Zechariah 8:23

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּֽה
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
לֵאמֹ֗ר
H559
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
צְבָאוֹת֒
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
#5
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
H3117
In those 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
#6
הָהֵ֔מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
וְֽהֶחֱזִ֡יקוּ
H2388
even shall take hold
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#9
עֲשָׂרָ֣ה
H6235
it shall come to pass that ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#10
אִ֨ישׁ
H376
of him that is a Jew
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)
#11
מִכֹּ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
לְשֹׁנ֣וֹת
H3956
out of all languages
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#13
הַגּוֹיִ֑ם
H1471
of the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#14
וְֽהֶחֱזִ֡יקוּ
H2388
even shall take hold
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#15
בִּכְנַף֩
H3671
of the skirt
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#16
אִ֨ישׁ
H376
of him that is a Jew
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)
#17
יְהוּדִ֜י
H3064
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
#18
לֵאמֹ֗ר
H559
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#19
נֵֽלְכָה֙
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#20
עִמָּכֶ֔ם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#21
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#22
שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ
H8085
with you for we have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#23
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
H430
that God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#24
עִמָּכֶֽם׃
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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