Zechariah 2:1

Authorized King James Version

I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶשָּׂ֥א
I lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
עֵינַ֛י
mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
וָאֵ֖רֶא
again and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#5
אִ֑ישׁ
and behold a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
וּבְיָד֖וֹ
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
חֶ֥בֶל
line
ruin
#8
מִדָּֽה׃
with a measuring
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Zechariah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection