Zechariah
Zechariah front
Introduction to Zechariah
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Zechariah
- Zechariah calls the returning nation of Israel to repent and return to Yahweh (1:1–6)
- The eight night visions (1:7–6:8)
- Yahweh sends his messengers throughout the whole earth (1:7–17)
- Four horns and four craftsmen (1:18–21)
- The measuring line (2:1–13)
- The priest in filthy clothes (3:1–10)
- The golden lampstand olive trees (4:1–14)
- The flying scroll (5:1–4)
- The woman in a basket (5:5–11)
- Four chariots (6:1–8)
- A crown for the high priest (6:9–15)
- Questions about fasting (7:1–8:23)
- Yahweh judges the nations and saves his people (9:1–11:17)
- Final message (12:1–14:21)
- Yahweh will finally defeat Israel’s enemies (12:1–9)
- Israel mourns for the one they pierced (12:10–14)
- Yahweh purifies Israel and removes false prophets (13:1–6)
- Yahweh comes as king (14:1–21)
What is the Book of Zechariah about?
Zechariah wrote to the people of Judah who returned from being exiled in Babylon. The people of Judah continued to sin, as their ancestors did before they went into exile. Zechariah called the people to repent and to obey Yahweh. And he called them to renew the covenant with Yahweh. Zechariah also prophesied about the Messiah and about Israel finally being victorious over her enemies. (See: covenant)
How should the title of this book be translated?
This book traditionally has been titled “Zechariah” or “The Book of Zechariah.” Translators may decide to call it the “The Book About Zechariah” or “The Sayings of Zechariah.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Who wrote the Book of Zechariah?
The prophet Zechariah wrote this book between 520 and 518 B.C.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Did Zechariah prophesy before Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai?
Zechariah prophesied before the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He prophesied at the same time as Haggai and continued after Haggai.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?
The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was a son of Isaac. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. Zechariah uses the term “Israel” to refer to both the nation of Israel and the northern kingdom of Israel.
What imagery does Zechariah use in reference to the Messiah?
Zechariah presented the Messiah as both a king and a shepherd. Zechariah said that the Messiah would come and deliver his people. However, the Messiah would also be pierced (12:10) and struck with the sword (13:7). (See: Christ, Messiah)
What does the phrase “that day” mean?
Zechariah often spoke of the last days by using the phrase “that day” or “in that day.” When referring to a future “day,” the translator should be aware that the author may be speaking about the last days. (See: last day, last days, latter days)
Zechariah 1
Zechariah 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written in prose mainly with imagery used throughout to portray Zechariah’s vision given by the Lord.
Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULT and many other English translations set lines 1:3–6, 14–17, which are extended quotations, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Special concepts in this chapter
Visions
This book contains a number of visions given to Zechariah, so the images are not ones Zechariah actually saw but were given to him in a vision or dream. It is important for each of these visions to keep their meanings and not be interpreted to mean any specific thing.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Date
Zechariah uses two separate dates in this first chapter. When compared to the book of Haggai, Zechariah’s prophecy was proclaimed just a few weeks after Haggai. However, they prophesied in two different places: Haggai was in Jerusalem and Zechariah was somewhere outside of Jerusalem. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Zechariah 1:1
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Quote: In the eighth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of October and the first part of November on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
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Quote: the second year of Darius’ reign (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“the second year of the reign of Darius the king” or “the second year since Darius became king”
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Quote: Yahweh (0)This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
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Quote: Berechiah … Iddo (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
Zechariah 1:2
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Quote: exceedingly angry with your fathers (0)Alternate translation: “very angry with your forefathers”
Zechariah 1:3
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Quote: Turn to me … and I will return to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of having a change of attitude toward another person as if it were turning or returning. The people turning to Yahweh means that they will again be devoted to him and worship him, while Yahweh returning to the people means that he will again bless them and help them.
Zechariah 1:4
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Quote: Turn from your evil ways and wicked practices (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
No longer doing certain actions is spoken of as if it were turning away from those actions. Alternate translation: “Stop doing all of your wicked actions”
Zechariah 1:5
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Quote: Your fathers, where are they? Where are the prophets, are they here forever? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These two rhetorical questions emphasize that both their ancestors and the prophets who proclaimed Yahweh’s message to their ancestors have died. The questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Neither your fathers nor the prophets are here because they have all died.”
Zechariah 1:6
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Quote: But my words and my decrees that I commanded my servants the prophets, have they not overtaken your fathers? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer that it anticipates. Yahweh speaks of the people’s ancestors experiencing the consequences of not obeying Yahweh’s commands as if his words and decrees were a person who had chased after and overtaken them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “But my words and my decrees that I commanded my servants the prophets have overtaken your fathers.” or “But your fathers have suffered the consequences for disobeying my words and my decrees that I commanded my servants the prophets to tell them.”
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Quote: my words and my decrees (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These phrases are both ways to refer to Yahweh’s message that the prophets had declared to their ancestors.
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Quote: our ways and actions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “ways” and “actions” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “our behavior”
Zechariah 1:7
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Quote: the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“Shebat” is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-fourth day is near the middle of February on Western calendars.
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Quote: in the second year of Darius’ reign (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“in the second year of the reign of Darius the king” or “in the second year since Darius became king.” See how you translated this in Zechariah 1:1.
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Quote: Berechiah … Iddo (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
Zechariah 1:8
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Quote: look (0)The word “look” here shows that Zechariah was surprised by what he saw.
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Quote: myrtle trees (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a kind of small tree with colorful flowers
Zechariah 1:9
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Quote: I said, “What are these things, Lord?” Then the angel who talked with me (0)Here Zechariah speaks to an unidentified angel. This is not the same as the “man” who was “riding on a red horse.”
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Quote: What are these things, Lord? (0)“What are these things, sir?” Here the word “Lord” is a form of polite address.
Zechariah 1:10
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Quote: the man who stood among the myrtle trees (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
These phrases refer to the man who “was riding on a red horse” in Zechariah 1:8. This could mean: (1) the man dismounted his horse and stood or (2) the word “stood” is an idiom that means he was located in that position. Alternate translation: “the man who was among the myrtle trees”
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Quote: to roam throughout the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implicit that Yahweh sent these out to walk about in order to patrol the earth. This does not suggest that they were wandering or lost.
Zechariah 1:11
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Quote: the angel of Yahweh who stood among the myrtle trees (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase refers to the man who “was riding on a red horse” in Zechariah 1:8. This could mean: (1) the man dismounted his horse and stood or (2) the word “stood” is an idiom that means he was located in that position. Alternate translation: “the angel of Yahweh who was among the myrtle trees”
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Quote: all the earth sits still and is at rest (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
There being peace and quiet in the world is spoken of as if the earth were a person who is still and resting. This could mean: (1) this is a good thing that means that there is peace between nations or (2) this is a bad thing that means that there is no war because nations are helpless to fight against a stronger nation that has subdued them.
Zechariah 1:12
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Quote: to Jerusalem and to the cities of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the words “Jerusalem” and “cities” refer to the people who live in those cities. Alternate translation: “to the people of Jerusalem and to the people of the cities of Judah”
Zechariah 1:13
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Quote: with good words, words of comfort (0)Alternate translation: “with good, comforting words”
Zechariah 1:14
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Quote: I have been jealous for Jerusalem (0)Here the word “jealous” refers to Yahweh’s strong desire to protect his people.
Zechariah 1:15
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Quote: I am very angry with the nations that are at ease (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “at ease” means that the people thought that they lived in peace and security. Alternate translation: “I am very angry with the nations that enjoy peace and security”
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Quote: I was only a little angry with them (0)Alternate translation: “I was only a little angry with the people of Jerusalem”
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Quote: they made the disaster worse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“the nations that are at ease made the disaster worse.” This means that although Yahweh used these nations to punish Jerusalem, they did more harm to Jerusalem than what Yahweh had intended for them to do.
Zechariah 1:16
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Quote: I have returned to Jerusalem with mercies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of having a change of attitude towards the people of Jerusalem and again blessing them and helping them as if he were returning to the city. Alternate translation: “I will once again show mercy towards Jerusalem”
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Quote: My house will be built within her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “her” refers to Jerusalem, and the word “house” is a metonym for the temple. Alternate translation: “The people will build my temple in Jerusalem”
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Quote: the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to builders using their instruments to rebuild the city. Alternate translation: “builders will stretch out their measuring lines over Jerusalem”
Zechariah 1:17
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Quote: Again call out, saying (0)The angel who was speaking to Zechariah says these words.
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Quote: My cities will once again overflow with goodness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “my cities” refers to the cities of Judah and represents the people who live in those cities. Alternate translation: “My cities will once again be prosperous”
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Quote: Yahweh will again comfort Zion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “Zion” refers to the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will again comfort the people in Zion”
Zechariah 1:18
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Quote: I lifted up my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “eyes” represents the person who looks. Alternate translation: “I looked up”
Zechariah 1:19
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Quote: These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
Horns were often used as a symbol for military power. Alternate translation: “These horns represent the nations that have scattered the people of Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem”
Zechariah 1:20
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Quote: four craftsmen (0)Alternate translation: “blacksmiths” or “metalworkers”
Zechariah 1:21
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Quote: these people (0)This refers to the four craftsmen.
