Zechariah 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאָשׁ֕וּב
H7725
Then I turned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
וָאֶשָּׂ֥א
H5375
and lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#3
עֵינַ֖י
H5869
mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#4
וָֽאֶרְאֶ֑ה
H7200
and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
וְהִנֵּ֖ה
H2009
lo!
#6
מְגִלָּ֥ה
H4039
roll
a roll
#7
עָפָֽה׃
H5774
and behold a flying
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection