Zechariah 13:9

Authorized King James Version

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵבֵאתִ֤י
And I will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַשְּׁלִשִׁית֙
the third part
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#4
בָּאֵ֔שׁ
through the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#5
כִּצְרֹ֣ף
and will refine
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
#6
כִּצְרֹ֣ף
and will refine
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַכֶּ֔סֶף
them as silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#9
כִּבְחֹ֣ן
and will try
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
#10
כִּבְחֹ֣ן
and will try
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַזָּהָ֑ב
them as gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#13
ה֣וּא׀
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
#14
יִקְרָ֣א
they shall call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#15
בִשְׁמִ֗י
on my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
וַֽאֲנִי֙
i
#17
אֶעֱנֶ֣ה
and I will hear
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#18
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
יֹאמַ֖ר
and they shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#20
עַמִּ֣י
It is my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#21
ה֔וּא
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
#22
וְה֥וּא
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
#23
יֹאמַ֖ר
and they shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#24
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#25
אֱלֹהָֽי׃
is my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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

Questions for Reflection