Zechariah 7:9

Authorized King James Version

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
לֵאמֹ֑ר
Thus speaketh
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
Thus speaketh
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
מִשְׁפַּ֤ט
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#7
אֱמֶת֙
true
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#8
שְׁפֹ֔טוּ
Execute
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#9
וְחֶ֣סֶד
mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#10
וְרַֽחֲמִ֔ים
and compassions
compassion (in the plural)
#11
עֲשׂ֖וּ
and shew
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
אִ֥ישׁ
every man
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)
#13
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#14
אָחִֽיו׃
to his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of mercy 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 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 mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection