Zechariah 1:13

And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣עַן

H6030

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,

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

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

הַמַּלְאָ֛ךְ

H4397

the angel

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

הַדֹּבֵ֥ר

H1696

that talked

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בִּ֖י

דְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

טוֹבִ֑ים

H2896

with me with good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

דְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#10

נִחֻמִֽים׃

H5150

and comfortable

properly, consoled; abstractly, solace

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?