Zechariah 8:5

Authorized King James Version

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בִּרְחֹֽבֹתֶֽיהָ׃
H7339
And the streets
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#2
הָעִיר֙
H5892
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
יִמָּ֣לְא֔וּ
H4390
shall be full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#4
יְלָדִ֖ים
H3206
of boys
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#5
וִֽילָד֑וֹת
H3207
and girls
a lass
#6
מְשַׂחֲקִ֖ים
H7832
playing
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#7
בִּרְחֹֽבֹתֶֽיהָ׃
H7339
And the streets
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection