Zechariah 14:19
This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Original Language Analysis
תִּהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
תִּהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְחַטַּאת֙
This shall be the punishment
H2403
וְחַטַּאת֙
This shall be the punishment
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
3 of 14
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
וְחַטַּאת֙
This shall be the punishment
H2403
וְחַטַּאת֙
This shall be the punishment
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 14
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
of all nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
of all nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
7 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַֽעֲל֔וּ
that come not up
H5927
יַֽעֲל֔וּ
that come not up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
לָחֹ֖ג
to keep
H2287
לָחֹ֖ג
to keep
Strong's:
H2287
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Millennial kingdom serves as final demonstration of human depravity: even under perfect conditions (Christ physically reigning, Satan bound, righteousness enforced), human hearts remain rebellious without regeneration. Nations attempt non-compliance despite consequences, proving that external restraint doesn't change hearts—only grace through faith brings genuine transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does universal punishment for non-worship teach about God's rightful demand for acknowledgment?
- How does millennial rebellion (despite perfect conditions) demonstrate humanity's core problem is heart rebellion?
- In what way does enforced worship during millennium differ from voluntary worship characterizing New Jerusalem?
Analysis & Commentary
This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles (זֹאת תִּהְיֶה חַטַּאת מִצְרַיִם וְחַטַּאת כָּל־הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר לֹא יַעֲלוּ לָחֹג אֶת־חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת)—chatta't can mean sin, sin-offering, or punishment for sin. Here it's punishment/consequence. Egypt and all nations (goyim) face identical judgment for refusing worship obligations. This reiterates verses 17-18's warning, emphasizing certainty of enforcement.
The repetition underscores seriousness: millennial kingdom isn't optional participation. All humanity must acknowledge Yahweh as King and Jerusalem as worship center. This fulfills Philippians 2:10-11: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." The difference: some bow willingly (believers), others compelled by judgment (rebels). Millennial kingdom demonstrates Christ's rightful sovereignty before final judgment when rebellion is permanently ended (Revelation 20:7-15).