Zechariah 4:10

Authorized King James Version

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

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
מִ֣י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
בַז֮
H936
For who hath despised
to disrespect
#4
לְי֣וֹם
H3117
the 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
#5
קְטַנּוֹת֒
H6996
of small things
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#6
וְשָׂמְח֗וּ
H8055
for they shall rejoice
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#7
וְרָא֞וּ
H7200
and shall see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#8
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הָאֶ֧בֶן
H68
the plummet
a stone
#10
הַבְּדִ֛יל
H913
alloy (because removed by smelting); by analogy, tin
#11
בְּיַ֥ד
H3027
in the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל
H2216
of Zerubbabel
zerubbabel, an israelite
#13
שִׁבְעָה
H7651
with those seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#14
אֵ֑לֶּה
H428
these or those
#15
עֵינֵ֣י
H5869
they are the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#16
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
הֵ֥מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#18
מְשׁוֹטְטִ֖ים
H7751
which run to and fro
properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel
#19
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
through the whole earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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