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Quote: These are the horns that scattered Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The horns symbolize the powerful nations that had conquered the kingdoms of Israel. Alternate translation: “These horns represent the nations that scattered the people of Judah”
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Quote: so that no man would lift up his head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The nations oppressing the people of Judah severely is spoken of as if no person in Judah was able to raise his head. Alternate translation: “and caused them to suffer greatly”
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Quote: to cast down the horns of the nations that lifted up a horn against the land of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the nations using their military power to conquer Judah as if the nations had lifted up their horns. He speaks of these four craftsmen destroying the military power of these nations as if the craftsmen threw those horns to the ground. Alternate translation: “to destroy the power of the nations who used their military might against the land of Judah”
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Quote: to cast down the horns of the nations that lifted up a horn (0)Alternate translation: “to cast down the horns that the nations had lifted up”
Zechariah 2
Zechariah 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is introduced in prose with imagery used in the rest of the chapter to portray Zechariah’s third vision about measuring lines given by the Lord.
Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 2:4–13, which are extended quotations, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Special concepts in this chapter
Visions
This book contains a number of visions given to Zechariah so the images are not ones Zechariah actually saw but were given to him in a vision or dream. It is important for each of these visions to keep their meanings and not be interpreted to mean any specific thing. Please be careful to translate each of the terms in your language.
Zechariah 2:1
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Quote: I lifted up my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “eyes” represents the person who looks. Alternate translation: “I looked up”
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Quote: measuring line (0)a rope with a certain length that a person would use to measure buildings or large sections of land
Zechariah 2:2
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Quote: So he said to me (0)Alternate translation: “So the man with the measuring line said to me”
Zechariah 2:3
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Quote: another angel went out to meet him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants
This angel is a new participant who has not appeared before this verse.
Zechariah 2:4
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Quote: The second angel said to him (0)Alternate translation: “The second angel said to the angel who had talked with me”
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Quote: Jerusalem will sit in the open country … beasts within her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase “will sit in the open country” translates a word that refers to a city that has no walls. There will be so many inhabitants in the city that it will be too large to have walls around it. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem will not have walls around it … beasts within the city”
Zechariah 2:5
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Quote: I … will become for her a wall of fire around her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People built walls around their cities for protection. Here Yahweh speaks of protecting Jerusalem as if he himself were a wall of fire around the city. Alternate translation: “I … will protect the city, like a wall of fire around it”
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Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Zechariah 1:4. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
Zechariah 2:6
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Quote: Up! Up! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words express urgency and add emphasis to the following command. The words can be translated with an expression that communicates urgency in your language. Alternate translation: “Run! Run!” or “Hurry! Hurry!”
Zechariah 2:7
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Quote: you who live with the daughter of Babylon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “daughter of Babylon” refers to the city of Babylon. Yahweh speaks of the city as if it were a daughter. Alternate translation: “you who live in Babylon”
Zechariah 2:8
General Information:
Zechariah begins to speak and tells how Yahweh is sending him to judge the nations who have plundered Jerusalem.
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Quote: for whoever touches you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “touches” refers to a touch meant to harm. Alternate translation: “for whoever harms you”
Zechariah 2:9
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Quote: I myself will shake my hand over them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Raising one’s hand against another person is a gesture of hostility. Here it is a symbolic action that means that God will attack those who harm Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “I myself will fight against them” or “I myself will attack them”
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Quote: they will be plunder for their slaves (0)The word “plunder” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “their slaves will plunder them”
Zechariah 2:10
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Quote: Sing for joy, daughter of Zion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Zion” is the same as “Jerusalem.” The prophet speaks of the city as if it is a daughter. Zechariah personifies the city as a person who can sing. Alternate translation: “Sing for joy, Zion”
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Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Zechariah 1:4. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
Zechariah 2:11
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Quote: great nations will join themselves to Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zechariah speaks of the people of great nations becoming Yahweh’s people and worshiping him as if they were joining themselves to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the people of great nations will become the people of Yahweh”
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Quote: in that day (0)Alternate translation: “at that time”
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Quote: I will encamp in the midst of you (0)Alternate translation: “I will live among you”
Zechariah 2:12
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Quote: Yahweh will inherit Judah as his rightful possession (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zechariah speaks of Yahweh claiming Judah as his own land as if Judah were something that Yahweh inherits as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will claim Judah as his rightful possession”
Zechariah 2:13
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Quote: all flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “flesh” represents all humanity. Alternate translation: “all people”
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Quote: he has been roused (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zechariah speaks of Yahweh beginning to act as if someone had roused Yahweh from inactivity. Alternate translation: “he is coming”
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Quote: from out of his holy place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “his holy place” refers to heaven, and not to the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “from his holy place in heaven”
Zechariah 3
Zechariah 3 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is introduced in prose and shares the fourth vision, which is the priest in dirty clothes. (See: priest, priesthood)
Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 3:7–9, which is an extended quotation, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Difficult concepts in this chapter
Visions
It is important for each of these visions to keep their meanings and not be interpreted to mean any specific thing.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
The high priest
This chapter seems to refer to a particular person, Joshua the high priest. However, little is known about him. (See: high priest, chief priests)
Zechariah 3:1
General Information:
Yahweh shows Zechariah a vision of Joshua the priest.
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Quote: Satan was standing at his right hand to accuse him of sin (0)Alternate translation: “Satan was standing at Joshua’s right side, ready to accuse Joshua of sin”
Zechariah 3:2
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Quote: Is this not a brand pulled from the fire? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The angel of Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer that it anticipates. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Joshua is a brand pulled from the fire.”
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Quote: a brand pulled from the fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A brand is a burning piece of wood. The angel of Yahweh speaks of Joshua being rescued from captivity in Babylon as if he were a piece of wood that someone pulls from a fire before the wood is completely burned.
Zechariah 3:3
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Quote: Joshua was dressed in filthy garments (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
In this vision “filthy garments” are symbolic of sinfulness.
Zechariah 3:4
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Quote: those who stood before him (0)The word “him” refers to the angel. The phrase refers to other angels who were present.
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Quote: Look (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”
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Quote: I have caused your iniquity to pass from you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Since Joshua’s garments were symbolic of his sinfulness, by removing his garments, the angel removed Joshua’s iniquity. Causing iniquity to pass from him is an idiom that means that he had removed Joshua’s iniquity. Alternate translation: “I have removed your iniquity from you”
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Quote: dress you in fine clothing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
Here fine clothing symbolizes righteousness.
Zechariah 3:5
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Quote: Let them put (0)Here the word “them” refers to the other angels who were present.
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Quote: turban (0)a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head
Zechariah 3:6
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Quote: solemnly commanded Joshua (0)Alternate translation: “commanded Joshua in a very serious manner”
Zechariah 3:7
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Quote: If you will walk in my ways, and if you will keep my commandments (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “If you will obey me and keep my commandments”
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Quote: you will govern my house and guard my courts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “house” is a metonym for the temple, while the word “courts” refers to the courtyards around the temple. Together the phrases mean that Joshua will have authority over the whole temple complex. Alternate translation: “you will have authority over my temple and its courtyards”
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Quote: to go and come among these who stand before me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “to go and come among” is an idiom that means that Joshua will be a part of this group and have the same privilege as they do of access to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to come before me as these who stand here do”
Zechariah 3:8
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Quote: your companions who live with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase refers to other priests who would serve in the temple under the leadership of Joshua. Alternate translation: “the other priests who live with you”
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Quote: For these men are a sign (0)Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special meaning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of the priests serving in the temple as being this sign that shows that Yahweh will bring his servant.
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Quote: my servant the Branch (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “Branch” refers to a messianic figure that would serve as king over Yahweh’s people. Yahweh speaks of this person as if he were a branch that grows out from a tree. Since the word “Branch” is a title, it should be translated with an equivalent word in your language.
Zechariah 3:9
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Quote: the stone that I have set before Joshua (0)Here the word “stone” likely refers to a precious stone or jewel.
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Quote: There are seven eyes on this single stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sides or facets of the stone that reflect light are spoken of as if they are eyes. Alternate translation: “There are seven sides on this single stone”
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Quote: engrave (0)Alternate translation: “carve”
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Quote: I will remove the sin from this land in one day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “land” represents the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “I will remove the sin of the people from this land in one day”
Zechariah 3:10
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Quote: each man will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and under his fig tree (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Both the “vine” and the “fig tree” are symbols of prosperity. This phrase describes actions in which people live prosperously and in peace. Alternate translation: “because they will be at peace, each person will invite his neighbor to come and sit under his vine and his fig tree”
Zechariah 4
Zechariah 4 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written mainly in prose about the fifth vision, which is about the golden lampstand olive trees.
Special concepts in this chapter
Visions
This chapter shows a conversation between Zechariah and the angel of Yahweh. It is important for each of these visions to keep their meanings and not be interpreted to mean any specific thing.
Zechariah 4:1
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Quote: roused me like a man roused from his sleep (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Zechariah compares the way in which the angel interrupted his being in deep thought with the way someone would awaken another person from sleep. Alternate translation: “caused me to become more alert like a man awakened from his sleep”
Zechariah 4:2
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Quote: lamp wicks (0)the parts of a lamp that are lit on fire
Zechariah 4:3
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Quote: the left side (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The ellipsis in this phrase may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “the left side of the bowl”
Zechariah 4:5
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Quote: Do you not know what these things mean? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The angel asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that Zechariah should have known what these things mean. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know what these things mean.”
Zechariah 4:6
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The angel who speaks with Zechariah continues to explain the vision.
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Quote: Not by might nor by power (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since there is no verb in this phrase, it may be necessary in your language to supply one. Alternate translation: “You will not succeed by might nor by power”
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Quote: Not by might nor by power (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
This could mean: (1) that the words “might” and “power” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Zerubbabel’s strength or (2) that the word “might” refers to military strength and the word “power” refers to Zerubbabel’s physical ability. Alternate translation: “Certainly not by your own strength” or “Not by military strength nor by your own power”
Zechariah 4:7
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Quote: What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of the obstacles that Zerubbabel will face as if they were a large mountain. Alternate translation: “You are nothing, great mountain! Zerubbabel will cause you to become a plain”
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Quote: he will bring out the top stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The top stone is the last stone placed when building something. This refers to the top stone of the temple. Alternate translation: “he will bring out the top stone of the temple” or “he will complete the construction of the temple”
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Quote: to shouts of ‘Grace! Grace to it!’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) the word “grace” refers to God’s grace and the people are requesting that God bless the completed temple. Alternate translation: “while people shout, ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’” or (2) the word “grace” refers to beauty and the people are declaring how beautiful the completed temple is. Alternate translation: “while people shout, ‘Beautiful! It is beautiful!’”
Zechariah 4:8
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The angel who speaks with Zechariah continues to explain the vision.
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Quote: The word of Yahweh came to me, saying (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to me. He said” or “Yahweh spoke this message to me”
Zechariah 4:9
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Quote: The hands of Zerubbabel have laid … his hands will bring it to completion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hands” represents Zerubbabel. Alternate translation: “Zerubbabel has laid … he will bring it to completion”
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Quote: the foundation of this house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” represents the temple. Alternate translation: “the foundation of this temple”
Zechariah 4:10
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Quote: Who has despised the day of small things? These people will rejoice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zechariah uses this rhetorical question to speak specifically about those who have “despised the day of small things.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Those who have despised the day of small things will rejoice”
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Quote: the day of small things (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“the time of small things.” This phrase refers to the time when the people were building the temple and appeared to be making little progress. Alternate translation: “the time when progress was slow”
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Quote: plumb stone (0)This refers to an instrument made with a heavy object attached to the end of a string that builders used to ensure that the walls of buildings were straight.
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Quote: These seven lamps (0)This phrase refers to the lamps that Zechariah saw in Zechariah 4:2–3.
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Quote: These seven lamps are the eyes of Yahweh that roam over the whole earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The seven lamps symbolize the eyes of Yahweh, but they are not literally the eyes of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “These seven lamps represent the eyes of Yahweh, who sees everything that happens on the earth”
Zechariah 4:11
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Quote: these two olive trees (0)This refers to the olive trees that Zechariah saw in Zechariah 4:2–3.
Zechariah 4:12
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Quote: What are these two olive branches (0)Here Zechariah changes his question and asks about branches that are connected to the two olive trees.
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Quote: the two gold pipes (0)These pipes were not mentioned in the previous description of Zechariah’s vision. It is possible that they are connected to the bowl on top of the lampstand and provide the oil with which the lampstand burns.
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Quote: golden oil (0)Here “golden” refers to the color of the oil and does not mean that the oil was made of gold.
Zechariah 4:13
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Quote: Do you not know what these are? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The angel asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that Zechariah should have known what these things mean. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know what these are.”
Zechariah 4:14
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Quote: These are the sons of fresh olive oil (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The branches symbolize these people, but they are not literally the people. Alternate translation: “These two branches represent the sons of fresh olive oil”
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Quote: the sons of fresh olive oil (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that these men have been anointed with fresh olive oil. A person who is anointed is one whom Yahweh has chosen or appointed for a special duty. Alternate translation: “the anointed men” or “the men whom Yahweh has appointed”
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Quote: who stand before the Lord (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “stand before” means to be in a person’s presence and to serve him. Alternate translation: “who serve the Lord”
Zechariah 5
Zechariah 5 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter contains the next two visions. One is about a flying scroll and one is about the basket filled with iniquity. (See: iniquity)
Zechariah 5:1
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Quote: Then I turned (0)The word “I” refers to Zechariah.
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Quote: lifted my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “eyes” represents the person who looks. Alternate translation: “looked up”
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Quote: behold (0)The word “behold” here shows that Zechariah was surprised by what he saw.
Zechariah 5:2
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Quote: twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “9.2 meters long and 4.6 meters wide”
Zechariah 5:3
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Quote: This is the curse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “this” refers to the scroll. The scroll is a metonym for what is written on the scroll. Alternate translation: “On this scroll is the curse”
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Quote: that goes out over the surface of the whole land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “the surface of the whole land” refers to every place within the land. Alternate translation: “that is upon every person within the whole land”
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Quote: every thief will be cut off … everyone who swears a false oath will be cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh removing these people from the land is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cut off every thief … Yahweh will cut off everyone who swears a false oath”
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Quote: what it says on the one side … what it says on the other side (0)Alternate translation: “what the scroll says on one side … what the scroll says on the other side”
Zechariah 5:4
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Quote: I will send it out (0)Alternate translation: “I will send out the curse”
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Quote: consume its timber and stones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The curse destroying the houses of the thief and of the one who swears falsely is spoken of as if the curse would consume the building materials that people had used to build the houses. Alternate translation: “destroy its wood and stones”
Zechariah 5:5
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Quote: Raise your eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “eyes” represents the person who looks. Alternate translation: “Look up”
Zechariah 5:6
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Quote: This is a basket containing an ephah that is coming (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
An “ephah” is a unit of measurement for dry materials and is equal to 22 liters. Alternate translation: “This is a measuring basket that is coming”
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Quote: This is their iniquity in the whole land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The basket symbolizes the people’s iniquity, but it is not literally their iniquity. Alternate translation: “This basket represents the iniquity of the people throughout the whole land”
Zechariah 5:7
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Quote: a lead covering was lifted off the basket (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: someone lifted a lead covering off the basket”
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Quote: there was a woman under it sitting in it (0)Alternate translation: “there was a woman under the lead covering sitting in the basket”
Zechariah 5:8
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Quote: This is Wickedness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The woman represents wickedness. Alternate translation: “This woman represents wickedness”
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Quote: He threw her … he threw the lead cover (0)“He thrust her … he forced the lead cover.” The word “threw” indicates the force with which the angel did these things. He did not literally throw the woman or the cover.
Zechariah 5:9
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Quote: I lifted my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “eyes” represents the person who sees. Alternate translation: “I looked up”
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Quote: wind was in their wings (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that they were flying. Alternate translation: “they were flying”
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Quote: they had wings like a stork’s wings (0)A stork is a type of large bird that has a wingspan of two to four meters. Zechariah compares the size of the women’s wings with the size of the stork’s wings.
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Quote: They lifted up the basket between earth and heaven (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The words “earth” and “heaven” form a merism that refer to the sky. It is implicit that the two women flew away with the basket. Alternate translation: “They lifted the basket up into the sky and flew away”
Zechariah 5:11
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Quote: To build a temple in the land of Shinar for it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The ellipsis can be supplied from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “They are taking the basket to the land of Shinar to build a temple for it”
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Quote: the basket will be set there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will set the basket there”
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Quote: on its prepared base (0)The words “prepared base” refer to a pedestal or other kind of fixture upon which they will place the basket.
Zechariah 6
Zechariah 6 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written mainly in prose and tells the last vision of the four chariots in the first part of the chapter.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 6:12–13.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Meaning of the visions
The visions are stated and even when the prophet asked for an explanation, their true meaning is often obscure. This uncertainty should remain in your translation. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Zechariah 6:1
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Quote: lifted my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “eyes” represents the person who sees. Alternate translation: “looked up”
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Quote: between two mountains; and the two mountains were made of bronze (0)Since the second phrase describes the mountains in the first phrase, the two phrases may be combined. Alternate translation: “between two bronze mountains”
Zechariah 6:2
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Quote: The first chariot had red horses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implicit that the horses were pulling the chariots. Alternate translation: “The first chariot had red horses pulling it” or “Red horses were pulling the first chariot”
Zechariah 6:5
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Quote: These are the four winds of heaven (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The chariots symbolize the four winds of heaven, but they are not literally the four winds. Alternate translation: “These chariots represent the four winds of heaven”
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Quote: the four winds of heaven (0)This phrase refers to the four directions from which the wind blows: north, east, south, and west. However, some modern versions interpret this Hebrew expression to mean “four spirits.”
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Quote: standing before the Lord of all the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom to “stand before” means to be in a person’s presence and to serve him. See how you translated this in Zechariah 4:14. Alternate translation: “serving the Lord of all the earth”
Zechariah 6:6
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Quote: the white horses are going out to the west country (0)Some modern versions interpret this Hebrew phrase to mean “the white horses are going out after them,” that is, following the black horses to the north country.
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Quote: the white horses are … the spotted gray horses are (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the horses represent the chariots that they pull. Alternate translation: “the chariot with the white horses is … the chariot with the spotted gray horses is”
Zechariah 6:8
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Quote: he called out to me (0)Alternate translation: “the angel called out to me”
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Quote: Look at the ones (0)Alternate translation: “Look at the black horses”
Zechariah 6:10
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Quote: Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
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Quote: this same day (0)Alternate translation: “today”
Zechariah 6:11
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Quote: Jehozadak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
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Quote: take the silver and gold, make a crown (0)Alternate translation: “make a crown with the silver and gold”
Zechariah 6:12
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Quote: Speak to him and say (0)Alternate translation: “Speak to Joshua and say”
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Quote: his name is Branch (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “Branch” refers to a messianic figure that would serve as king over Yahweh’s people. Yahweh speaks of this person as if he were a branch that grows out from a tree. Since the word “Branch” is a title, it should be translated with an equivalent word in your language. See how you translated this name in Zechariah 3:8.
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Quote: He will grow up where he is (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “grow up” refers to the growth of a plant, and so continues the metaphor of this person as a “Branch.” This likely refers to this person appearing or coming into power as the one who would supervise the rebuilding of the temple.
Zechariah 6:13
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Quote: He will be a priest on his throne (0)This could mean: (1) the “Branch” will be both priest and king or (2) the “Branch” will be king, and another person will be a priest who will share the royal power. Alternate translation: “There will be a priest upon his throne”
Zechariah 6:14
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Quote: The crown will given (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will give the crown”
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Quote: Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah … Hen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men. See how you translated these in Zechariah 6:10.
Zechariah 6:15
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Quote: those who are far off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the Israelites who remain in Babylon.
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Quote: so you will know (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
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Quote: truly listen to the voice of Yahweh your God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here to “listen” means to obey and the word “voice” represents the words that Yahweh speaks. Alternate translation: “truly obey what Yahweh your God says”
Zechariah 7
Zechariah 7 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter starts about two years after the previous chapter and is written in prose.
Some translations prefer to set apart quotations. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 7:4–14, which is an extended quotation, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Zechariah 7:1
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Quote: on the fourth day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“on day 4”
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Quote: Kislev (which was the ninth month) (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“Kislev” is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourth day of Kislev is near the end of November on Western calendars.
Zechariah 7:2
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Quote: Sharezer and Regem-Melek (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
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Quote: beg (0)Here the word “beg” means to plead or ask urgently.
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Quote: before the face of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for Yahweh’s presence. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”
Zechariah 7:3
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Quote: They spoke … they said (0)The word “they” refers to Sharezer and Regem Melek.
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Quote: by means of a fast (0)Alternate translation: “by fasting”
Zechariah 7:5
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Quote: in the fifth and in the seventh month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“in months 5 and 7”
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Quote: in the fifth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “month” can be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: “in the fifth month”
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Quote: in the seventh month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The assumed knowledge is that the Jews mourned during a part of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar because in this month the remaining Jews in Jerusalem fled to Egypt after the murder of Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon appointed as governor over Judah.
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Quote: for these seventy years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The assumed knowledge is that the people of Israel had been slaves in Babylon for 70 years.
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Quote: were you truly fasting for me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is asked to make the people think about what their real reason for fasting had been. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “you were not really fasting for me.”
Zechariah 7:6
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Quote: When you ate and drank (0)This could mean: (1) when they feasted and drank when celebrating religious festivals or (2) when they ate and drank whenever they were not fasting.
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Quote: did you not eat and drink for yourselves? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to make the people think about whether they were honoring Yahweh when they ate and drank. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “it was for yourselves that you ate and drank.”
Zechariah 7:7
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Quote: Were these not the same words … to the west? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “These are the same words … to the west.”
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Quote: by the mouth of the former prophets (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “mouth” is a metonym for the words spoken by the mouth. Alternate translation: “by the words of the former prophets” or “through the former prophets”
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Quote: you still inhabited Jerusalem (0)Alternate translation: “you still lived in Jerusalem”
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Quote: foothills (0)hills at the base of a mountain or mountain range
Zechariah 7:9
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Quote: Judge with true justice, covenant faithfulness, and mercy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “justice,” “faithfulness,” and “mercy” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “When you judge, be just, faithful to the covenant, and merciful”
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Quote: Let each man do this (0)The word “this” refers to how a person should judge.
Zechariah 7:10
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Quote: widow (0)a woman whose husband has died
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Quote: orphan (0)a child whose parents have died
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Quote: foreigner (0)someone who travels from his own land to a different land
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Quote: let none of you plot any harm against another in your heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the thoughts of a person. Alternate translation: “you must not make plans to do evil”
Zechariah 7:11
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Quote: set their shoulders stubbornly (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is an image of an ox refusing to allow its owner to put a yoke on its shoulders. This metaphor represents the people being stubborn. Alternate translation: “became stubborn”
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Quote: They stopped up their ears so they would not hear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is an image of people putting something into their ears so they would not hear the message from Yahweh. This metaphor represents the people not being willing to hear and obey. Alternate translation: “They refused to listen”
Zechariah 7:12
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Quote: They made their hearts as hard as rock so they would not hear the law or the words of Yahweh of hosts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people refusing to hear and obey Yahweh are compared to their being as unyielding as rock. Alternate translation: “They stubbornly refused to hear the law or the words of Yahweh of hosts”
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Quote: in earlier times (0)Alternate translation: “in the past”
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Quote: by the mouth of the prophets (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “mouth of the prophets” is a metonym for the words that the prophets speak. Alternate translation: “through the words of the prophets”
Zechariah 7:14
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Quote: I will scatter them with a whirlwind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of how he will scatter the people as if a whirlwind were scattering everything in its path. Alternate translation: “I will scatter them as a whirlwind scatters things”
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Quote: whirlwind (0)a strong wind that spins very quickly as it moves and can cause damage
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Quote: delightful land (0)Alternate translation: “pleasant land” or “fruitful land”
Zechariah 8
Zechariah 8 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is a series of sayings from Yahweh of hosts. Each saying is an encouraging note for those returning from the exile to the land of Judah and Jerusalem. (See: Yahweh of hosts, God of hosts, host of heaven, host of the heavens, Lord of hosts)
Zechariah 8:2
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Quote: I am passionate for Zion (0)Alternate translation: “I have a strong desire to protect Zion”
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Quote: for Zion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Zion” represents the people of Zion. Alternate translation: “for the people of Zion” or “for the people of Jerusalem”
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Quote: with great anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that this anger is against the enemies of Zion. Alternate translation: “with great anger against her enemies”
Zechariah 8:3
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Quote: the mountain of Yahweh of hosts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that this refers to Mount Zion, the location upon which the city of Jerusalem was built.
Zechariah 8:4
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Quote: be in the streets of Jerusalem (0)Alternate translation: “be living in Jerusalem”
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Quote: in his hand because he has grown so old (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People having the opportunity to grow old implies the city will be peaceful and prosperous for a long time.
Zechariah 8:5
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Quote: The streets of the city will be full (0)The public areas of the city will be full of people in their normal activities.
Zechariah 8:6
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Quote: If something seems impossible in the eyes of (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “If something does not appear to be possible to”
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Quote: the remnant of this people (0)Alternate translation: “the people of Judah who survive”
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Quote: in my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “to me”
Zechariah 8:7
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Quote: I am about to rescue my people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the people are in exile. “I am about to rescue my people of Judah who went into exile”
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Quote: from the land of the sunrise and from the land of the setting sun (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This is a merism that means from all directions. Alternate translation: “from all lands in every direction”
Zechariah 8:8
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Quote: I will be their God in truth and in righteousness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be rewritten to remove the abstract nouns “truth” and “righteousness.” Alternate translation: “I will be their God. I will be faithful to them and act toward them in a just manner”
Zechariah 8:9
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Quote: Strengthen your hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means to be courageous for the work. Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous”
Zechariah 8:10
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Quote: For before those days (0)Here “those days” refers to the time the people of Judah started to rebuild the temple.
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Quote: no crops were gathered in (0)Alternate translation: “there were no crops to harvest”
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Quote: there was no profit for either man or beast (0)It was useless for people and their animals to farm the land, because they got no food from it.
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Quote: for anyone going or coming (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This merism refers to all of life’s activities everywhere that anyone went.
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Quote: I had set every person each against his neighbor (0)Alternate translation: “I had turned everyone against each other”
Zechariah 8:11
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Quote: But now it will not be as in former days, I will be with the remnant of this people (0)Alternate translation: “But I will not treat the remnant of this people now as I did in former days”
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Quote: in former days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“in the past.” The implied information is that this refers to the time when the people started rebuilding the temple.
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Quote: the remnant of this people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that this is the remnant of the people who returned from exile. Alternate translation: “the people who returned from exile”
Zechariah 8:12
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Quote: seeds of peace will be sown (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “the people will safely sow seed”
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Quote: the earth will give its produce; the skies will give their dew (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The earth and skies are spoken of as if they were persons giving what is needed.
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Quote: inherit all these things (0)Alternate translation: “to have all these things”
Zechariah 8:13
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Quote: You were an example to the other nations of a curse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the way Yahweh had allowed the temple to be destroyed and his people to be exiled had been used by other nations as an example of what it meant to be cursed by Yahweh. Alternate translation: “When I punished you, the other nations learned what happens when I curse a people”
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Quote: house of Judah and house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the people in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Alternate translation: “people of Judah and Israel”
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Quote: let your hands be strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means to be courageous for the work. Alternate translation: “be strong and courageous”
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Quote: house of Judah and house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the people in the kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: “people of Judah”
Zechariah 8:14
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Quote: do harm to you (0)Alternate translation: “punish you”
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Quote: provoked my anger (0)Alternate translation: “angered me”
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Quote: did not relent (0)Alternate translation: “did not decide to punish them less”
Zechariah 8:15
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Quote: Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem”
Zechariah 8:16
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Quote: that you must do (0)“You” refers to the people of Judah.
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Quote: Speak truth, every person with his neighbor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word truth, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “true.” Alternate translation: “Everyone must say only true things to his neighbor”
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Quote: his neighbor (0)Here “neighbor” means any person, not just someone who lives nearby.
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Quote: Judge with truth, justice, and peace in your gates (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “truth,” “justice,” and “peace.” Alternate translation: “When you are making decisions in your gates, judge in a way that is true and just and causes people to live peacefully with each other”
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Quote: in your gates (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The assumed knowledge is that this refers to the places where judgment took place. Alternate translation: “in your places of judgment”
Zechariah 8:18
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Quote: came to me (0)Here “me” refers to Zechariah.
Zechariah 8:19
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Quote: The fasts of the fourth month, the fifth month, the seventh month, and the tenth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“The fasts of months 4, 5, 7, and 10”
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Quote: The fasts of the fourth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The assumed knowledge is that the Jews mourned during a part of the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar because this is when the Babylonians broke through the walls of Jerusalem.
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Quote: the fifth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The assumed knowledge is that the Jewish people fasted during a part of the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar because this is when the Babylonians destroyed the temple in Jerusalem.
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Quote: the seventh month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The assumed knowledge is that the Jews mourned during a part of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar because in this month the remaining Jews in Jerusalem fled to Egypt after the murder of Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon appointed as governor over Judah.
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Quote: the tenth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The assumed knowledge is that the Jews mourned during a part of the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar because this is when the Babylonians began their siege against Jerusalem. The tenth month is during the last part of December and the first part of January on Western calendars. (See also: Hebrew Months)
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Quote: times of joy, gladness, and happy festivals (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “joy” and “gladness” can be translated using adjectives. Alternate translation: “joyful and glad times, with happy festivals”
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Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the people in the kingdom of Judah, which included the descendants of Judah and Benjamin. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
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Quote: love truth and peace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “truth” and “peace” can be translated using adjectives. Alternate translation: “love what is truthful and peaceful”
Zechariah 8:20
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Quote: People will come again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that Jerusalem is where the people will come. Alternate translation: “People will come again to Jerusalem”
Zechariah 8:21
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Quote: will go to another city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people in the other city. Alternate translation: “will go to the people of another city”
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Quote: beg (0)Here the word “beg” means to plead or ask urgently.
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Quote: before the face of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for Yahweh’s presence. See how you translated this in Zechariah 7:2. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”
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Quote: seek Yahweh of hosts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
Zechariah 8:22
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Quote: mighty nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people in the mighty nations. Alternate translation: “people of mighty nations”
Zechariah 8:23
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Quote: will grasp the hem of your robe (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the foreigners will grab their robe to get their attention. Alternate translation: “will grasp the hem of your robe to get your attention”
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Quote: Let us go with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that people of God are going to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Let us go to Jerusalem with you”
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Quote: God is with you (0)Alternate translation: “God is with you people”
Zechariah 9
Zechariah 9 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written mainly in prose about the cities and peoples around where Israel stood as a country until the exile.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 9:9–10.
Zechariah 9:1
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Quote: This is a declaration of Yahweh’s word concerning (0)Alternate translation: “This is Yahweh’s message about”
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Quote: the land of Hadrak and Damascus (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Hadrak” and “Damascus” refer to the people who live in those places. Alternate translation: “the people of the land of Hadrak and the city Damascus”
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Quote: Hadrak (0)The location of Hadrak is unknown today.
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Quote: its resting place (0)Alternate translation: “the resting place of the people of Hadrak”
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Quote: for the eyes of all humanity and all the tribes of Israel are toward Yahweh (0)Some versions translate this as “for Yahweh’s eye is on all mankind and on the tribes of Israel.”
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Quote: the eyes of all humanity and all the tribes of Israel are toward Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “eyes” refers to what they look at. Alternate translation: “all humanity and all the tribes of Israel look toward Yahweh”
Zechariah 9:2
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Quote: Hamath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people who live in that land. Alternate translation: “the people of the land of Hamath”
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Quote: Tyre and Sidon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people who live in those cities. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre and Sidon”
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Quote: for they are very wise (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
This could mean: (1) the people are wise for looking at Yahweh for help or (2) Zechariah did not really mean that the people of Hamath were wise and was using irony. Alternate translation: “though they think they are very wise”
Zechariah 9:3
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Quote: built herself a stronghold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the city of Tyre is pictured as a woman. Alternate translation: “built a strong fortress” or “built a high wall”
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Quote: heaped up silver like dust and refined gold like mud in the streets (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Yahweh exaggerates to emphasize how rich Tyre was. Alternate translation: “accumulated silver and gold as much as soil in the streets”
Zechariah 9:4
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Quote: Look! The Lord will dispossess her (0)Here “Look!” tells the reader to pay attention to the important statement that follows. Alternate translation: “Pay attention! The Lord will take away Tyre’s possessions”
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Quote: destroy her strength on the sea (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Tyre’s “strength on the sea” refers to the ships that were used for commerce and conquest. Alternate translation: “destroy Tyre’s ships in which men fight on the sea”
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Quote: so she will be devoured by fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and enemies will burn the city to the ground”
Zechariah 9:5
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Quote: Ashkelon … Gaza … Ekron, her hopes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These cities each refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “The people of Ashkelon … the people of Gaza … the hopes of the people of Ekron”
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Quote: will see (0)Alternate translation: “will see Tyre be destroyed”
Zechariah 9:6
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Quote: Strangers will make their homes in Ashdod (0)Alternate translation: “Foreigners will take over Ashdod and live there”
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Quote: I will cut off the pride of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “cut off” is an idiom that means to stop their pride. Alternate translation: “I will make the Philistines to be proud of themselves no longer”
Zechariah 9:7
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Quote: I will remove their blood from their mouths and their abominations from between their teeth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” is a metonym for meat with blood in it, and “abominations” is a metonym for meat offered to idols. Alternate translation: “I will no longer allow them to eat meat that still has blood in it, and I will forbid them to eat food that they offered to idols”
Zechariah 9:8
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Quote: I will camp around my land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is speaking about himself as if he were an army that was protecting his land. Alternate translation: “I will protect my land”
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Quote: for now (0)Alternate translation: “For at that time”
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Quote: I see with my own eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my own eyes” represent Yahweh’s personal attention. Alternate translation: “I will personally watch over my land”
Zechariah 9:9
General Information:
Yahweh appears to be the speaker in verses 9–13.
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Quote: Shout with great joy, daughter of Zion! Shout with happiness, daughter of Jerusalem! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences mean the same thing and intensify the command to rejoice.
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Quote: daughter of Zion … daughter of Jerusalem (0)“Zion” is the same as “Jerusalem.” The prophet speaks of the city as if it is a daughter. See how you translated “daughter of Zion” in Zechariah 2:10.
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Quote: Behold! (0)This alerts the reader to pay special attention to the surprising statement that follows. Alternate translation: “Pay attention!” or “Here is a surprising fact!”
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Quote: Your king is coming to you with righteousness and is rescuing you (0)Alternate translation: “Your king is righteous and is coming to rescue you”
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Quote: on a donkey, on the colt of a donkey (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to one animal. The second phrase clarifies that this is a young donkey. Alternate translation: “on a young donkey”
Zechariah 9:10
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Quote: cut off the chariot from Ephraim (0)Here “cut off” is an idiom that means to destroy. Alternate translation: “destroy the chariots in Israel that are used for battle”
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Quote: the horse from Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The references to “chariot” and “bow” means that this refers to horses used in battle. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the warhorses in Jerusalem”
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Quote: the bow will be cut off from battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the bow represents all weapons used in warfare. Alternate translation: “all weapons of war will be destroyed”
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Quote: for he will speak peace to the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the action of announcing peace represents the action of making peace. Alternate translation: “for your king will bring peace to the nations”
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Quote: his dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrases “sea to sea” and “from the River to the ends of the earth” mean the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “his kingdom will be over all the earth!”
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Quote: the River (0)This probably refers to the Euphrates River.
Zechariah 9:11
General Information:
Yahweh appears to be the speaker in verses 9–13.
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Quote: As for you (0)Here “you” is singular, and continues to refer to the city of Jerusalem, also called “Zion.”
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Quote: the pit where there is no water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This dry pit represents the exile in Babylon.
Zechariah 9:12
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Quote: Return to the stronghold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jerusalem is spoken of as a place of safety. Alternate translation: “Come back to your nation where you will be safe”
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Quote: prisoners of hope (0)This expression refers to the Israelites in exile who were still trusting in God to rescue them. Alternate translation: “prisoners who still hope in Yahweh”
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Quote: return double to you (0)Alternate translation: “return to you twice as much as was taken from you”
Zechariah 9:13
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Quote: Zion (0)This refers to the city of Jerusalem, also called “Zion.”
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Quote: I have bent Judah as my bow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of Judah are referred to as if they were a bow carried by God into battle. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people of Judah to be like my bow”
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Quote: filled my quiver with Ephraim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel, the northern kingdom, as if they were arrows that he would shoot at his enemies. A quiver is a bag that holds a soldier’s arrows.
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Quote: I have roused your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God is speaking to the people of two different nations at the same time.
Zechariah 9:14
General Information:
In verses 14–16, Zechariah describes how Yahweh will rescue Israel from their enemies.
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Quote: will appear to them (0)The word “them” refers to God’s people. Alternate translation: “will be seen in the sky by his people” or “will come to his people”
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Quote: his arrows will shoot out like lightning! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The Israelites sometimes thought of lightning bolts as arrows that God shot.
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Quote: blow the trumpet (0)The trumpets were rams’ horns. People blew into them to give signals in battle and on other occasions. Here the trumpet is blown as a military signal.
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Quote: will advance with the storms from Teman (0)Team was located to the south of Judah. The Israelites sometimes thought of God as traveling on violent storms coming from the south. Alternate translation: “will march from Teman with the storm winds”
Zechariah 9:15
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Quote: they will devour them (0)Alternate translation: “the people of Judah will devour their enemies”
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Quote: will devour (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To completely defeat enemies is spoken of as devouring them as a wild animal eats its prey. Alternate translation: “will completely defeat”
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Quote: defeat the stones of the slings (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Slings to throw stones were a common weapon in the days of Zechariah. Here the “stones of the slings” represent the soldiers who were using them to attack Israel. Alternate translation: “defeat the enemies who attack them with slings and stones”
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Quote: Then they will drink and shout like men drunk on wine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people of Judah will shout and celebrate their victory over their enemies as if they were noisy drunks. Alternate translation: “Then they will shout and celebrate their victory as loudly as if they were drunk”
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Quote: they will be filled with wine like bowls (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This probably refers to the bowls that the priests used to carry animal’s blood to the altar. Alternate translation: “they will be as full of wine as the basins with which priests carry blood to the altar”
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Quote: like the corners of the altar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Altars had projecting corners that were drenched in animal blood. Alternate translation: “they will be drenched as the corners of the altar are covered in blood”
Zechariah 9:16
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Quote: God will rescue them … as the flock of his people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they are God’s sheep that he cares for and protects.
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Quote: They are the jewels of a crown (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were the expensive jewels in the crown of a king that show how glorious he is. Alternate translation: “They will be like beautiful stones in a crown”
Zechariah 9:17
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Quote: How good and how beautiful they will be! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation, and not a question. Alternate translation: “They will be very good and beautiful!”
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Quote: The young men will flourish on grain and the virgins on sweet wine! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This sentence uses a parallel structure to express that everyone will have plenty to eat and drink. If your readers might think that only the men ate and only the women drank, you may want to adjust the wording. Alternate translation: “All of the people, both men and women, will have plenty of grain to eat and sweet wine to drink!”
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Quote: The young men … the virgins (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel.
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Quote: grain … sweet wine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel.
Zechariah 10
Zechariah 10 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written mainly in prose but still uses figurative language as the writer shares a message of redemption and hope for the exiles. (See: redeem, redeemer, redemption)
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 10:1–2.
Zechariah 10:1
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Quote: vegetation in the field (0)Alternate translation: “causes plants to grow in the field”
Zechariah 10:2
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Quote: diviners envision a lie (0)Alternate translation: “diviners see false visions”
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Quote: they tell deceitful dreams (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they know these dreams are false. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “diviners lie about their dreams in order to deceive people”
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Quote: empty comfort (0)This refers to words that sooth temporarily, but do not provide any longterm help.
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Quote: they wander like sheep (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people who do not have true prophets who tell the truth are spoken of as sheep who do not have a shepherd to tell them where to go. Alternate translation: “the people who listen to the false prophets are like sheep who do not know which way to go”
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Quote: they … suffer because there is no shepherd (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people who do not have true prophets are spoken of as sheep who suffer because they do not have a shepherd to tell them where to go. Alternate translation: “the people who listen to the false prophets … are suffering like sheep who do not have a shepherd to guide them”
Zechariah 10:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My wrath burns against the shepherds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “the shepherds” represent the leaders of God’s people. The intensity of Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it was a blazing fire. Alternate translation: “My anger toward the shepherds of my people is as intense as a fire” or “I am very angry with the leaders of my people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is the male goats—the leaders—that I will punish (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Male goats are typically more dominant than female goats. Here “male goats” represents the oppressive leaders of God’s people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh of hosts will also attend to his flock, the house of Judah (0)Here Yahweh’s care for his people is spoken of as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Alternate translation: “Yahweh of hosts will take care of the house of Judah as a shepherd cares for his sheep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the people of Judah, which included the descendants of Judah and Benjamin. Alternate translation: “Judah” or “the people of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make them like his warhorse in battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh changes the metaphor for his people from defenseless sheep to a mighty war horse. Alternate translation: “will cause them to be strong like war horses in battle”
Zechariah 10:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From Judah will come the cornerstone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“The cornerstone will come from Judah.” The most important ruler is spoken of as if he where the main foundation stone of a building. Alternate translation: “One of the descendants of Judah will become the most important ruler”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the cornerstone … the tent peg … the war bow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
This could mean: (1) they may be symbolic language that refers to the Messiah who will come from the tribe of Judah or (2) they may refer to different leaders who will come from Judah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from him will come the tent peg (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“the tent peg will come from him.” The tent pegs held the ropes that supported tents in which people lived. Here the most important ruler is spoken of as if he where the main peg that holds a tent in place. Alternate translation: “the leader who will hold the nation together will come from Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from him will come the war bow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“the war bow will come from him.” Here the most important ruler is spoken of as if he where the a war bow that was used in battle. Alternate translation: “the military leader will come from Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from him will come every ruler together (0)Alternate translation: “every ruler will come from Judah”
Zechariah 10:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will be like warriors … streets in battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The rulers from Judah are spoken of as if they were victorious warriors. Alternate translation: “They will be mighty in battle, trampling their enemies into the mud of the streets”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who trample their enemies into the mud of the streets in battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To trample them into the mud is an idiom that means to completely defeat them. Alternate translation: “who defeat their enemies completely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is with them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “with them” is an idiom that means he is present to help them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will help them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will shame those who ride warhorses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here shame accompanies and represents defeat. Alternate translation: “they will defeat their enemies who ride warhorses”
Zechariah 10:6
General Information:
In verses 6–12, Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Judah, which included the descendants of Judah and Benjamin. Alternate translation: “Judah” or “the kingdom of Judah” or “the people of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Joseph (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “Israel” or “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I had not cast them off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the people as a torn or dirty garment that Yahweh took off and threw away. Alternate translation: “I had not rejected them”
Zechariah 10:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ephraim will be like a warrior (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“Ephraim” refers here to the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “Ephraim will be very strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their hearts will rejoice as with wine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hearts” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “and they will be very happy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their children will see and rejoice. Their hearts will rejoice in me! (0)Alternate translation: “their children will see what has taken place and will be happy because of what Yahweh has done for them!”
Zechariah 10:8
General Information:
In verses 6–12, Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will whistle (0)To whistle is to produce a high, shrill sound with air through narrowed lips. It is often done to give a signal to other people, as here.
Zechariah 10:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I sowed them among the peoples (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The exile of the people is spoken of as if they were seed that Yahweh had planted in a distant land.
Zechariah 10:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until there is no more room for them (0)The people will continue to go back to Judah and it will become crowded with no room for any more people to live there. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “and they will completely fill the land”
Zechariah 10:11
General Information:
In verses 6–12, Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will pass through the sea of their affliction (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Scripture often refers to the sea as an image of many troubles and hardships. Here Yahweh speaks of himself accompanying the people to help them go through these afflictions. Alternate translation: “I will go with them and help them as they go through their many afflictions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will strike the waves of that sea (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here to “strike” the waves is an idiom that means he will stop the waves from forming. Alternate translation: “I will cause the waves of that sea of affliction to stop”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will dry up all the depths of the Nile (0)Alternate translation: “I will cause the Nile River to lose all its water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The majesty of Assyria will be brought down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the majesty of Assyria” probably refers to the Assyrian army. Alternate translation: “I will destroy Assyria’s proud army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the scepter of Egypt will go away from the Egyptians (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the scepter of Egypt” refers to the political power of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the power of Egypt to rule other nations will end”
Zechariah 10:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will strengthen them in myself (0)Alternate translation: “I will cause them to be strong and to believe in me”
Zechariah 11
Zechariah 11 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter unlike the previous one is a warning against the leaders amongst the exiles.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 11:1–3, 17.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
This chapter uses an extended metaphor of sheep and shepherds to convey Yahweh’s dismay at the leaders during the exiles. (See: Metaphor)
Symbolism
The writer uses symbolism. Zechariah is told to become a shepherd. He uses two staffs and names them “Unity” and “Favor.” He does this very purposefully. In order to preserve this symbolism, it is important to pay attention to the specific words used. (See: favor, favorable, favoritism)
Zechariah 11:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Open your doors, Lebanon, that fire may devour (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Not resisting what is about to happen is spoken of as if Lebanon were opening its doors. Alternate translation: “People of Lebanon, get ready, because fire will devour”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fire may devour your cedars (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Fire completely burning up the cedars is spoken of as if the fire would devour the cedars. Alternate translation: “fire may completely destroy your cedars” or “fire may completely burn up your cedars”
Zechariah 11:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lament, cypress trees, for the cedar trees have fallen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Cypress trees are spoken of as if they could grieve like a human. Alternate translation: “If the trees were people, they would cry out in sorrow. The cypress trees stand alone because the cedars have burned and fallen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What was majestic has been devastated (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The majestic cedar trees are no more” or “The cedar trees were once majestic, but now they are ruined”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lament, you oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest has gone down. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The oaks of Bash are spoken of as if they could grieve like a human. Alternate translation: “If the oak trees in Bashan were people, they would wail, for their thick forests are gone”
Zechariah 11:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The shepherds howl (0)Alternate translation: “The shepherds cry out loudly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for their glory has been destroyed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “their glory” probably represents the rich pastures that the shepherds led their sheep to. Alternate translation: “for their rich pastures are ruined”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the pride of the Jordan River has been devastated (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the pride” probably represents the forests that grew near the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “because the trees and shrubbery where they lived by the Jordan River are ruined”
Zechariah 11:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: watch over the flock set aside for slaughter (0)Alternate translation: “take care of a flock of sheep that the owners plan to slaughter”
Zechariah 11:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are not punished (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one punishes them”
Zechariah 11:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See! (0)Alternate translation: “Listen!” or “Pay attention!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I myself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The word “myself” is used to emphasize that it is Yahweh who will do these things.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn over every person into the hand of his neighbor and into the hand of his king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “allow the people to harm each other and the king will oppress them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: none of them will I deliver them from their hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “I will not save them from those who are harming them” or “I will not rescue them”
Zechariah 11:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for those who dealt in sheep (0)Alternate translation: “for those who bought and sold sheep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Favor (0)Other versions of the Bible translate this word as “grace,” “beauty,” or “pleasant.”
