Zechariah 11:2

Authorized King James Version

Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵילִ֙ילוּ֙
H3213
Howl
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
#2
בְּרוֹשׁ֙
H1265
fir tree
a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)
#3
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
נָ֣פַל
H5307
is fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#5
אֶ֔רֶז
H730
for the cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
אַדִּרִ֖ים
H117
because the mighty
wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful
#8
שֻׁדָּ֑דוּ
H7703
are spoiled
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#9
הֵילִ֙ילוּ֙
H3213
Howl
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
#10
אַלּוֹנֵ֣י
H437
O ye oaks
oak tree
#11
בָשָׁ֔ן
H1316
of Bashan
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
#12
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
יָרַ֖ד
H3381
is come down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#14
יַ֥עַר
H3293
for the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#15
הַבָּצִֽור׃
H1208
of the vintage
inaccessible, i.e., lofty

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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