Zechariah 10:7
And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָי֤וּ
H1961
וְהָי֤וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְגִבּוֹר֙
shall be like a mighty
H1368
כְגִבּוֹר֙
shall be like a mighty
Strong's:
H1368
Word #:
2 of 13
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
And they of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
And they of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 13
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְשָׂמַ֥ח
it and be glad
H8055
וְשָׂמַ֥ח
it and be glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
4 of 13
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
לִבָּ֖ם
man and their heart
H3820
לִבָּ֖ם
man and their heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 13
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יָ֑יִן
as through wine
H3196
יָ֑יִן
as through wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
7 of 13
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
וּבְנֵיהֶם֙
yea their children
H1121
וּבְנֵיהֶם֙
yea their children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִרְא֣וּ
shall see
H7200
יִרְא֣וּ
shall see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
9 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יָגֵ֥ל
shall rejoice
H1523
יָגֵ֥ל
shall rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
Historical Context
Northern tribes carried shame from Assyrian exile (722 BC) and were often despised by Judah. This promise of restored dignity and generational blessing offered hope that God's purposes for all twelve tribes remained intact. Christ's ministry intentionally included Samaritans (John 4), beginning reunification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does experiencing God's deliverance shift from mere relief to deep joy 'in the LORD' Himself?
- What responsibility do you have to ensure your children 'see and be glad'—witnessing God's faithfulness?
- In what ways can God restore dignity to those who feel permanently disqualified by past failure?
Analysis & Commentary
And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man (וְהָיוּ כְגִבּוֹר אֶפְרַיִם)—previously weak, rejected Ephraim becomes gibbor (mighty warrior) through divine empowerment. And their heart shall rejoice as through wine—samach (rejoice) is covenant joy, the gladness of restored relationship. Wine metaphor suggests celebratory exuberance, not drunkenness.
Yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD (וְיִרְאוּ בְנֵיהֶם וְשָׂמֵחוּ יָגֵל לִבָּם בַּיהוָה)—multi-generational blessing. Children witness God's faithfulness and join the rejoicing, ensuring covenant continuity. This is the goal of covenant theology: each generation experiencing God's saving power anew. Their joy is specifically in the LORD—not in victory itself but in knowing Yahweh as covenant God. This anticipates New Testament joy 'in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4).