Zechariah 11:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I became impatient with them, (0)This could mean: (1) “them” refers to the three shepherds or (2) “them” refers to the sheep owners.
Zechariah 11:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sheep that are being destroyed—let them be destroyed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sheep that are perishing—let them perish” or “the sheep that are to wander and get lost—let them get lost”
Zechariah 11:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the covenant was broken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the covenant ended”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: knew that Yahweh had spoken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that those watching knew Yahweh was giving them a message through the breaking of the staff. Alternate translation: “knew that Yahweh had given them a message”
Zechariah 11:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty pieces of silver (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that this was very little pay for the shepherd. Alternate translation: “only thirty pieces of silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty pieces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“30 pieces”
Zechariah 11:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: treasury (0)This is the place in the temple of Yahweh where the priests kept the money. Many versions of the Bible translate this as “potter.” This is the person who would melt metal to make vessels out of it. Here Yahweh would mean that the payment is so small that the shepherd should have the silver melted to show how insulted he was.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the excellent price (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Yahweh uses irony to say that this price was very small for a shepherd doing Yahweh’s work. Alternate translation: “the ridiculously small amount of money”
Zechariah 11:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: between Judah and Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Judah” represents the people of the southern kingdom and “Israel” represents the people of the northern kingdom. Alternate translation: “between the people of Judah and the people of Israel”
Zechariah 11:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am about to set in place a shepherd in the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “set in place” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I am about to appoint a shepherd in the land” or “I am about to put a shepherd in charge in the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fattened sheep (0)Alternate translation: “the fattest sheep” or “the best sheep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will tear off their hooves (0)This was probably done as an act of cruelty.
Zechariah 11:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” represents enemies who will attack the shepherd. Alternate translation: “May enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: come against his arm and his right eye (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “come against” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “strike and wound his right arm and pierce his right eye”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his arm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arm” represents the power to fight.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his right eye (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
A soldier would use his right eye to look around the shield that he held with his left hand. If his right eye was wounded, he would not be able to see to fight in war.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his arm wither away (0)Alternate translation: “his arm waste away” or “his arm become completely useless”
Zechariah 12
Zechariah 12 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Similar to chapter 11, this chapter is written mainly in prose and is talking about Jerusalem.
Special concepts in this chapter
Prophecy
Verses 10–11 are quoted in the New Testament and apply to Jesus’ death on the cross. (See: cross)
Zechariah 12:1
General Information:
These verses begin a section that tells about the coming attack against Jerusalem and how God will rescue the city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who stretched out the skies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor that speaks of the sky as if it were like a scroll that is rolled up and needs to be stretched out. Alternate translation: “the one who created the sky”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: laid the foundation of the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor that speaks of the earth as if it were a building with a foundation. Alternate translation: “put all the earth into place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fashions the spirit of mankind within man (0)This is a metaphor that speaks of the spirit as if it were like clay that a potter shapes. Alternate translation: “creates the human spirit”
Zechariah 12:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am about to make Jerusalem into a cup … to stagger about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh using Jerusalem to punish the surrounding peoples is spoken of as if Yahweh would make Jerusalem a cup full of an alcoholic drink that will cause the surrounding peoples to get drunk and stagger. Alternate translation: “Soon it will be like I make Jerusalem into a cup … to stagger about”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into a cup (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “cup” represents the cup and the contents within the cup. Alternate translation: “into a cup full of wine” or “into a cup full of an alcoholic drink”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: surrounding her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “her” refers to the city of Jerusalem. It was common in Hebrew to speak of a city or country as if it were a woman.
Zechariah 12:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh using Jerusalem to punish the surrounding peoples is spoken of as if he would make Jerusalem a heavy stone. Alternate translation: “It will be like I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples”
Zechariah 12:4
General Information:
These verses continue telling about the coming attack against Jerusalem and how God will rescue the city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Over the house of Judah I will open my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Opening eyes over someone here is a metaphor for wanting to do good things for that person. Alternate translation: “I will do good things for the house of Judah” or “I will protect the house of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
Zechariah 12:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: say in their hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hearts” represents a person’s mind. Alternate translation: “think to themselves” or “say to themselves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are our strength (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “strong” or “encourage.” Alternate translation: “make us strong” or “encourage us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh of hosts, their God (0)Alternate translation: “Yahweh of hosts, the God they worship”
Zechariah 12:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like firepots among wood … standing grain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile means Yahweh will enable the leaders of Judah to be strong and able to lead the people to defeat their enemies. Alternate translation: “like firepots among stacked firewood … unharvested stalks of grain standing in a field”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: firepots (0)clay pots in which ancient people often carried burning coals
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flaming torch (0)a wooden stick that is burning at one end which gives light as one travels or carries fire somewhere
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will consume all the surrounding peoples (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Completely destroying the peoples is spoken of as if the people of Judah will “devour” them. Alternate translation: “will destroy the surrounding peoples”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on their right and on their left (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Here “right” and “left” represent every direction. Alternate translation: “in every direction”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerusalem will again live in her own place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Jerusalem” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem will again live in their own city”
Zechariah 12:7
General Information:
These verses continue telling about the coming attack against Jerusalem and how God will rescue the city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tents of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “tents” represents homes, and homes represent the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) the descendants of David or (2) the ruling class of people.
Zechariah 12:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who are weak among them will be like David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile means those who are weak will be strong. Alternate translation: “those who are weak will be strong like David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the angel of Yahweh (0)This is an angel sent by Yahweh to protect the people.
Zechariah 12:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will pour out a spirit of compassion and pleading on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Causing the people to be compassionate and to plead is spoken of as if the spirit were a liquid that Yahweh would pour on them. Alternate translation: “I will cause the house of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem to have mercy on others and to pray to me for mercy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spirit of compassion and pleading (0)Here this means to have a characteristic of compassion and pleading.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the one they have pierced (0)Alternate translation: “the one whom they stabbed to death”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for an only son (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is understood that the “son” has died. Alternate translation: “for an only son who has died”
Zechariah 12:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the laments in Jerusalem will be like the laments at Hadad Rimmon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Hadad Rimmon may have been the place where the good King Josiah died of battle wounds after the Battle of Megiddo. It appears that the custom arose to hold periodic mourning there for his death. Some people, however, think that Hadad Rimmon was the name of a false god who was believed to die every year, an event for which his worshipers would go into mourning. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Megiddo (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a plain in Israel.
Zechariah 12:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The land will mourn (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents all the people living in the land of Judah. Alternate translation: “All the people in the land of Judah will mourn”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The clan of the house of David … The clan of the house of Nathan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “The descendants of David … The descendants of Nathan”
Zechariah 12:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The clan of the house of Levi (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Levi”
Zechariah 13
Zechariah 13 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written partly in prose and partly in poetry.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 13:7–9.
Special concepts in this chapter
Zechariah often speaks of the last days by using the phrase “that day” or “in that day.” When referencing a future “day,” the translator should be aware that it is possible that the author is speaking about the last days. (See: last day, last days, latter days)
Zechariah 13:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spring will be opened … for their sin and impurity (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Forgiving the people’s sins is spoken of as if a spring of water will wash away their sins. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it will be like a spring opens … to cleanse their sin and impurity” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spring (0)a place where water flows naturally out of the ground
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of David”
Zechariah 13:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Zechariah 1:3. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cut off the names of the idols from the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Causing the people to no longer mention the names of idols is spoken of as if Yahweh would “cut off the names of the idols from the land.” Alternate translation: “I will cause the people to no longer mention the names of the idols”
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Quote: they will no longer be remembered (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that they no longer think about the idols” (See also: Active or Passive)
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Quote: I will remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The prophets may refer to “false prophets.” The spirit of impurity is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “I will also remove from the land the false prophets and their evil spirits”
Zechariah 13:3
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Quote: to prophesy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that these are false prophecies. Alternate translation: “to prophesy falsely”
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Quote: his father and mother who bore him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish
The phrase “who bore him” describes “his father and mother” in order to express surprise that someone’s own parents would treat him in this way. Alternate translation: “his own father and mother”
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Quote: You will not live (0)This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “You must die”
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Quote: you speak lies in the name of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Speaking in the name of someone means speaking with his power and authority, or as his representative. Alternate translation: “you claim to speak for Yahweh but you speak lies”
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Quote: will pierce (0)Alternate translation: “will stab and kill him”
Zechariah 13:4
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Quote: each prophet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies false prophets. Alternate translation: “every false prophet”
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Quote: no longer wear a hairy cloak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Prophets often wore heavy outer garments made of animal hair.
