Zechariah 8:17

Authorized King James Version

And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִ֣ישׁ׀

H376

And let none

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)

אֶת

H853

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

רָעַ֣ת

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

רֵעֵ֗הוּ

H7453

against his neighbour

an associate (more or less close)

אַֽל

H408

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

תַּחְשְׁבוּ֙

H2803

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

בִּלְבַבְכֶ֔ם

H3824

in your hearts

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּשְׁבֻ֥עַת

H7621

oath

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

שֶׁ֖קֶר

H8267

no false

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

#10

אַֽל

H408

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

#11

תֶּאֱהָ֑בוּ

H157

and love

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

#12

כִּ֧י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

אֵ֛לֶּה

H428

these or those

#16

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

שָׂנֵ֖אתִי

H8130

for all these are things that I hate

to hate (personally)

#18

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#19

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?