Zechariah 13:6

Authorized King James Version

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָמַ֕ר
And one shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מָ֧ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
הַמַּכּ֛וֹת
unto him What are these wounds
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
#5
הָאֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#6
בֵּ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#7
יָדֶ֑יךָ
in thine hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#8
וְאָמַ֕ר
And one shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
הֻכֵּ֖יתִי
Those with which I was wounded
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#11
בֵּ֥ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
מְאַהֲבָֽי׃
of my friends
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection