Zechariah 3:7

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֞ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

צְבָא֗וֹת

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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בִּדְרָכַ֤י

H1870

in my ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

תֵּלֵךְ֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאִ֣ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֣י

H4931

my charge

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

#11

תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר

H8104

and if thou wilt keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#12

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#13

אַתָּה֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#14

תָּדִ֣ין

H1777

then thou shalt also judge

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

בֵּיתִ֔י

H1004

my house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#17

וְגַ֖ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#18

תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר

H8104

and if thou wilt keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

חֲצֵרָ֑י

H2691

my courts

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

#21

וְנָתַתִּ֤י

H5414

and I will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#22

לְךָ֙

#23

מַהְלְכִ֔ים

H4108

thee places to walk

a walking (plural collectively), i.e., access

#24

בֵּ֥ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#25

הָעֹמְדִ֖ים

H5975

among these that stand by

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#26

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?