Zechariah 13:8

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

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

בְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

And it shall come to pass that in all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

פִּֽי

H6310

parts

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

שְׁנַ֣יִם

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָּ֔הּ

יִכָּרְת֖וּ

H3772

therein shall be 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

#10

יִגְוָ֑עוּ

H1478

and die

to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire

#11

וְהַשְּׁלִשִׁ֖ית

H7992

but the third

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

#12

יִוָּ֥תֶר

H3498

shall be left

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

#13

בָּֽהּ׃

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?