Zechariah 9:13

Authorized King James Version

When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
דָרַ֨כְתִּי
When I have bent
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#3
לִ֜י
H0
#4
יְהוּדָ֗ה
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#5
קֶ֚שֶׁת
the bow
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#6
מִלֵּ֣אתִי
for me filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#7
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
with Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#8
וְעוֹרַרְתִּ֤י
and raised up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#9
בָּנַ֖יִךְ
against thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
צִיּ֔וֹן
O Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
בָּנַ֖יִךְ
against thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
יָוָ֑ן
O Greece
javan, the name of a son of joktan, and of the race (ionians, i.e., greeks) descended from him, with their territory; also of a place in arabia
#14
וְשַׂמְתִּ֖יךְ
and made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#15
כְּחֶ֥רֶב
thee as the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#16
גִּבּֽוֹר׃
of a mighty man
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zechariah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection