Zechariah 14:17

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠הָיָה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יַעֲלֶ֜ה
H5927
And it shall be that whoso will not come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#5
מֵאֵ֨ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת
H4940
of all the families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#7
הָאָ֙רֶץ֙
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
H3389
unto Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#10
לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֔ת
H7812
to worship
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#11
לְמֶ֖לֶךְ
H4428
the King
a king
#12
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
צְבָא֑וֹת
H6635
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#14
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
הַגָּֽשֶׁם׃
H1653
even upon them shall be no rain
a shower

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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