Zechariah 11:1

Authorized King James Version

Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פְּתַ֥ח
Open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#2
לְבָנ֖וֹן
O Lebanon
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine
#3
דְּלָתֶ֑יךָ
thy doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#4
וְתֹאכַ֥ל
may devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
אֵ֖שׁ
that the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#6
בַּאֲרָזֶֽיךָ׃
thy cedars
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection