd." Christian theology deeply connects these verses to Jesus Christ. The wounds "in the hands" resonate profoundly with the crucifixion, where His hands were literally pierced with nails (Ps 22:16, John 20:25). The response, "in the house of my friends," encapsulates the betrayal by Judas (Matt 26:47-50, John 13:18) and the ultimate rejection and crucifixion by His own people, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11). The severity of the Messianic suffering is heightened because it came not from open adversaries but from those who should have welcomed Him, signifying the cost of human sin and the depth of God's redemptive plan. This verse highlights that Christ's ultimate suffering included the deep sorrow of rejection and treachery from those He came to save, a pain more profound than any physical wound.