Zechariah 7:12

Authorized King James Version

Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִבָּ֞ם
H3820
their hearts
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#2
שָׂ֣מוּ
H7760
Yea they made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#3
שָׁמִ֗יר
H8068
as an adamant stone
a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond
#4
מִ֠שְּׁמוֹעַ
H8085
lest they should hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הַתּוֹרָ֤ה
H8451
the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#7
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַדְּבָרִים֙
H1697
and the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
שָׁלַ֜ח
H7971
hath sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
צְבָאֽוֹת׃
H6635
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#13
בְּרוּח֔וֹ
H7307
in his spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#14
בְּיַ֖ד
H3027
by
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#15
הַנְּבִיאִ֣ים
H5030
prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#16
הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֑ים
H7223
the former
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#17
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
קֶ֣צֶף
H7110
wrath
a splinter (as chipped off)
#19
גָּד֔וֹל
H1419
therefore came a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#20
מֵאֵ֖ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#22
צְבָאֽוֹת׃
H6635
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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