front:intro yx6e 0 # Introduction to Zechariah\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Zechariah\n\n1. Zechariah calls the returning nation of Israel to repent and return to Yahweh (1:1–6)\n1. The eight night visions (1:7–6:8)\n * Yahweh sends his messengers throughout the whole earth (1:7–17)\n * Four horns and four craftsmen (1:18–21)\n * The measuring line (2:1–13)\n * The priest in filthy clothes (3:1–10)\n * The golden lampstand olive trees (4:1–14)\n * The flying scroll (5:1–4)\n * The woman in a basket (5:5–11)\n * Four chariots (6:1–8)\n1. A crown for the high priest (6:9–15)\n1. Questions about fasting (7:1–8:23)\n1. Yahweh judges the nations and saves his people (9:1–11:17)\n1. Final message (12:1–14:21)\n * Yahweh will finally defeat Israel’s enemies (12:1–9)\n * Israel mourns for the one they pierced (12:10–14)\n * Yahweh purifies Israel and removes false prophets (13:1–6)\n * Yahweh comes as king (14:1–21)\n\n### What is the Book of Zechariah about?\n\nZechariah 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThis 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Zechariah?\n\nThe prophet Zechariah wrote this book between 520 and 518 B.C.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Did Zechariah prophesy before Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai?\n\nZechariah prophesied before the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He prophesied at the same time as Haggai and continued after Haggai.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?\n\nThe 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.\n\n### What imagery does Zechariah use in reference to the Messiah?\n\nZechariah 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])\n\n### What does the phrase “that day” mean?\n\nZechariah 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])
1:intro qki3 0 # Zechariah 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is written in prose mainly with imagery used throughout to portray Zechariah’s vision given by the Lord.\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Visions\n\nThis 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.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Date\n\nZechariah 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])
1:1 if96 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths In the eighth month 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
1:1 fpf6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal the second year of Darius’ reign 0 “the second year of the reign of Darius the king” or “the second year since Darius became king”
1:1 e6fd 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.
1:3 wv9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Turn to me … and I will return to you 0 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.
1:4 le2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Turn from your evil ways and wicked practices 0 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”
1:5 tk3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Your fathers, where are they? Where are the prophets, are they here forever? 0 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.”
1:6 b2ai rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion But my words and my decrees that I commanded my servants the prophets, have they not overtaken your fathers? 0 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.”
1:6 p786 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet my words and my decrees 0 These phrases are both ways to refer to Yahweh’s message that the prophets had declared to their ancestors.
1:6 pc8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet our ways and actions 0 The words “ways” and “actions” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “our behavior”
1:7 kav5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat 0 “Shebat” is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-fourth day is near the middle of February on Western calendars.
1:7 epb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal in the second year of Darius’ reign 0 “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](../01/01.md).
1:7 li5w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Berechiah … Iddo 0 These are the names of men.
1:9 rb9l 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.”
1:9 l5k2 What are these things, Lord? 0 “What are these things, sir?” Here the word “Lord” is a form of polite address.
1:10 uiv2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the man who stood among the myrtle trees 0 These phrases refer to the man who “was riding on a red horse” in [Zechariah 1:8](../01/08.md). 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”
1:10 paz1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit to roam throughout the earth 0 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.
1:11 p8ce rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the angel of Yahweh who stood among the myrtle trees 0 This phrase refers to the man who “was riding on a red horse” in [Zechariah 1:8](../01/08.md). 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”
1:11 z1nt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor all the earth sits still and is at rest 0 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.
1:12 hd8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy to Jerusalem and to the cities of Judah 0 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”
1:15 z4b6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I am very angry with the nations that are at ease 0 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”
1:15 ml6d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit they made the disaster worse 0 “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.
1:16 irm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have returned to Jerusalem with mercies 0 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”
1:16 mlv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy My house will be built within her 0 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”
1:16 qz6g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem 0 This refers to builders using their instruments to rebuild the city. Alternate translation: “builders will stretch out their measuring lines over Jerusalem”
1:17 c5zg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy My cities will once again overflow with goodness 0 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”
1:17 e1cn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Yahweh will again comfort Zion 0 Here the word “Zion” refers to the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will again comfort the people in Zion”
1:18 fb8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I lifted up my eyes 0 The word “eyes” represents the person who looks. Alternate translation: “I looked up”
1:19 p1kh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem 0 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”
1:21 k412 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage These are the horns that scattered Judah 0 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”
1:21 zd7p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor so that no man would lift up his head 0 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”
1:21 gm5d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor to cast down the horns of the nations that lifted up a horn against the land of Judah 0 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”
2:intro j9a8 0 # Zechariah 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis 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.\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Visions\n\nThis 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.\n
2:1 u35h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I lifted up my eyes 0 The word “eyes” represents the person who looks. Alternate translation: “I looked up”
2:3 he2k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants another angel went out to meet him 0 This angel is a new participant who has not appeared before this verse.
2:4 mt9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Jerusalem will sit in the open country … beasts within her 0 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”
2:5 ync4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I … will become for her a wall of fire around her 0 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”
2:5 e11h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is Yahweh’s declaration 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [Zechariah 1:4](../01/04.md). Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
2:6 c7zp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Up! Up! 0 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!”
2:7 nj7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor you who live with the daughter of Babylon 0 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”
2:8 uv6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for whoever touches you 0 The word “touches” refers to a touch meant to harm. Alternate translation: “for whoever harms you”
2:9 w4b5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction I myself will shake my hand over them 0 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”
2:9 q7li they will be plunder for their slaves 0 The word “plunder” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “their slaves will plunder them”
2:10 n5lp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Sing for joy, daughter of Zion 0 “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”
2:10 ph8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is Yahweh’s declaration 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [Zechariah 1:4](../01/04.md). Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
2:11 h8g4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor great nations will join themselves to Yahweh 0 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”
2:12 e1sr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh will inherit Judah as his rightful possession 0 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”
2:13 f45h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche all flesh 0 Here the word “flesh” represents all humanity. Alternate translation: “all people”
2:13 p2lb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he has been roused 0 Zechariah speaks of Yahweh beginning to act as if someone had roused Yahweh from inactivity. Alternate translation: “he is coming”
2:13 dh6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit from out of his holy place 0 Here “his holy place” refers to heaven, and not to the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “from his holy place in heaven”
3:intro gw6m 0 # Zechariah 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is introduced in prose and shares the fourth vision, which is the priest in dirty clothes. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]])\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Difficult concepts in this chapter\n\n### Visions\n\nIt is important for each of these visions to keep their meanings and not be interpreted to mean any specific thing.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### The high priest\n\nThis chapter seems to refer to a particular person, Joshua the high priest. However, little is known about him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/highpriest]])
3:1 lm1x 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”
3:2 p64g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Is this not a brand pulled from the fire? 0 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.”
3:2 il5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor a brand pulled from the fire 0 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.
3:3 d4s4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage Joshua was dressed in filthy garments 0 In this vision “filthy garments” are symbolic of sinfulness.
3:4 k9lt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I have caused your iniquity to pass from you 0 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”
3:4 uh7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage dress you in fine clothing 0 Here fine clothing symbolizes righteousness.
3:7 l5ba rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism If you will walk in my ways, and if you will keep my commandments 0 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “If you will obey me and keep my commandments”
3:7 x34k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy you will govern my house and guard my courts 0 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”
3:7 mwk3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to go and come among these who stand before me 0 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”
3:8 jym9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit your companions who live with you 0 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”
3:8 hp4q 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.
3:8 v7at rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my servant the Branch 0 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.
3:9 i5c3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor There are seven eyes on this single stone 0 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”
3:9 i5q1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will remove the sin from this land in one day 0 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”
3:10 a257 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit each man will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and under his fig tree 0 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”
4:intro if68 0 # Zechariah 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is written mainly in prose about the fifth vision, which is about the golden lampstand olive trees.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Visions\n\nThis 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.
4:1 g1iy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile roused me like a man roused from his sleep 0 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”
4:3 n5h3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis the left side 0 The ellipsis in this phrase may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “the left side of the bowl”
4:5 d96u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Do you not know what these things mean? 0 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.”
4:6 y1pw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Not by might nor by power 0 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”
4:6 wt9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Not by might nor by power 0 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”
4:7 abe2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain 0 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”
4:7 k6l1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit he will bring out the top stone 0 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”
4:7 cbj6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit to shouts of ‘Grace! Grace to it!’ 0 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!’”
4:8 lpf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom The word of Yahweh came to me, saying 0 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”
4:9 z7ve rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche The hands of Zerubbabel have laid … his hands will bring it to completion 0 Here the word “hands” represents Zerubbabel. Alternate translation: “Zerubbabel has laid … he will bring it to completion”
4:9 gn3u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the foundation of this house 0 The word “house” represents the temple. Alternate translation: “the foundation of this temple”
4:10 w6q1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who has despised the day of small things? These people will rejoice 0 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”
4:10 a9tc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the day of small things 0 “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”
4:10 t9lp 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.
4:10 xm5j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage These seven lamps are the eyes of Yahweh that roam over the whole earth 0 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”
4:12 t7zp What are these two olive branches 0 Here Zechariah changes his question and asks about branches that are connected to the two olive trees.
4:12 brf2 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.
4:12 mv5r golden oil 0 Here “golden” refers to the color of the oil and does not mean that the oil was made of gold.
4:13 anh7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Do you not know what these are? 0 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.”
4:14 rx28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage These are the sons of fresh olive oil 0 The branches symbolize these people, but they are not literally the people. Alternate translation: “These two branches represent the sons of fresh olive oil”
4:14 j7gl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the sons of fresh olive oil 0 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”
4:14 a6x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom who stand before the Lord 0 The idiom “stand before” means to be in a person’s presence and to serve him. Alternate translation: “who serve the Lord”
5:intro x2ef 0 # Zechariah 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter contains the next two visions. One is about a flying scroll and one is about the basket filled with iniquity. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/iniquity]])
5:1 xqx2 Then I turned 0 The word “I” refers to Zechariah.
5:2 gh1w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide 0 A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “9.2 meters long and 4.6 meters wide”
5:3 lv5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy This is the curse 0 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”
5:3 mys3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom that goes out over the surface of the whole land 0 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”
5:3 iha6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor every thief will be cut off … everyone who swears a false oath will be cut off 0 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”
5:3 pu8h 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”
5:4 y2v5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor consume its timber and stones 0 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”
5:6 mb23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume This is a basket containing an ephah that is coming 0 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”
5:6 bcy6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage This is their iniquity in the whole land 0 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”
5:7 un6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive a lead covering was lifted off the basket 0 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”
5:8 glc2 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.
5:9 zcp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I lifted my eyes 0 Here the word “eyes” represents the person who sees. Alternate translation: “I looked up”
5:9 mt2r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom wind was in their wings 0 This idiom means that they were flying. Alternate translation: “they were flying”
5:9 gde6 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.
5:9 xf59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism They lifted up the basket between earth and heaven 0 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”
5:11 dyi3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis To build a temple in the land of Shinar for it 0 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”
5:11 un6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the basket will be set there 0 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”
6:intro z96r 0 # Zechariah 6 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is written mainly in prose and tells the last vision of the four chariots in the first part of the chapter.\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Meaning of the visions\n\nThe 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])
6:1 wvi1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche lifted my eyes 0 Here the word “eyes” represents the person who sees. Alternate translation: “looked up”
6:1 zj81 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”
6:2 tw1y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit The first chariot had red horses 0 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”
6:5 j43m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage These are the four winds of heaven 0 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”
6:5 cai5 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.”
6:5 u5ms rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom standing before the Lord of all the earth 0 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](../04/14.md). Alternate translation: “serving the Lord of all the earth”
6:6 v88q 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.
6:6 g5r6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the white horses are … the spotted gray horses are 0 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”
6:12 ihw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor his name is Branch 0 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](../03/08.md).
6:12 w53q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor He will grow up where he is 0 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.
6:13 lm52 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”
6:14 ea75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The crown will given 0 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”
6:14 xn98 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah … Hen 0 These are the names of men. See how you translated these in [Zechariah 6:10](../06/10.md).
6:15 e6jp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit those who are far off 0 This refers to the Israelites who remain in Babylon.
6:15 u2bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you so you will know 0 The word “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
6:15 zqz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy truly listen to the voice of Yahweh your God 0 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”
7:intro meb2 0 # Zechariah 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter starts about two years after the previous chapter and is written in prose.\n\nSome 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.\n
7:1 vut4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths Kislev (which was the ninth month) 0 “Kislev” is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourth day of Kislev is near the end of November on Western calendars.
7:2 b1wi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy before the face of Yahweh 0 Here “face” is a metonym for Yahweh’s presence. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”
7:5 wdh2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal in the fifth and in the seventh month 0 “in months 5 and 7”
7:5 v5v5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis in the fifth 0 The word “month” can be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: “in the fifth month”
7:5 tfh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in the seventh month 0 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.
7:5 d7zd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit for these seventy years 0 The assumed knowledge is that the people of Israel had been slaves in Babylon for 70 years.
7:5 n3dw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion were you truly fasting for me? 0 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.”
7:6 p43p 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.
7:6 ax5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion did you not eat and drink for yourselves? 0 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.”
7:7 qy27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Were these not the same words … to the west? 0 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.”
7:7 dqw4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy by the mouth of the former prophets 0 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”
7:9 v17g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Judge with true justice, covenant faithfulness, and mercy 0 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”
7:10 jdb5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy let none of you plot any harm against another in your heart 0 Here “heart” represents the thoughts of a person. Alternate translation: “you must not make plans to do evil”
7:11 l8vz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor set their shoulders stubbornly 0 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”
7:11 if1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor They stopped up their ears so they would not hear 0 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”
7:12 ieh1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile They made their hearts as hard as rock so they would not hear the law or the words of Yahweh of hosts 0 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”
7:12 z4q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy by the mouth of the prophets 0 Here the “mouth of the prophets” is a metonym for the words that the prophets speak. Alternate translation: “through the words of the prophets”
7:14 hga8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will scatter them with a whirlwind 0 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”
7:14 x4q6 whirlwind 0 a strong wind that spins very quickly as it moves and can cause damage
7:14 c1xg delightful land 0 Alternate translation: “pleasant land” or “fruitful land”
8:intro uri7 0 # Zechariah 8 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahwehofhosts]])
8:2 rx8t I am passionate for Zion 0 Alternate translation: “I have a strong desire to protect Zion”
8:2 vc1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for Zion 0 Here “Zion” represents the people of Zion. Alternate translation: “for the people of Zion” or “for the people of Jerusalem”
8:2 w6qx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit with great anger 0 The implied information is that this anger is against the enemies of Zion. Alternate translation: “with great anger against her enemies”
8:3 m9ri rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the mountain of Yahweh of hosts 0 The implied information is that this refers to Mount Zion, the location upon which the city of Jerusalem was built.
8:4 z297 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in his hand because he has grown so old 0 People having the opportunity to grow old implies the city will be peaceful and prosperous for a long time.
8:6 n3ga rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor If something seems impossible in the eyes of 0 The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “If something does not appear to be possible to”
8:6 c478 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor in my eyes 0 The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “to me”
8:7 f4bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I am about to rescue my people 0 The implied information is that the people are in exile. “I am about to rescue my people of Judah who went into exile”
8:7 x6hq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism from the land of the sunrise and from the land of the setting sun 0 This is a merism that means from all directions. Alternate translation: “from all lands in every direction”
8:8 bcy7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns I will be their God in truth and in righteousness 0 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”
8:9 h94j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Strengthen your hands 0 This is an idiom that means to be courageous for the work. Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous”
8:10 h2cs For before those days 0 Here “those days” refers to the time the people of Judah started to rebuild the temple.
8:10 gp8k no crops were gathered in 0 Alternate translation: “there were no crops to harvest”
8:10 z6fg 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.
8:10 uh2k I had set every person each against his neighbor 0 Alternate translation: “I had turned everyone against each other”
8:11 cg9b 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”
8:11 pcv2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in former days 0 “in the past.” The implied information is that this refers to the time when the people started rebuilding the temple.
8:11 k5pg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the remnant of this people 0 The implied information is that this is the remnant of the people who returned from exile. Alternate translation: “the people who returned from exile”
8:12 sdy1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive seeds of peace will be sown 0 This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “the people will safely sow seed”
8:12 nk96 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the earth will give its produce; the skies will give their dew 0 The earth and skies are spoken of as if they were persons giving what is needed.
8:13 y21m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit You were an example to the other nations of a curse 0 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”
8:13 mk9i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy house of Judah and house of Israel 0 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”
8:13 msq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom let your hands be strong 0 This is an idiom that means to be courageous for the work. Alternate translation: “be strong and courageous”
8:13 v8du rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy house of Judah and house of Israel 0 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”
8:15 tg1a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Jerusalem 0 This is a metonym for the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem”
8:16 iy65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Speak truth, every person with his neighbor 0 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”
8:16 u5kf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Judge with truth, justice, and peace in your gates 0 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”
8:16 k4ez rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in your gates 0 The assumed knowledge is that this refers to the places where judgment took place. Alternate translation: “in your places of judgment”
8:19 hr3x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal The fasts of the fourth month, the fifth month, the seventh month, and the tenth month 0 “The fasts of months 4, 5, 7, and 10”
8:19 x9kp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit The fasts of the fourth month 0 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.
8:19 je6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the fifth month 0 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.
8:19 h4zn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the seventh month 0 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.
8:19 qk5a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the tenth month 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
8:19 v6ls rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns times of joy, gladness, and happy festivals 0 The abstract nouns “joy” and “gladness” can be translated using adjectives. Alternate translation: “joyful and glad times, with happy festivals”
8:19 vyd5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of Judah 0 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”
8:19 c9gv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns love truth and peace 0 The abstract nouns “truth” and “peace” can be translated using adjectives. Alternate translation: “love what is truthful and peaceful”
8:20 r5qf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit People will come again 0 The implied information is that Jerusalem is where the people will come. Alternate translation: “People will come again to Jerusalem”
8:21 rvs3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy will go to another city 0 This is a metonym for the people in the other city. Alternate translation: “will go to the people of another city”
8:21 k69q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy before the face of Yahweh 0 Here “face” is a metonym for Yahweh’s presence. See how you translated this in [Zechariah 7:2](../07/02.md). Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”
8:21 szh9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor seek Yahweh of hosts 0 Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
8:22 nz8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy mighty nations 0 This is a metonym for the people in the mighty nations. Alternate translation: “people of mighty nations”
8:23 vw6j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit will grasp the hem of your robe 0 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”
8:23 ed1e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Let us go with you 0 The implied information is that people of God are going to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Let us go to Jerusalem with you”
9:intro lyp2 0 # Zechariah 9 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is written mainly in prose about the cities and peoples around where Israel stood as a country until the exile.\n\nSome 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.\n
9:1 fjj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the land of Hadrak and Damascus 0 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”
9:1 xk5a Hadrak 0 The location of Hadrak is unknown today.
9:1 q7lh its resting place 0 Alternate translation: “the resting place of the people of Hadrak”
9:1 fi2z 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.”
9:1 b62m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the eyes of all humanity and all the tribes of Israel are toward Yahweh 0 Here “eyes” refers to what they look at. Alternate translation: “all humanity and all the tribes of Israel look toward Yahweh”
9:2 dbk5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Hamath 0 This refers to the people who live in that land. Alternate translation: “the people of the land of Hamath”
9:2 x51x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Tyre and Sidon 0 This refers to the people who live in those cities. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre and Sidon”
9:2 z6mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony for they are very wise 0 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”
9:3 vi9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification built herself a stronghold 0 Here the city of Tyre is pictured as a woman. Alternate translation: “built a strong fortress” or “built a high wall”
9:3 p2xv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole heaped up silver like dust and refined gold like mud in the streets 0 Yahweh exaggerates to emphasize how rich Tyre was. Alternate translation: “accumulated silver and gold as much as soil in the streets”
9:4 ps4e 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”
9:4 nf2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy destroy her strength on the sea 0 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”
9:4 rk76 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive so she will be devoured by fire 0 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”
9:5 zx4k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Ashkelon … Gaza … Ekron, her hopes 0 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”
9:6 r481 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I will cut off the pride of the Philistines 0 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”
9:7 efh7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will remove their blood from their mouths and their abominations from between their teeth 0 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”
9:8 l2f6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will camp around my land 0 God is speaking about himself as if he were an army that was protecting his land. Alternate translation: “I will protect my land”
9:8 gnt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I see with my own eyes 0 Here “my own eyes” represent Yahweh’s personal attention. Alternate translation: “I will personally watch over my land”
9:9 u6p1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Shout with great joy, daughter of Zion! Shout with happiness, daughter of Jerusalem! 0 These two sentences mean the same thing and intensify the command to rejoice.
9:9 apz5 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](../02/10.md).
9:9 sey9 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!”
9:9 ke7v 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”
9:9 kjw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet on a donkey, on the colt of a donkey 0 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”
9:10 ca4d 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”
9:10 f5sv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the horse from Jerusalem 0 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”
9:10 n8py rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the bow will be cut off from battle 0 Here the bow represents all weapons used in warfare. Alternate translation: “all weapons of war will be destroyed”
9:10 xh6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for he will speak peace to the nations 0 Here the action of announcing peace represents the action of making peace. Alternate translation: “for your king will bring peace to the nations”
9:10 m1ef rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet his dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! 0 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!”
9:11 n83k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the pit where there is no water 0 This dry pit represents the exile in Babylon.
9:12 g5c5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Return to the stronghold 0 Jerusalem is spoken of as a place of safety. Alternate translation: “Come back to your nation where you will be safe”
9:12 v54r 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”
9:12 xt6s return double to you 0 Alternate translation: “return to you twice as much as was taken from you”
9:13 sjg3 Zion 0 This refers to the city of Jerusalem, also called “Zion.”
9:13 mwe7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have bent Judah as my bow 0 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”
9:13 ki73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor filled my quiver with Ephraim 0 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.
9:13 es7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I have roused your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece 0 God is speaking to the people of two different nations at the same time.
9:14 ms12 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”
9:14 j3mb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile his arrows will shoot out like lightning! 0 The Israelites sometimes thought of lightning bolts as arrows that God shot.
9:14 qh4y 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.
9:14 cdu9 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”
9:15 rq95 they will devour them 0 Alternate translation: “the people of Judah will devour their enemies”
9:15 l59u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor will devour 0 To completely defeat enemies is spoken of as devouring them as a wild animal eats its prey. Alternate translation: “will completely defeat”
9:15 fq6x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy defeat the stones of the slings 0 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”
9:15 ure5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Then they will drink and shout like men drunk on wine 0 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”
9:15 t8ng rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile they will be filled with wine like bowls 0 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”
9:15 h8j2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like the corners of the altar 0 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” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
9:16 i4qw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile God will rescue them … as the flock of his people 0 The people of Israel are spoken of as if they are God’s sheep that he cares for and protects.
9:16 kyv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor They are the jewels of a crown 0 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”
9:17 udt9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations How good and how beautiful they will be! 0 This is an exclamation, and not a question. Alternate translation: “They will be very good and beautiful!”
9:17 rzm2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism The young men will flourish on grain and the virgins on sweet wine! 0 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!”
9:17 uf1p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism The young men … the virgins 0 These two phrases are parallel and together represent the entire population of Israel. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
9:17 x8zq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism grain … sweet wine 0 These two phrases are parallel and together represent all of the different kinds of the food and drink. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
10:intro jmh9 0 # Zechariah 10 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/redeem]])\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Redemption\n\nThis book, and especially this chapter, uses the concepts of redemption and remnant to share the relationship that the people of Judah have with their God. So many of the people of Israel perished as their kingdom went into exile. Now they are returning to the land, but the land is no longer theirs. They are living under foreign rule. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/redeem]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/remnant]])
10:1 ybt5 vegetation in the field 0 Alternate translation: “causes plants to grow in the field”
10:2 wcl5 household idols speak falsely 0 “household idols give false messages.” Zechariah is not suggesting that idols actually speak. He is referring to the messages people say they hear from idols. The UST makes this explicit.
