Zechariah 8:21

Authorized King James Version

And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵלְכָ֖ה

H1980

city shall go

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

יֽוֹשְׁבֵי֩

H3427

And the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אַחַ֜ת

H259

of one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחַ֜ת

H259

of one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלְכָ֖ה

H1980

city shall go

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֵלְכָ֖ה

H1980

city shall go

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְחַלּוֹת֙

H2470

to pray

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#13

וּלְבַקֵּ֖שׁ

H1245

and to seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#16

צְבָא֑וֹת

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

#17

אֵלְכָ֖ה

H1980

city shall go

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#18

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#19

אָֽנִי׃

H589

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?