Zechariah 10:9

Authorized King James Version

And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶזְרָעֵם֙
And I will sow
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#2
בָּֽעַמִּ֔ים
them among the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
וּבַמֶּרְחַקִּ֖ים
me in far countries
remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar
#4
יִזְכְּר֑וּנִי
and they shall remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#5
וְחָי֥וּ
and they shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#6
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#7
בְּנֵיהֶ֖ם
with their children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
וָשָֽׁבוּ׃
and turn again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection