Zechariah 8:3

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּ֚ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

שַׁ֚בְתִּי

H7725

I am returned

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִיּ֔וֹן

H6726

unto Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י

H7931

and will dwell

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙

H3389

and Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#10

וְנִקְרְאָ֤ה

H7121

shall be called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#11

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙

H3389

and Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#12

עִ֣יר

H5892

a city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#13

הָֽאֱמֶ֔ת

H571

of truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

#14

הַ֥ר

H2022

and the mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#15

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#16

צְבָא֖וֹת

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

הַ֥ר

H2022

and the mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#18

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

H6944

the holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Zechariah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?