Zechariah 13:5
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Quote: I am a man who works the soil (0)Alternate translation: “I am a farmer”
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Quote: the land became my work while I was still a young man (0)Some versions of the Bible translate this as “a man sold me as a slave when I was young.” Alternate translation: “I became a farmer when I was young”
Zechariah 13:6
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Quote: What are these wounds between your arms? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“How did you get those cuts on your chest?” This refers to the apparent custom of false prophets wounding themselves in their ceremonies.
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Quote: he will answer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that his answer is a lie. Alternate translation: “he will lie to him saying”
Zechariah 13:7
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryZechariah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry.
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Quote: Sword! Rouse yourself against my shepherd (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“You, sword! Go and attack my shepherd.” Here Yahweh speaks to a sword as if it were a person. Here it represents enemies. Alternate translation: “You, enemies! Go and attack my shepherd”
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Quote: my shepherd (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of a servant of Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate translation: “my servant who is like a shepherd”
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Quote: this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Zechariah 1:3. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared”
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Quote: the flock will scatter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of God are spoken of as if they were sheep. Alternate translation: “my people will run away like sheep”
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Quote: I will turn my hand against the lowly ones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “turn my hand against” means to act hostile towards someone. Alternate translation: “I will attack the lowly ones”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the lowly ones (0)This probably refers to all the Israelites who are weak and defenseless.
Zechariah 13:8
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Quote: that two-thirds of it will be cut off! Those people will perish; only one-third will remain there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People being killed is spoken of as if they are cut off like cloth is cut from a garment or a branch is cut from a plant. Alternate translation: “that two out of every three people will die! Only one person out of three will remain in the land” (See also: Fractions)
Zechariah 13:9
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Quote: I will bring that third through the fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Metal is passed through fire in order to purify or harden it. This expression serves here as a metaphor for exposing the people to suffering in order that they may become more faithful to God.
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Quote: refine them as silver is refined; I will test them as gold is tested (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Refining refers to making precious metals such as silver more pure. Metals such as silver and gold are tested in order to discover how pure or strong they are. Both refining and testing are here metaphors for making the people more faithful to God.
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Quote: They will call on my name (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “They will call out to me”
Zechariah 14
Zechariah 14 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written in prose about Jerusalem during the last days. (See: last day, last days, latter days)
Special concepts in this chapter
Last days
Zechariah often speaks of the last days by using the phrase “that day” or “in that day.” When referencing a future “day,” the translator should be aware that it is possible that the author is speaking about the last days.
Zechariah 14:1
General Information:
This chapter describes the final war for the city of Jerusalem and how God will save it.
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Quote: A day for Yahweh is coming when your plunder will be divided in your midst (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A future time is spoken of as if “a day is coming.” The phrase “will be divided” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Soon Yahweh will judge you, and he will allow your enemies to take all of your possessions and divide if for themselves while you watch” (See also: Active or Passive)
Zechariah 14:2
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Quote: I will gather every nation against Jerusalem for battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “every nation” is a generalization that means “many nations.” Alternate translation: “I will cause many nations to attack Jerusalem”
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Quote: the city will be captured (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your enemies will capture the city”
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Quote: The houses will be plundered and the women raped (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Enemies will plunder the houses and rape the women”
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Quote: the remainder of the people will not be cut off from the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Not removing people from the city is spoken of as if the people will not be “cut off.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your enemies will allow the remaining people to stay in the city”
Zechariah 14:3
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save it. In this prophecy, Yahweh is described as a warrior who will come and fight in battle.
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Quote: as when he wages war on the day of battle (0)Alternate translation: “just as he fought battles in the past”
Zechariah 14:4
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Quote: On that day (0)Alternate translation: “At that time”
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Quote: his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “feet” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “he will stand on the Mount of Olives”
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Quote: The Mount of Olives will be split … by a very great valley (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The presences of Yahweh will split the Mount of Olives … causing there to be a very great valley”
Zechariah 14:5
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
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Quote: you will flee (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Jerusalem.
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Quote: between Yahweh’s mountains (0)This refers to the mountains created after the Mount of Olives split in half.
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Quote: Azel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town or village east of Jerusalem.
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Quote: You will flee just as you fled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “You will” refers to the people of Jerusalem. But, “you fled” refers to their ancestors since this describes an event that happened many years earlier. Alternate translation: “You will flee just as your ancestors fled”
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Quote: in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “in the days” is an idiom that refers to the time when Uzziah was king. Alternate translation: “when Uzziah was king of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the holy ones (0)This probably refers to God’s angels.
Zechariah 14:6
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
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Quote: On that day (0)Alternate translation: “At that time”
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Quote: there will be no light (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that there will be no light from the sun. Alternate translation: “there will be no light from the sun”
Zechariah 14:7
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Quote: a day known only to Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “only Yahweh knows when that day will begin” or “only Yahweh knows when that time will begin”
Zechariah 14:8
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Quote: living waters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This normally means running or flowing water, rather than still or stagnant water.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the eastern sea (0)This refers to the Dead Sea, which is east of Jerusalem.
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Quote: the western sea (0)This refers to the Mediterranean Sea.
Zechariah 14:9
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there will be Yahweh, the one God, and his name alone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation or character. Alternate translation: “people will know that Yahweh is the only true God” or “people will only worship Yahweh, the one true God”
Zechariah 14:10
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Quote: All the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that this is the land of Judah. Alternate translation: “All the land of Judah”
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Quote: Arabah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a plain in the Jordan River Valley.
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Quote: Geba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town on the northern border of Judah.
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Quote: Rimmon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town south of Jerusalem.
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Quote: Jerusalem will continue to be raised up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
This contrasts Jerusalem, which will remain at a higher elevation, to the surrounding area, which is lower in elevation. The contrast can be indicated by adding the word “but.” This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But, Jerusalem will remain high up” (See also: Active or Passive)
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Quote: the Benjamin Gate … the first gate … the Corner Gate (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of gates in the northeast part of city wall of Jerusalem. This could mean: (1) “the first gate” and “the Corner Gate” refer to the same gate or (2) “the first gate” and “the Corner gate” are separate gates. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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Quote: the Tower of Hananel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This refers to a strong point in the city defenses on the northern wall. It was probably built by a man named Hananel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king’s winepresses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This probably refers to the place where wine was made for the royal family. It was located in the southwest part of Jerusalem.
Zechariah 14:11
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Quote: Jerusalem will live in safety (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Jerusalem” represents the people. Alternate translation: “The people will live safely in Jerusalem”
Zechariah 14:12
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even as they are standing on their feet (0)“while they are still standing up.” This emphasizes how quickly their flesh will rot away. They will not even have time to lie down.
Zechariah 14:13
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Quote: that great fear from Yahweh will come among them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fear, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “terrified.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause the people to be very terrified”
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Quote: Each one will seize the hand of another, and the hand of one will be raised up against the hand of another (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
These are idioms that refer to being hostile towards another person. Alternate translation: “Each person will grab someone, and they will fight each other”
Zechariah 14:14
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah will also fight against Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Judah” and “Jerusalem” represent the people that live there. Alternate translation: “Even the other people in Judah will fight against the people of Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah will also fight against Jerusalem (0)Some versions of the Bible read, “Judah will also fight at Jerusalem.”
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Quote: They will gather the wealth (0)Alternate translation: “They will capture all the valuable possessions”
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Quote: in great abundance (0)Alternate translation: “in great quantities”
Zechariah 14:16
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that came against Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “came against” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that attacked Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will instead go up from year to year (0)Alternate translation: “will instead go to Jerusalem every year”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Festival of Shelters (0)Alternate translation: “the Festival of Tabernacles” or “the Festival of Booths” or “the Festival of Tents”
Zechariah 14:18
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Quote: A plague from Yahweh will attack the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Causing people to suffer from a plague is spoken of as if the plague would attack the people like an army. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause a plague among the people of the nations”
Zechariah 14:19
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
Zechariah 14:20
General Information:
These verses continue the description of the final war for the city of Jerusalem and of how God will save her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bells of the horses will say (0)Alternate translation: “the inscription on the bells of the horses will say”
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Quote: the basins in Yahweh’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These basins were used for boiling meat in the courtyard of the temple. Alternate translation: “the cooking pots in the courtyard of the temple”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be like the bowls before the altar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the basins will be sacred like the bowls used for catching the blood of the sacrifices. Alternate translation: “will be as sacred as the bowls used at the altar”
Zechariah 14:21
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Quote: every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be set apart to Yahweh of hosts (0)Various types of pots and utensils were made especially to be used in the temple for the worship of Yahweh and for the sacrifices. These were considered special, not to be used for anything else.
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Quote: traders will no longer be in the house of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It was the custom for traders to sell the people things they needed in order to make proper sacrifices to Yahweh in the temple. Alternate translation: “people will no longer buy or sell things in the courtyard of the temple of Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: traders (0)Some versions of the Bible translate “traders” as “Canaanites.”