Zechariah 12:10

Authorized King James Version

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשָׁפַכְתִּי֩

H8210

And I will pour

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֵּ֨ית

H1004

upon the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

דָּוִ֜יד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְעַ֣ל׀

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

and upon the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

ר֤וּחַ

H7307

the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

חֵן֙

H2580

of grace

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

#10

וְתַ֣חֲנוּנִ֔ים

H8469

and of supplications

earnest prayer

#11

וְהִבִּ֥יטוּ

H5027

and they shall look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

#12

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

אֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

דָּקָ֑רוּ

H1856

upon me whom they have pierced

to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile

#16

כְּמִסְפֵּד֙

H5594

for him as one mourneth

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

#17

עָלָ֗יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

כְּמִסְפֵּד֙

H5594

for him as one mourneth

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

#19

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#20

הַיָּחִ֔יד

H3173

for his only

properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)

#21

כְּהָמֵ֥ר

H4843

for him as one that is in bitterness

to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)

#22

עָלָ֖יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#23

כְּהָמֵ֥ר

H4843

for him as one that is in bitterness

to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)

#24

עַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#25

הַבְּכֽוֹר׃

H1060

for his firstborn

first-born; hence, chief

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 19:37 John 19:37
And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
— They shall look on him whom they pierced
² Revelation 1:7 Revelation 1:7
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
— They also which pierced him

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of grace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about grace, 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 grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?