Zechariah 1:9

Authorized King James Version

Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
מָה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
אֵ֣לֶּה
these or those
#4
אֲדֹנִ֑י
I O my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#5
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֵלַ֗י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הַמַּלְאָךְ֙
what are these And the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#8
הַדֹּבֵ֣ר
that talked
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
בִּ֔י
H0
#10
אֲנִ֥י
i
#11
אַרְאֶ֖ךָּ
unto me I will shew
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
מָה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#13
הֵ֥מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#14
אֵֽלֶּה׃
these or those

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection