Zechariah 9:5

Authorized King James Version

Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תֵּרֶ֨א
shall see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
וְאַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
Ashkelon
ashkelon, a place in palestine
#3
וְתִירָ֗א
it and fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#4
מֵֽעַזָּ֔ה
Gaza
azzah, a place in palestine
#5
וְתָחִ֣יל
sorrowful
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
#6
מְאֹ֔ד
also shall see it and be very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#7
וְעֶקְר֖וֹן
and Ekron
ekron, a place in palestine
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
הֹבִ֣ישׁ
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#10
מֶבָּטָ֑הּ
for her expectation
something expected, i.e., (abstractly) expectation
#11
וְאָ֤בַד
H6
shall perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#12
מֶ֙לֶךְ֙
and the king
a king
#13
מֵֽעַזָּ֔ה
Gaza
azzah, a place in palestine
#14
וְאַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
Ashkelon
ashkelon, a place in palestine
#15
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
תֵשֵֽׁב׃
shall not be inhabited
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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