Zechariah 12:11
In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.
Original Language Analysis
בַּיּ֣וֹם
In that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
In that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֗וּא
H1931
הַה֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִגְדַּ֤ל
shall there be a great
H1431
יִגְדַּ֤ל
shall there be a great
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
3 of 10
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 10
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
Cross References
2 Kings 23:29In his days Pharaoh-nechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.2 Chronicles 35:24His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
Historical Context
Josiah's death (609 BC) at Megiddo fighting Pharaoh Necho was national catastrophe—Judah's last good king killed, leading to rapid decline and Babylonian captivity. This historical mourning typifies Israel's future grief when the 'spirit of grace and supplications' (12:10) opens their eyes to recognize the pierced Messiah they rejected.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that repentance can be both deeply sorrowful and ultimately redemptive?
- How does corporate recognition of sin (national mourning) differ from individual repentance, yet require it?
- When will this prophecy be fulfilled—at Christ's second coming, or progressively as Jewish people receive Jesus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יִגְדַּל הַמִּסְפֵּד בִּירוּשָׁלִַם כְּמִסְפַּד הֲדַדְרִּמּוֹן בְּבִקְעַת מְגִדּוֹן)—misped (mourning/lamentation) at unprecedented intensity. Hadadrimmon near Megiddo recalls King Josiah's death in battle (609 BC, 2 Chronicles 35:22-25), when Judah lost their most righteous king. National mourning for Josiah was proverbial for deepest grief.
Zechariah 12:10 explains the cause: "They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son"—Jerusalem will mourn when recognizing they crucified their Messiah. This is eschatological repentance when Israel corporately acknowledges Jesus. Paul confirms this in Romans 11:25-27: "All Israel shall be saved." The mourning is godly sorrow producing repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), preparing for national conversion.