Zechariah 12:6

Authorized King James Version

In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיּ֣וֹם
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
הַה֡וּא
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
אָשִׂים֩
will I make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
אַלֻּפֵ֨י
the governors
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
#6
יְהוּדָ֜ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#7
כְּֽכִיּ֧וֹר
like an hearth
properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl
#8
אֵשׁ֙
of fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
בְּעֵצִ֗ים
among the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#10
וּכְלַפִּ֥יד
and like a torch
a flambeau, lamp or flame
#11
אֵשׁ֙
of fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#12
בְּעָמִ֔יר
in a sheaf
a bunch of grain
#13
וְאָ֨כְל֜וּ
and they shall devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
יָמִ֧ין
on the right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#16
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
שְׂמֹ֛אול
and on the left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
הָעַמִּ֖ים
all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#21
סָבִ֑יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#22
וְיָשְׁבָ֨ה
shall be inhabited
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#23
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
again in her own place even in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#24
ע֛וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#25
תַּחְתֶּ֖יהָ
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#26
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
again in her own place even in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection