Zechariah 8:4

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּ֤ה

H3541

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

אָמַר֙

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

צְבָא֔וֹת

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

עֹ֤ד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

יֵֽשְׁבוּ֙

H3427

dwell

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

וּזְקֵנ֔וֹת

H2205

There shall yet old men

old

וּזְקֵנ֔וֹת

H2205

There shall yet old men

old

בִּרְחֹב֖וֹת

H7339

in the streets

a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

#10

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#11

וְאִ֧ישׁ

H376

and 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)

#12

מִשְׁעַנְתּ֛וֹ

H4938

with his staff

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

#13

בְּיָד֖וֹ

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#14

מֵרֹ֥ב

H7230

for very

abundance (in any respect)

#15

יָמִֽים׃

H3117

age

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?