Zechariah 14:11

Authorized King James Version

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And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

Original Language Analysis

וְיָשְׁבָ֥ה And men shall dwell H3427
וְיָשְׁבָ֥ה And men shall dwell
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בָ֔הּ H0
בָ֔הּ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 2 of 9
וְחֵ֖רֶם in it and there shall be no more utter destruction H2764
וְחֵ֖רֶם in it and there shall be no more utter destruction
Strong's: H2764
Word #: 3 of 9
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽהְיֶה H1961
יִֽהְיֶה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 5 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
ע֑וֹד H5750
ע֑וֹד
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 6 of 9
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וְיָשְׁבָ֥ה And men shall dwell H3427
וְיָשְׁבָ֥ה And men shall dwell
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם but Jerusalem H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם but Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 8 of 9
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
לָבֶֽטַח׃ shall be safely H983
לָבֶֽטַח׃ shall be safely
Strong's: H983
Word #: 9 of 9
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

Analysis & Commentary

And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction (וְיָשְׁבוּ בָהּ וְחֵרֶם לֹא יִהְיֶה־עוֹד)—yashav (dwell/inhabit) with security; cherem (utter destruction/devoted to destruction/ban) will never again threaten Jerusalem. Cherem is conquest/judgment language (Deuteronomy 7:2, Joshua 6:17)—cities under God's curse were utterly destroyed. Jerusalem itself experienced cherem in 586 BC (Babylon) and AD 70 (Rome). This verse promises: never again.

But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited (וְיָשְׁבָה יְרוּשָׁלִַם לָבֶטַח)—betach (security/safety) is covenant blessing language (Leviticus 25:18-19, Deuteronomy 12:10). Millennial Jerusalem enjoys perfect peace under Messiah's reign. No enemies threaten; no invasion possible. This fulfills Ezekiel's vision of secure Israel dwelling in unwalled cities because God Himself is their defense (Ezekiel 38:11). The ultimate fulfillment is the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-4) where death, sorrow, and destruction are banished forever.

Historical Context

Jerusalem's history is tragically violent: Babylonian destruction (586 BC), Roman destruction (AD 70), Crusader conquests, Muslim rule, constant warfare. This prophecy envisions an unprecedented era when Jerusalem is permanently secure—possible only when the Prince of Peace reigns from David's throne (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Questions for Reflection