Zechariah 12:7

Authorized King James Version

The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהוֹשִׁ֧עַ

H3467

also shall save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

The LORD

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָהֳלֵ֥י

H168

the tents

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

of Judah

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

בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה

H7223

first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לְמַ֨עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִגְדַּ֜ל

H1431

do not magnify

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

#10

וְתִפְאֶ֛רֶת

H8597

and the glory

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

#11

בֵּית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

דָּוִ֗יד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#13

וְתִפְאֶ֛רֶת

H8597

and the glory

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

#14

יֹשֵׁ֥ב

H3427

of the inhabitants

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

#15

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#16

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

of Judah

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

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?