Zechariah 2:6

Authorized King James Version

Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֗וֹי
Ho
oh!
#2
ה֗וֹי
Ho
oh!
#3
וְנֻ֛סוּ
come forth and flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#4
מֵאֶ֥רֶץ
from the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
צָפ֖וֹן
of the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#6
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#7
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
כִּ֠י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
כְּאַרְבַּ֞ע
as the four
four
#10
רוּח֧וֹת
winds
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#11
הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם
of the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#12
פֵּרַ֥שְׂתִּי
for I have spread you abroad
to break apart, disperse, etc
#13
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#15
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Zechariah.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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