Zechariah 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם
H1
Your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#2
אַיֵּה
where?
#3
הֵ֑ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
וְהַ֨נְּבִאִ֔ים
where are they and the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#5
הַלְעוֹלָ֖ם
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#6
יִֽחְיֽוּ׃
do they live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection