Zechariah 14:3

Authorized King James Version

Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָצָ֣א
go forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
יְהוָ֔ה
Then shall the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
הִֽלָּחֲמ֖וֹ
and fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#4
בַּגּוֹיִ֣ם
against those nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
הָהֵ֑ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
בְּי֥וֹם
as when
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
הִֽלָּחֲמ֖וֹ
and fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#8
בְּי֥וֹם
as when
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
קְרָֽב׃
of battle
hostile encounter

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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