Zechariah 10:3

Authorized King James Version

Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
הָֽרֹעִים֙
H7462
against the shepherds
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#3
חָרָ֣ה
H2734
was kindled
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#4
אַפִּ֔י
H639
Mine anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#5
וְעַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הָעַתּוּדִ֖ים
H6260
the goats
prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
#7
פָקַד֩
H6485
and I punished
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#8
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
פָקַד֩
H6485
and I punished
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#10
יְהוָ֨ה
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
צְבָא֤וֹת
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
#12
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
עֶדְרוֹ֙
H5739
his flock
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
בֵּ֣ית
H1004
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#16
יְהוּדָ֔ה
H3063
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#17
וְשָׂ֣ם
H7760
and hath made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#18
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
כְּס֥וּס
H5483
horse
a horse (as leaping)
#20
הוֹד֖וֹ
H1935
them as his goodly
grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)
#21
בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃
H4421
in the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Zechariah.

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