Zechariah 12:5

Authorized King James Version

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָֽמְר֛וּ

H559

shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

אַלֻּפֵ֥י

H441

And the governors

familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בְּלִבָּ֑ם

H3820

in their heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אַמְצָ֥ה

H556

shall be my strength

force

לִי֙

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

The inhabitants

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

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בַּיהוָ֥ה

H3068

in the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

צְבָא֖וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#11

אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃

H430

their God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?