Zechariah 8:15

So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֵּ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

שַׁ֤בְתִּי

H7725

So again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

זָמַ֙מְתִּי֙

H2161

have I thought

to plan, usually in a bad sense

בַּיָּמִ֣ים

H3117

in these days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

לְהֵיטִ֥יב

H3190

to do well

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

אֶת

H853

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

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

unto Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְאֶת

H853

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

#10

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

and to the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

יְהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#12

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#13

תִּירָֽאוּ׃

H3372

fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?