Zechariah 2:11

Authorized King James Version

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִלְווּ֩
H3867
shall be joined
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#2
גוֹיִ֨ם
H1471
nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
רַבִּ֤ים
H7227
And many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#4
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
בַּיּ֣וֹם
H3117
in that 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
#7
הַה֔וּא
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
#8
וְהָ֥יוּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
לִ֖י
H0
#10
לְעָ֑ם
H5971
and shall be my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֣י
H7931
and I will dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#12
בְתוֹכֵ֔ךְ
H8432
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#13
וְיָדַ֕עַתְּ
H3045
of thee and thou shalt know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#14
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
צְבָא֖וֹת
H6635
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#17
שְׁלָחַ֥נִי
H7971
hath sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#18
אֵלָֽיִךְ׃
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to

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

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