10:2 tc8c diviners envision a lie 0 Alternate translation: “diviners see false visions”
10:2 e8gu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit they tell deceitful dreams 0 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”
10:2 nb46 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile they wander like sheep 0 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”
10:2 zr2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile they … suffer because there is no shepherd 0 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”
10:3 iq7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My wrath burns against the shepherds 0 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”
10:3 ir6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor it is the male goats—the leaders—that I will punish 0 Male goats are typically more dominant than female goats. Here “male goats” represents the oppressive leaders of God’s people.
10:3 r33n 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”
10:3 t1tc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of Judah 0 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”
10:3 dd5g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor make them like his warhorse in battle 0 Yahweh changes the metaphor for his people from defenseless sheep to a mighty war horse. He speaks of his people as if they were a strong horse in battle. Alternate translation: “will cause them to be strong like war horses in battle” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
10:4 se8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor From Judah will come the cornerstone 0 “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”
10:4 xep2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage the cornerstone … the tent peg … the war bow 0 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.
10:4 q653 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from him will come the tent peg 0 “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”
10:4 mgt1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from him will come the war bow 0 “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”
10:5 sg3z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile They will be like warriors … streets in battle 0 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”
10:5 f7n7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom who trample their enemies into the mud of the streets in battle 0 To trample them into the mud is an idiom that means to completely defeat them. Alternate translation: “who defeat their enemies completely”
10:5 xrr5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Yahweh is with them 0 Here “with them” is an idiom that means he is present to help them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will help them”
10:5 a47d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy they will shame those who ride warhorses 0 Here shame accompanies and represents defeat. Alternate translation: “they will defeat their enemies who ride warhorses”
10:6 tf8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of Judah 0 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”
10:6 q4yn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of Joseph 0 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”
10:6 b62v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I had not cast them off 0 This speaks of the people as a torn or dirty garment that Yahweh took off and threw away. This symbolizes rejection. Alternate translation: “I had not rejected them” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
10:7 zfa5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Ephraim will be like a warrior 0 “Ephraim” refers here to the northern kingdom of Israel. Warriors are strong. Alternate translation: “Ephraim will be very strong”
10:7 pg8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche their hearts will rejoice as with wine 0 Here “hearts” refers to the whole person. They will have the same joy as a person who is enjoying drinking wine. Alternate translation: “and they will be very happy” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
10:7 u9gr 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!”
10:8 h3zu 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.
10:9 a419 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I sowed them among the peoples 0 The exile of the people is spoken of as if they were seed that Yahweh had planted in a distant land.
10:10 qvy9 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”
10:11 kec9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will pass through the sea of their affliction 0 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”
10:11 sq3e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I will strike the waves of that sea 0 Here to “strike” the waves is an idiom that means he will stop the waves from forming. Stopping the afflictions of his people is spoken of as calming the waves of that sea. Alternate translation: “I will cause the waves of that sea of affliction to stop” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
10:11 h8a4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The majesty of Assyria will be brought down 0 Here “the majesty of Assyria” probably refers to the Assyrian army. Alternate translation: “I will destroy Assyria’s proud army”
10:11 g3sx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the scepter of Egypt will go away from the Egyptians 0 Here “the scepter of Egypt” refers to the political power of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the power of Egypt to rule other nations will end”
10:12 dh7y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is Yahweh’s declaration 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [Zechariah 1:4](../01/04.md). Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
11:intro up7e 0 # Zechariah 11 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter unlike the previous one is a warning against the leaders amongst the exiles.\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThis chapter uses an extended metaphor of sheep and shepherds to convey Yahweh’s dismay at the leaders during the exiles. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### Symbolism\n\nThe 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/favor]])
11:1 d6vm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Open your doors, Lebanon, that fire may devour 0 Not resisting what is about to happen is spoken of as if Lebanon were opening its doors. Here “Lebanon” is a metonym that represents the people of Lebanon. Alternate translation: “People of Lebanon, get ready, because fire will devour” or “People of Lebanon, do not try to stop the fire that will devour” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11:1 kmf3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor fire may devour your cedars 0 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”
11:2 fu2k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Lament, cypress trees, for the cedar trees have fallen 0 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”
11:2 fq53 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive What was majestic has been devastated 0 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”
11:2 gbt2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Lament, you oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest has gone down. 0 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”
11:3 ji77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for their glory has been destroyed 0 Here “their glory” probably represents the rich pastures that the shepherds led their sheep to. Alternate translation: “for their rich pastures are ruined”
11:3 h9cl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for the pride of the Jordan River has been devastated 0 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”
11:4 zxx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction 0 # General Information:\n\nIn 11:4–17 is a story about two shepherds. This could mean: (1) Zechariah actually became a shepherd over a flock as a symbolic act showing how Yahweh will treat his people or (2) Zechariah tells a parable that teaches how Yahweh will treat his people. Since it is uncertain which of these meanings is correct, it would be best not to specify either option in the translation. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])
11:5 ip1w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive are not punished 0 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”
11:6 ljs6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is Yahweh’s declaration 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [Zechariah 1:4](../01/04.md). Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
11:6 t499 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns I myself 0 The word “myself” is used to emphasize that it is Yahweh who will do these things.
