Zechariah 1:11

Authorized King James Version

And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּעֲנ֞וּ

H6030

And they answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַלְאַ֣ךְ

H4397

the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָֽעֹמֵד֙

H5975

that stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בֵּ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַהֲדַסִּ֔ים

H1918

among the myrtle trees

the myrtle

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ

H1980

We have walked to and fro

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

and behold all the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

וְהִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

#12

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

and behold all the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

יֹשֶׁ֥בֶת

H3427

sitteth still

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#15

וְשֹׁקָֽטֶת׃

H8252

and is at rest

to repose (usually figurative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Zechariah's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Zechariah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?