Zechariah 6:8

Authorized King James Version

Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּזְעֵ֣ק

H2199

Then cried

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

אֹתִ֔י

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר

H1696

me and spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

unto me saying

to say (used with great latitude)

רְאֵ֗ה

H7200

Behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הַיּֽוֹצְאִים֙

H3318

these that go

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

country

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

צָפֽוֹן׃

H6828

in the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

#11

הֵנִ֥יחוּ

H5117

have quieted

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

#12

אֶת

H853

he upon

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

רוּחִ֖י

H7307

my spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#14

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

country

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

צָפֽוֹן׃

H6828

in the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?