Zechariah 14:7

Authorized King James Version

But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

י֣וֹם

H3117

day

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

אֶחָ֗ד

H259

But it shall be one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

ה֛וּא

H1931

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

יִוָּדַ֥ע

H3045

which shall be known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לַֽיהוָ֖ה

H3068

to the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

י֣וֹם

H3117

day

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

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

לָ֑יְלָה

H3915

nor night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

#11

וְהָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

לְעֵֽת

H6256

time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

#13

עֶ֖רֶב

H6153

but it shall come to pass that at evening

dusk

#14

יִֽהְיֶה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

אֽוֹר׃

H216

it shall be light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?