אֱוִלִי (e.vi.li)
e.vi.li
foolish
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The term evili appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Zechariah 11:15. It functions as an adjective meaning foolish or senseless. In this specific context, it describes a "foolish shepherd," highlighting a leader who lacks wisdom and fails to care for the flock entrusted to him.
While the word itself is rare, its root connects to a broader biblical theme where folly represents a moral and spiritual failure rather than mere lack of intelligence. The prophet uses this label to criticize leaders who exploit their people instead of guiding them, showing how foolishness in leadership leads to ruin for the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word evili describes a deep-seated folly that goes beyond simple ignorance. It points to a moral blindness where one chooses to ignore wisdom and responsibility. In Zechariah’s time, this term condemned leaders who cared more for their own gain than the well-being of those they were meant to serve.
For your faith life, this word serves as a sobering reminder that true leadership requires humility and service. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, asking whether we are guiding others with care or acting out of self-interest. God values integrity over status, and He calls His people to reflect His wisdom in every relationship.
When we recognize the danger of such folly, we are drawn closer to Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. This word invites us to seek divine guidance rather than relying on our own limited understanding, trusting that God’s ways lead to lasting peace and community health.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- foolish1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱוִלִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 11:15
Yahweh said to me, “Take for yourself yet again the equipment of a foolish shepherd.
This verse uniquely applies the term to a shepherd appointed by Yahweh, highlighting the tragedy of a leader who fails in his divine calling.