Zechariah 10:12
And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְגִבַּרְתִּים֙
And I will strengthen
H1396
וְגִבַּרְתִּים֙
And I will strengthen
Strong's:
H1396
Word #:
1 of 6
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבִשְׁמ֖וֹ
in his name
H8034
וּבִשְׁמ֖וֹ
in his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
3 of 6
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 2:5O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.Zechariah 10:6And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.Micah 4:5For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.2 Timothy 2:1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.Colossians 2:6As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Isaiah 45:24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.Genesis 24:40And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house:
Historical Context
Zechariah's audience needed assurance that despite weakness, God would empower them for restoration work. Walking 'in His name' meant rebuilding temple and community as Yahweh's representatives. This same principle empowers the church—not self-generated strength, but divine enablement through union with Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What's the difference between being 'strong' and being 'strengthened in the LORD'—where is the locus of power?
- What does it mean practically to 'walk in His name' in your daily activities and relationships?
- How does understanding strength as relational (derived from God) change your approach to ministry and challenges?
Analysis & Commentary
And I will strengthen them in the LORD (וְגִבַּרְתִּים בַּיהוָה)—gibar (make strong/mighty) in Yahweh, not in themselves. Strength is relational, derived from covenant union with God. This is the essence of biblical empowerment: dependence, not autonomy. And they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD (וּבִשְׁמוֹ יִתְהַלָּכוּ נְאֻם־יְהוָה)—halak (walk) represents entire lifestyle; in his name means under His authority, representing His character, empowered by His presence.
This is 'abiding in Christ' theology (John 15:4-5): fruitfulness flows from remaining connected to the source. To 'walk in God's name' is to live as His representatives, reflecting His glory, operating under His commission. Acts 3:6 demonstrates this: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk"—apostolic ministry functioned through Christ's delegated authority. Every believer is called to this: strengthened in the Lord, walking in His name, as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).