Zechariah 2:8

Authorized King James Version

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כֹ֣ה
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַר֮
H559
For thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
צְבָאוֹת֒
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
#6
אַחַ֣ר
H310
After
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
כָּב֔וֹד
H3519
the glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#8
שְׁלָחַ֕נִי
H7971
hath he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַגּוֹיִ֖ם
H1471
me unto the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#11
הַשֹּׁלְלִ֣ים
H7997
which spoiled
to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder
#12
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
כִּ֚י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
נֹגֵ֖עַ
H5060
you for he that toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#15
בָּכֶ֔ם
H0
#16
נֹגֵ֖עַ
H5060
you for he that toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#17
בְּבָבַ֥ת
H892
the apple
something hollowed (as a gate), i.e., pupil of the eye
#18
עֵינֽוֹ׃
H5869
of his eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection