Zechariah 4:14

Authorized King James Version

Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#3
שְׁנֵ֣י
he These are the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#4
בְנֵֽי
ones
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
הַיִּצְהָ֑ר
anointed
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
#6
הָעֹמְדִ֖ים
that stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אֲד֥וֹן
by the Lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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