Zechariah 10:5

Authorized King James Version

And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָי֨וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְגִבֹּרִ֜ים
H1368
And they shall be as mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#3
בּוֹסִ֨ים
H947
men which tread down
to trample (literally or figuratively)
#4
בְּטִ֤יט
H2916
their enemies in the mire
mud or clay; figuratively, calamity
#5
חוּצוֹת֙
H2351
of the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#6
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
H4421
in the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#7
וְנִ֨לְחֲמ֔וּ
H3898
and they shall fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#8
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
because the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
עִמָּ֑ם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#11
וְהֹבִ֖ישׁוּ
H3001
shall be confounded
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#12
רֹכְבֵ֥י
H7392
is with them and the riders
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#13
סוּסִֽים׃
H5483
on horses
a horse (as leaping)

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