Zechariah 14:6

Authorized King James Version

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And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:

Original Language Analysis

וְהָיָ֖ה H1961
וְהָיָ֖ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיּ֣וֹם And it shall come to pass in that day H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם And it shall come to pass in that day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 2 of 8
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
הַה֑וּא H1931
הַה֑וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 3 of 8
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
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֣ה H1961
יִהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 5 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
א֔וֹר that the light H216
א֔וֹר that the light
Strong's: H216
Word #: 6 of 8
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
יְקָר֖וֹת shall not be clear H3368
יְקָר֖וֹת shall not be clear
Strong's: H3368
Word #: 7 of 8
valuable (objectively or subjectively)
יְקִפָּאֽוֹן׃ nor dark H7087
יְקִפָּאֽוֹן׃ nor dark
Strong's: H7087
Word #: 8 of 8
to shrink, i.e., thicken (as unracked wine, curdled milk, clouded sky, frozen water)

Analysis & Commentary

This cryptic apocalyptic prophecy declares 'it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark' (the Hebrew text is difficult, with variant readings: 'precious lights will congeal' or 'lights will withdraw'). The vision depicts cosmic disruption accompanying the Day of the LORD. Verses 6-7 describe abnormal celestial phenomena: neither full light nor complete darkness, but twilight that persists. Verse 7 calls it 'one day... not day, nor night: but... at evening time it shall be light.' This supernatural light source recalls creation when God said 'Let there be light' before creating sun, moon, and stars (Genesis 1:3-5, 14-19). Eschatologically, it points to Revelation 21:23—the New Jerusalem needs no sun because 'the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.'

Historical Context

Zechariah 14 describes the eschatological Day of the LORD: nations gathering against Jerusalem (vv. 1-2), Messiah's appearing and fighting for Israel (vv. 3-5), cosmic upheaval (vv. 6-7), living waters flowing from Jerusalem (v. 8), and YHWH becoming king over all the earth (v. 9). This prophecy transcends immediate post-exilic context, pointing to end-times events. Partial historical fulfillments (Maccabean victories, Roman destruction, etc.) typify the ultimate fulfillment at Christ's return. Jesus referenced similar cosmic signs (Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24-25), as does Revelation (6:12-14, 8:12). The 'one day known to the LORD' (v. 7) emphasizes its uniqueness and divine sovereignty over timing.

Questions for Reflection