Zechariah 13:2

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַיּ֨וֹם

H3117

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

הַה֜וּא

H1931

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

נְאֻ֣ם׀

H5002

saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

צְבָא֗וֹת

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

אַכְרִ֞ית

H3772

that I will cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת

H853

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

שְׁמ֤וֹת

H8034

the names

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#10

הָֽעֲצַבִּים֙

H6091

of the idols

an (idolatrous) image

#11

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#12

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#14

יִזָּכְר֖וּ

H2142

and they shall no more be remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#15

ע֑וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#16

וְגַ֧ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

הַנְּבִיאִ֛ים

H5030

and also I will cause the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#19

וְאֶת

H853

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

#20

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#21

הַטֻּמְאָ֖ה

H2932

and the unclean

religious impurity

#22

אַעֲבִ֥יר

H5674

to pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#23

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#24

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?