diff --git a/zerver/management/commands/deliver_scheduled_emails.py b/zerver/management/commands/deliver_scheduled_emails.py
index f1eb47de5fa42..6d9503e45ae93 100644
--- a/zerver/management/commands/deliver_scheduled_emails.py
+++ b/zerver/management/commands/deliver_scheduled_emails.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def handle(self, *args: Any, **options: Any) -> None:
                 email_jobs_to_deliver = (
                     ScheduledEmail.objects.filter(scheduled_timestamp__lte=timezone_now())
                     .prefetch_related("users")
-                    .select_for_update()
+                    .select_for_update()[:1]
                 )
                 if email_jobs_to_deliver:
                     found_rows = True