Zechariah 12:14
All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֗ל
H3605
כֹּ֗ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת
All the families
H4940
מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת
All the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 8
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַנִּשְׁאָר֔וֹת
that remain
H7604
הַנִּשְׁאָר֔וֹת
that remain
Strong's:
H7604
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת
All the families
H4940
מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת
All the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 8
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת
All the families
H4940
מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת
All the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 8
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
לְבָ֑ד
H905
לְבָ֑ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Historical Context
This panoramic mourning involves all Israel—not just first-century crucifiers but the nation corporately recognizing their Messiah. Romans 11:26 promises: "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." Zechariah 12:10-14 describes how that salvation comes: through recognition, mourning, and repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- What does universal participation ('all families') teach about collective responsibility for sin?
- How does personal mourning ('every family apart') relate to corporate repentance movements?
- When have you experienced this combination of individual and corporate recognition of sin and need for cleansing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart (כֹּל הַמִּשְׁפָּחוֹת הַנִּשְׁאָרוֹת מִשְׁפָּחֹת מִשְׁפָּחֹת לְבָד וּנְשֵׁיהֶם לְבָד)—after specifying leadership (David, Nathan, Levi, Shimei), Zechariah adds 'all remaining families,' making clear that every clan, every household participates. No one is excluded from either guilt or repentance. Nish'ar (remain) might emphasize the remnant concept—those who survive tribulation to enter Messiah's kingdom.
The seven-fold repetition of "apart" (levad) in verses 12-14 stresses individuality of repentance. Even in corporate mourning, each person must personally acknowledge sin. This isn't mass hysteria but genuine conviction where every family and individual comes under conviction. It pictures Acts 2:37: "They were pricked in their heart, and said...What shall we do?" This prepares for 13:1's promise: "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness"—comprehensive cleansing through Messiah's blood.