Zechariah 12:9

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it shall come to pass 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
הַה֑וּא
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
אֲבַקֵּ֗שׁ
that I will seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#5
לְהַשְׁמִיד֙
to destroy
to desolate
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
all the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#9
הַבָּאִ֖ים
that come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
against Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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