Zechariah 13:6
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 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Zechariah in the Old Testament is a prophetic passage that alludes to the betrayal and rejection that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would face. The wounds mentioned in this verse are symbolic of the suffering and rejection that Jesus would endure, specifically at the hands of his own people. This verse foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus, where he would be wounded and pierced for the sins of the world. The reference to being wounded in the house of his friends highlights the betrayal of Jesus by those closest to him, such as Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. It serves as a reminder of the pain and suffering that Jesus willingly endured for the salvation of humanity, despite being rejected by those he loved. This verse is a poignant reminder of the sacrificial love of Jesus and the betrayal he faced, ultimately leading to his crucifixion and resurrection.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the speaker is referring to wounds in their hands that were inflicted by their "friends." The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that the wounds mentioned here may be a foreshadowing of the suffering that Jesus Christ would endure at the hands of his own people. Some scholars also associate these wounds with the crucifixion wounds that Jesus bore on the cross. The mention of wounds in the hands could be a reference to the crucifixion nails that were driven through Jesus' hands. This interpretation highlights the idea that Jesus suffered greatly for the sins of humanity, even at the hands of those he loved. It also emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death, as he willingly endured physical and emotional pain for the redemption of all.
Zechariah 13:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds between thine arms? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
World English Bible
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.’
Douay-Rheims
And they shall say to him: What are these wounds in the midst of thy hands? And he shall say: With these I was wounded in the house of them that loved me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And one shall say vnto him, What are these woundes in thine hands? Then he shall answere, Thus was I wounded in the house of my friendes.