11:6 qz87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy turn over every person into the hand of his neighbor and into the hand of his king 0 Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “allow the people to harm each other and the king will oppress them”
11:6 sr77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy none of them will I deliver them from their hand 0 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”
11:9 cnt4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the sheep that are being destroyed—let them be destroyed 0 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”
11:11 m881 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the covenant was broken 0 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”
11:11 ve5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit knew that Yahweh had spoken 0 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”
11:12 x7fr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit thirty pieces of silver 0 It is implied that this was very little pay for the shepherd. Alternate translation: “only thirty pieces of silver”
11:13 dv1a 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.
11:13 ye4f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony the excellent price 0 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”
11:14 js8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy between Judah and Israel 0 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”
11:16 t1g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I am about to set in place a shepherd in the land 0 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”
11:17 wum9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy May the sword 0 Here “sword” represents enemies who will attack the shepherd. Alternate translation: “May enemies”
11:17 zwk6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom come against his arm and his right eye 0 Here “come against” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “strike and wound his right arm and pierce his right eye”
11:17 gqb9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy his arm 0 Here “arm” represents the power to fight.
11:17 c27h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit his right eye 0 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.
12:intro cr4a 0 # Zechariah 12 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSimilar to chapter 11, this chapter is written mainly in prose and is talking about Jerusalem.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\n\nVerses 10–11 are quoted in the New Testament and apply to Jesus’ death on the cross. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/cross]])
12:1 vy11 0 # General Information:\n\nThese verses begin a section that tells about the coming attack against Jerusalem and how God will rescue the city.
12:1 mz3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor who stretched out the skies 0 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”
12:1 gzl6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor laid the foundation of the earth 0 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”
12:1 gnm5 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”
12:2 ez4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I am about to make Jerusalem into a cup … to stagger about 0 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”
12:2 s5lx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy into a cup 0 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”
12:2 h8sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification surrounding her 0 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.
12:3 u546 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples 0 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”
12:4 w42z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Over the house of Judah I will open my eyes 0 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”
12:4 jgj7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of Judah 0 Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
12:5 g3n8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy say in their hearts 0 Here “hearts” represents a person’s mind. Alternate translation: “think to themselves” or “say to themselves”
12:5 w95z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns are our strength 0 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”
12:6 zv3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like firepots among wood … standing grain 0 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”
12:6 iv6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor will consume all the surrounding peoples 0 Completely destroying the peoples is spoken of as if the people of Judah will “devour” them. Alternate translation: “will destroy the surrounding peoples”
12:6 l53t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism on their right and on their left 0 Here “right” and “left” represent every direction. Alternate translation: “in every direction”
12:6 hh2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Jerusalem will again live in her own place 0 Here “Jerusalem” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem will again live in their own city”
12:7 nba7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the tents of Judah 0 Here “tents” represents homes, and homes represent the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
12:7 h87n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of David 0 This could mean: (1) the descendants of David or (2) the ruling class of people.
12:8 ys6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile those who are weak among them will be like David 0 This simile means those who are weak will be strong. Alternate translation: “those who are weak will be strong like David”
12:10 f9d7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will pour out a spirit of compassion and pleading on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem 0 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”
12:10 c3sx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of David 0 Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of David”
12:10 rxx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis for an only son 0 It is understood that the “son” has died. Alternate translation: “for an only son who has died”
12:11 mcu4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names the laments in Jerusalem will be like the laments at Hadad Rimmon 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
12:11 qg93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Megiddo 0 This is the name of a plain in Israel.
12:12 jj6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The land will mourn 0 This represents all the people living in the land of Judah. Alternate translation: “All the people in the land of Judah will mourn”
12:12 qth7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The clan of the house of David … The clan of the house of Nathan 0 Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “The descendants of David … The descendants of Nathan”
12:13 r6fc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The clan of the house of Levi 0 Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Levi”
13:intro jz2l 0 # Zechariah 13 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is written partly in prose and partly in poetry.\n\nSome 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.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\nZechariah 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: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])
13:1 f2a5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor a spring will be opened … for their sin and impurity 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:1 s36v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the house of David 0 Here “house” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of David”
13:2 x2wt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [Zechariah 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared”
13:2 v452 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will cut off the names of the idols from the land 0 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”
13:2 u9ue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom they will no longer be remembered 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:2 mck6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land 0 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”
13:3 l7gb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit to prophesy 0 It is implied that these are false prophecies. Alternate translation: “to prophesy falsely”
13:3 rx4l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish his father and mother who bore him 0 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”
13:3 w2sb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy you speak lies in the name of Yahweh 0 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”
13:5 wud8 I am a man who works the soil 0 Alternate translation: “I am a farmer”
13:5 ip2z 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”
13:6 q1gg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit What are these wounds between your arms? 0 “How did you get those cuts on your chest?” This refers to the apparent custom of false prophets wounding themselves in their ceremonies.
13:6 f1cf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit he will answer 0 It is implied that his answer is a lie. Alternate translation: “he will lie to him saying”
13:7 l7mc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\nZechariah often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. Here Yahweh begins speaking. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
13:7 c9hl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Sword! Rouse yourself against my shepherd 0 “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”
13:7 z2t4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my shepherd 0 This speaks of a servant of Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate translation: “my servant who is like a shepherd”
13:7 r27c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [Zechariah 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared”
13:7 ttv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the flock will scatter 0 The people of God are spoken of as if they were sheep. Alternate translation: “my people will run away like sheep”
13:7 kp5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I will turn my hand against the lowly ones 0 The idiom “turn my hand against” means to act hostile towards someone. Alternate translation: “I will attack the lowly ones”
13:8 u8xd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor that two-thirds of it will be cut off! Those people will perish; only one-third will remain there 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
13:9 ac7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will bring that third through the fire 0 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.
13:9 h19l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor refine them as silver is refined; I will test them as gold is tested 0 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.
13:9 ru4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy They will call on my name 0 Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “They will call out to me”
14:intro ljq3 0 # Zechariah 14 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is written in prose about Jerusalem during the last days. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Last days\n\nZechariah 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.
14:1 a7h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor A day for Yahweh is coming when your plunder will be divided in your midst 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
14:2 q4hu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole I will gather every nation against Jerusalem for battle 0 Here “every nation” is a generalization that means “many nations.” Alternate translation: “I will cause many nations to attack Jerusalem”
14:2 qi2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the city will be captured 0 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”
14:2 lk8a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The houses will be plundered and the women raped 0 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”
14:2 cej1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the remainder of the people will not be cut off from the city 0 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”
14:3 l9z1 0 # General Information:\n\nThese 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.
14:4 ak3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives 0 Here “feet” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “he will stand on the Mount of Olives”
14:4 kpm4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The Mount of Olives will be split … by a very great valley 0 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”
14:5 q9u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Azel 0 This is the name of a town or village east of Jerusalem.
14:5 d8ly rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit You will flee just as you fled 0 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”
14:5 n1lh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah 0 Here “in the days” is an idiom that refers to the time when Uzziah was king. Alternate translation: “when Uzziah was king of Judah”
14:6 z2kn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit there will be no light 0 It is implied that there will be no light from the sun. Alternate translation: “there will be no light from the sun”
14:7 yli2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive a day known only to Yahweh 0 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”
14:8 v254 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom living waters 0 This normally means running or flowing water, rather than still or stagnant water.
14:9 r6ni rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy there will be Yahweh, the one God, and his name alone 0 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”
14:10 wmv3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit All the land 0 It is implied that this is the land of Judah. Alternate translation: “All the land of Judah”
14:10 sj4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Arabah 0 This is the name of a plain in the Jordan River Valley.
14:10 sxq5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Geba 0 This is the name of a town on the northern border of Judah.
14:10 rz4c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Rimmon 0 This is the name of a town south of Jerusalem.
14:10 uk8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases Jerusalem will continue to be raised up 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
14:10 eay1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names the Benjamin Gate … the first gate … the Corner Gate 0 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: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
14:10 t1rw rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names the Tower of Hananel 0 This refers to a strong point in the city defenses on the northern wall. It was probably built by a man named Hananel.
14:10 rki8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the king’s winepresses 0 This probably refers to the place where wine was made for the royal family. It was located in the southwest part of Jerusalem.
14:11 gbk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Jerusalem will live in safety 0 Here “Jerusalem” represents the people. Alternate translation: “The people will live safely in Jerusalem”
14:12 wg9q 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.
14:13 w6fr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns that great fear from Yahweh will come among them 0 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”
14:13 yl73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Each one will seize the hand of another, and the hand of one will be raised up against the hand of another 0 These are idioms that refer to being hostile towards another person. Alternate translation: “Each person will grab someone, and they will fight each other”
14:14 n8dy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Judah will also fight against Jerusalem 0 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”
14:16 rf9t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom that came against Jerusalem 0 Here “came against” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that attacked Jerusalem”
14:18 q1tm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor A plague from Yahweh will attack the nations 0 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”
14:20 ez1i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the basins in Yahweh’s house 0 These basins were used for boiling meat in the courtyard of the temple. Alternate translation: “the cooking pots in the courtyard of the temple”
14:20 c8cd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit will be like the bowls before the altar 0 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”
14:21 q299 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.
14:21 qfn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit traders will no longer be in the house of Yahweh 0 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”
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