Zechariah 13:4

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֣וֹם
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
#3
הַה֗וּא
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
#4
יֵבֹ֧שׁוּ
H954
shall be ashamed
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#5
הַנְּבִיאִ֛ים
H5030
that the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
אִ֥ישׁ
H376
every one
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)
#7
מֵחֶזְיֹנ֖וֹ
H2384
of his vision
a revelation, expectation by dream
#8
בְּהִנָּֽבְאֹת֑וֹ
H5012
when he hath prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#9
וְלֹ֧א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִלְבְּשׁ֛וּ
H3847
neither shall they wear
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#11
אַדֶּ֥רֶת
H155
garment
something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)
#12
שֵׂעָ֖ר
H8181
a rough
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#13
לְמַ֥עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#14
כַּחֵֽשׁ׃
H3584
to deceive
to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection