Zechariah 7:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בִּשְׁנַ֣ת
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#3
בְּאַרְבָּעָ֛ה
And it came to pass in the fourth
four
#4
לְדָרְיָ֖וֶשׁ
Darius
darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings
#5
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
of king
a king
#6
הָיָ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
דְבַר
that the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#8
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
זְכַרְיָ֗ה
came unto Zechariah
zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites
#11
בְּאַרְבָּעָ֛ה
And it came to pass in the fourth
four
#12
לַחֹ֥דֶשׁ
month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#13
הַתְּשִׁעִ֖י
day of the ninth
ninth
#14
בְּכִסְלֵֽו׃
even in Chisleu
kisleu, the 9th hebrew month

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