Zechariah 12:3

Authorized King James Version

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֣ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַיּוֹם
H3117
And in that day
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
#3
הַ֠הוּא
H1931
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
#4
אָשִׂ֨ים
H7760
will I make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
H3389
Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#7
אֶ֤בֶן
H68
stone
a stone
#8
מַֽעֲמָסָה֙
H4614
a burdensome
burdensomeness
#9
לְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
H5971
for all people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
עֹמְסֶ֖יהָ
H6006
all that burden
to load, i.e., impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)
#13
יִשָּׂרֵ֑טוּ
H8295
themselves with it shall be cut in pieces
to gash
#14
יִשָּׂרֵ֑טוּ
H8295
themselves with it shall be cut in pieces
to gash
#15
וְנֶאֶסְפ֣וּ
H622
be gathered together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#16
עָלֶ֔יהָ
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
גּוֹיֵ֥י
H1471
though all the people
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#19
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection