Zechariah 3:8

Authorized King James Version

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְֽׁמַֽע
H8085
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
נָ֞א
H4994
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#3
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ׀
H3091
now O Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#4
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן
H3548
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#5
הַגָּד֗וֹל
H1419
the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#6
אַתָּה֙
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
וְרֵעֶ֙יךָ֙
H7453
thou and thy fellows
an associate (more or less close)
#8
הַיֹּשְׁבִ֣ים
H3427
that sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
H376
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)
#12
מוֹפֵ֖ת
H4159
wondered at
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
#13
הֵ֑מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#14
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
הִנְנִ֥י
H2005
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#16
מֵבִ֛יא
H935
for behold I will bring forth
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#17
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
עַבְדִּ֖י
H5650
my servant
a servant
#19
צֶֽמַח׃
H6780
the BRANCH
a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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