Zechariah 8:16

Authorized King James Version

These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֥לֶּה
H428
these or those
#2
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
H1697
These are the things
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
H6213
that ye shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
דַּבְּר֤וּ
H1696
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
אֱמֶת֙
H571
of truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#7
אִ֣ישׁ
H376
ye 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)
#8
אֶת
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#9
רֵעֵ֔הוּ
H7453
to his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#10
אֱמֶת֙
H571
of truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#11
וּמִשְׁפַּ֣ט
H4941
the judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#12
שָׁל֔וֹם
H7965
and peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#13
שִׁפְט֖וּ
H8199
execute
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#14
בְּשַׁעֲרֵיכֶֽם׃
H8179
in your gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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