Zechariah 13:3

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֗ה

H1961

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

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְּהִנָּבְאֽוֹ׃

H5012

him through when he prophesieth

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אִישׁ֮

H376

And it shall come to pass that when any

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עוֹד֒

H5750

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

וְאָמְר֣וּ

H559

him shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֠לָיו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָבִ֧יהוּ

and his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאִמּ֛וֹ

H517

and his mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#10

יֹלְדָ֖יו

H3205

that begat

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#11

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#12

תִֽחְיֶ֔ה

H2421

unto him Thou shalt not live

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#13

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

שֶׁ֥קֶר

H8267

lies

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

#15

דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ

H1696

for thou speakest

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#16

בְּשֵׁ֣ם

H8034

in the name

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

#17

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#18

וּדְקָרֻ֜הוּ

H1856

him shall thrust

to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile

#19

אָבִ֧יהוּ

and his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#20

וְאִמּ֛וֹ

H517

and his mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#21

יֹלְדָ֖יו

H3205

that begat

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#22

בְּהִנָּבְאֽוֹ׃

H5012

him through when he prophesieth

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?