Zechariah 1:17

Authorized King James Version

Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ע֣וֹד׀

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

קְרָ֣א

H7121

Cry

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אָמַר֙

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֤ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

צְבָא֔וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

ע֛וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

תְּפוּצֶ֥נָה

H6327

shall yet be spread abroad

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

#10

עָרַ֖י

H5892

My cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#11

מִטּ֑וֹב

H2896

through prosperity

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

#12

וְנִחַ֨ם

H5162

shall yet comfort

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

#13

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

#14

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

צִיּ֔וֹן

H6726

Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

#17

וּבָחַ֥ר

H977

and shall yet choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

#18

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#19

בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?