Zechariah 7:10

Authorized King James Version

And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַלְמָנָ֧ה
not the widow
a widow; also a desolate place
#2
וְיָת֛וֹם
nor the fatherless
a bereaved person
#3
גֵּ֥ר
the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#4
וְעָנִ֖י
nor the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#5
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תַּעֲשֹׁ֑קוּ
And oppress
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
#7
וְרָעַת֙
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#8
אִ֣ישׁ
against
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
אָחִ֔יו
his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#10
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#11
תַּחְשְׁב֖וּ
and let none of you imagine
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#12
בִּלְבַבְכֶֽם׃
in your heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Zechariah.

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