The false messiah in Zechariah 13:6

Zechariah 13:6 is a verse that has sparked considerable discussion, particularly regarding its interpretation in Jewish and Christian traditions.  The verse states: 

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

Contextual Overview:

Zechariah 13 addresses a future time when false prophets will be exposed and removed from the community.  Verses 2–5 describe the elimination of idols and false prophets, emphasizing that even close relatives will denounce those who prophesy falsely.  In this context, verse 6 continues the theme by depicting a scenario where a person is questioned about wounds on his body, to which he responds evasively, attributing them to injuries sustained in his friends' house. 

Jewish Interpretation:

In Jewish exegesis, this passage is understood as referring to false prophets who, upon being confronted, deny their prophetic activities and attempt to conceal their true identities.  The "wounds between your hands" are interpreted as marks resulting from self-inflicted injuries associated with idolatrous practices or as punishments administered by others for false prophecy.  The phrase "between your hands" is often understood idiomatically, referring to the chest or back area, rather than literal wounds on the hands.  This interpretation aligns with the broader context of the chapter, which focuses on purging false prophecy and idolatry from the community. 

Rabbi Tovia Singer's Perspective:

Rabbi Tovia Singer, a prominent Jewish counter-missionary, emphasizes that Zechariah 13:6 does not pertain to the Messiah but rather to false prophets.  He argues that applying this verse to Jesus is a misinterpretation, as the surrounding context clearly addresses the eradication of false prophecy.  Rabbi Singer highlights that the individual's attempt to deflect attention from his wounds indicates a desire to hide his involvement in prohibited practices, reinforcing the theme of exposing and eliminating false prophets. 

Christian Interpretation:

Some Christian interpretations view Zechariah 13:6 as a prophetic reference to Jesus, interpreting the "wounds between your hands" as indicative of the crucifixion wounds.  However, this perspective is contested by scholars who point out that the context of the verse pertains to false prophets, not the Messiah.  Moreover, the original Hebrew phrase is more accurately translated as "between your hands," suggesting wounds on the body rather than specifically on the hands.  This linguistic nuance challenges the direct association with crucifixion wounds. 

Conclusion:

Zechariah 13:6, within its immediate context, addresses the theme of false prophecy and the community's efforts to eliminate it.  The verse portrays a scenario where a false prophet attempts to conceal his identity and the source of his wounds.  Jewish interpretations, supported by scholars like Rabbi Tovia Singer, maintain that this passage does not refer to the Messiah but serves as a caution against false prophets.  While some Christian readings see a messianic prophecy, this view is debated due to contextual and linguistic considerations.