Zechariah 6:1

Authorized King James Version

And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאָשֻׁ֗ב
And 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
וָאֶשָּׂ֤א
and lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#3
עֵינַי֙
mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#4
וָֽאֶרְאֶ֔ה
and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
וְהִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#6
אַרְבַּ֤ע
four
four
#7
מַרְכָּבוֹת֙
chariots
a chariot
#8
יֹֽצְא֔וֹת
and behold there came
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
מִבֵּ֖ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
שְׁנֵ֣י
from between two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#11
הָרֵ֥י
and the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#12
הָרֵ֥י
and the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#13
הָרֵ֥י
and the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#14
נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃
of brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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