Zechariah 12:4

Authorized King James Version

In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיּ֨וֹם
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
#2
הַה֜וּא
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
#3
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#4
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אַכֶּ֖ה
I will smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
ס֣וּס
every horse
a horse (as leaping)
#8
בַּתִּמָּה֔וֹן
with astonishment
consternation
#9
וְרֹכְב֖וֹ
and his rider
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#10
בַּשִּׁגָּע֑וֹן
with madness
craziness
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
בֵּ֤ית
upon the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#14
אֶפְקַ֣ח
and I will open
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
עֵינַ֔י
mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#17
וְכֹל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
ס֣וּס
every horse
a horse (as leaping)
#19
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#20
אַכֶּ֖ה
I will smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#21
בַּֽעִוָּרֽוֹן׃
with blindness
blindness

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 sovereignty 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection