Zechariah 9:3

Authorized King James Version

And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּ֥בֶן
did build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
צֹ֛ר
And Tyrus
tsor, a place in palestine
#3
מָצ֖וֹר
herself a strong hold
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
#4
לָ֑הּ
H0
#5
וַתִּצְבָּר
and heaped up
to aggregate
#6
כֶּ֙סֶף֙
silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#7
כֶּֽעָפָ֔ר
as the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#8
וְחָר֖וּץ
and fine gold
properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee
#9
כְּטִ֥יט
as the mire
mud or clay; figuratively, calamity
#10
חוּצֽוֹת׃
of the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection