Zechariah 1 — Greek, Translation, Interlinear & Discourse

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

ἐν τῷ ὀγδόῳ μηνὶ ἔτους δευτέρου ἐπὶ Δαρείου ἐγένετο λόγος κυρίου πρὸς Ζαχαριαν τὸν τοῦ Βαραχιου υἱὸν Αδδω τὸν προφήτην λέγων

In the eighth month, in the second year under Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,

Superscriptionasyndeton

The chapter begins with a dated prophetic heading in the Persian period. The genealogy and title identify Zechariah as an authorized prophetic voice before the exhortation begins.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ὀγδόῳeighthA1 DSM · ὄγδοοςdative complement within the clauseὄγδοος: lexical item rendered here as "eighth"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

μηνὶmonthN3 DSM · μήνdative complement within the clauseμήν: lexical item rendered here as "month"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἔτουςyearN3E GSN · ἔτοςgenitive dependent within the phraseἔτος: lexical item rendered here as "year"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

δευτέρουsecondA1A GSN · δεύτεροςgenitive dependent within the phraseδεύτερος: lexical item rendered here as "second"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing the following phraseἐπί: preposition rendered according to context as "on," "against," or "over," with a wide semantic range in narrative and oracle speech.

ΔαρείουDariusN2 GSM · Δαρεῖοςproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΔαρείου: proper name preserved in Greek form; its significance here comes from its place in Zechariah's historical or visionary setting.

ἐγένετοcameVBI AMI3S · γίγνομαιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ middle verbal form highlighting the subject's participation in the actionγίγνομαι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "came"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

λόγοςwordN2 NSM · λόγοςnominative element functioning within the clauseλόγος: lexical item rendered here as "word"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

κυρίουLordN2 GSM · κύριοςgenitive dependent within the phraseκύριος: lexical item rendered here as "Lord"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

ΖαχαριανZechariahN1T ASM · Ζαχαριαςproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΖαχαριας: "Zechariah," the prophet whose name is preserved in transliterated Greek form within the Persian-period superscription.

τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ΒαραχιουBerechiahN1T GSM · Βαραχίαςproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΒαραχίας: "Berechiah," Zechariah's father, retained in transliteration as part of the prophet's formal genealogy.

υἱὸνsonN2 ASM · υἱόςaccusative element functioning as object or goalυἱός: lexical item rendered here as "son"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ΑδδωIddoN ASM · Αδδωproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΑδδω: "Iddo," Zechariah's ancestral name, left in transliterated form in the genealogical heading.

προφήτηνprophetN1M ASM · προφήτηςaccusative element functioning as object or goalπροφήτης: lexical item rendered here as "prophet"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

λέγωνsayingV1 · παπνσμ λέγωparticiple contributing verbal aspect while modifying a nearby noun or supplementing the clause→ participial verbal form expressing action in relation to a nearby substantive or clauseπαπνσμ λέγω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "saying"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ὠργίσθη κύριος ἐπὶ τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν ὀργὴν μεγάλην

The Lord was angry with your fathers with great anger.

Opening accusationasyndeton

The first divine word is blunt and retrospective. By doubling the idea of wrath, the line makes the exile-generation past a moral warning for the present community.

Word-by-word analysis· 8 words

ὠργίσθηbe angryVSI API3S · ὀργίζωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeὀργίζω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "be angry"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

κύριοςLordN2 NSM · κύριοςnominative element functioning within the clauseκύριος: lexical item rendered here as "Lord"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

πατέραςfathersN3 APM · πατήρaccusative element functioning as object or goalπατήρ: lexical item rendered here as "fathers"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ὑμῶνyouRP GP · σύpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseσύ: lexical item rendered here as "you"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ὀργὴνangerN1 ASF · ὀργήaccusative element functioning as object or goalὀργή: lexical item rendered here as "οργη"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

μεγάληνgreatA1 ASF · μέγαςaccusative element functioning as object or goalμέγας: lexical item rendered here as "μεγας"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶ ἐρεῖς πρὸς αὐτούς τάδε λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ ἐπιστρέψατε πρός με καὶ ἐπιστραφήσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς λέγει κύριος

And you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord Almighty: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord.”

Call to repentanceasyndeton

The prophetic message turns memory into invitation. The reciprocity of return sets the theological center of the opening unit: repentance is met by renewed divine presence.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἐρεῖςsaidVF2 FAI2S · εἶπονmain verbal form advancing the clause→ verbal form carrying the clause forward in contextεἶπον: verbal lexeme rendered here as "said"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

αὐτούςhimRD APM · αὐτόςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseαὐτός: lexical item rendered here as "him"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

τάδεthusRD APN · ὅδεpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseὅδε: lexical item rendered here as "thus"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

λέγειsayV1 PAI3S · λέγωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingλέγω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "say"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

παντοκράτωρAlmightyN3R NSM · παντοκράτωρnominative element functioning within the clauseπαντοκράτωρ: "Almighty" or "Ruler of all"; a characteristically Septuagintal divine title that underscores the universal sovereignty of the Lord in judgment and restoration alike.

ἐπιστρέψατεreturnVA AAD2P · στρέφω + ἐπιimperatival verbal form issuing a command or exhortation→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeστρέφω + ἐπι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "return"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

πρόςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

μεIRP AS · ἐγώpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseἐγώ: lexical item rendered here as "I"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἐπιστραφήσομαιreturnVD FPI1S · στρέφω + ἐπιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardστρέφω + ἐπι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "return"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

ὑμᾶςyouRP AP · σύpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseσύ: lexical item rendered here as "you"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶ μὴ γίνεσθε καθὼς οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν οἷς ἐνεκάλεσαν αὐτοῖς οἱ προφῆται οἱ ἔμπροσθεν λέγοντες τάδε λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ ἀποστρέψατε ἀπὸ τῶν ὁδῶν ὑμῶν τῶν πονηρῶν καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἐπιτηδευμάτων ὑμῶν τῶν πονηρῶν καὶ οὐ προσέσχον τοῦ εἰσακοῦσαί μου λέγει κύριος

And do not become like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, saying, “Thus says the Lord Almighty: Turn back from your evil ways and from your evil practices.” But they did not attend so as to hear me, says the Lord.

Negative exampleasyndeton

The community is warned not to repeat the fathers' pattern. Former prophetic preaching is quoted, and the failure is defined not merely as bad conduct but as refusal to listen.

Word-by-word analysis· 41 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

μὴnotD · μήindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseμή: negative particle, used especially with non-indicative forms, prohibitions, and dependent expressions.

γίνεσθεcameV1 PMD2P · γίγνομαιimperatival verbal form issuing a command or exhortation→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingγίγνομαι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "came"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καθὼςjust asD · καθώςindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseκαθώς: comparative or subordinating adverb, commonly "just as" or "according as."

οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

πατέρεςfathersN3 NPM · πατήρnominative element functioning within the clauseπατήρ: lexical item rendered here as "fathers"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οἷςwhoRR DPM · ὅςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseὅς: lexical item rendered here as "who"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐνεκάλεσανcried outVAI AAI3P · καλέω + ἐνmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeκαλέω + ἐν: verbal lexeme rendered here as "cried out"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

αὐτοῖςhimRD DPM · αὐτόςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseαὐτός: lexical item rendered here as "him"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

προφῆταιprophetN1M NPM · προφήτηςnominative element functioning within the clauseπροφήτης: lexical item rendered here as "prophet"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἔμπροσθενbeforeD · ἔμπροσθενindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseἔμπροσθεν: lexical item rendered here as "before"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

λέγοντεςsayingV1 · παπνπμ λέγωparticiple contributing verbal aspect while modifying a nearby noun or supplementing the clause→ participial verbal form expressing action in relation to a nearby substantive or clauseπαπνπμ λέγω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "saying"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

τάδεthusRD APN · ὁδεpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseὁδε: lexical item rendered here as "οδε"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἀποστρέψατεturn awayVA AAD2P · στρέφω + ἀποimperatival verbal form issuing a command or exhortation→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeστρέφω + ἀπο: verbal lexeme rendered here as "turn away"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing the following phraseἀπό: preposition meaning "from," marking separation, source, or movement away.

τῶνtheRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ὁδῶνwaysN2 GPF · ὁδόςgenitive dependent within the phraseὁδός: lexical item rendered here as "way"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

πονηρῶνevilA1A GPF · πονηρόςgenitive dependent within the phraseπονηρός: lexical item rendered here as "evil"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing the following phraseἀπό: preposition meaning "from," marking separation, source, or movement away.

τῶνtheRA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐπιτηδευμάτωνpracticesN3M GPN · ἐπιτήδευμαgenitive dependent within the phraseἐπιτήδευμα: lexical item rendered here as "επιτηδευμα"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

πονηρῶνevilA1A GPN · πονηρόςgenitive dependent within the phraseπονηρός: lexical item rendered here as "πονηρος"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

οὐnotD · οὐindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseοὐ: the ordinary negative particle for straightforward negation in statements.

προσέσχονpaid attentionVBI AAI3P · ἔχω + προςmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeἔχω + προς: verbal lexeme rendered here as "paid attention"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

εἰσακοῦσαίlistenVA AAN · ἀκούω + εἰςinfinitival verbal form functioning within the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeἀκούω + εἰς: verbal lexeme rendered here as "listen"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

μουIRP GS · ἐγώpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseἐγώ: lexical item rendered here as "I"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν ποῦ εἰσιν καὶ οἱ προφῆται μὴ τὸν αἰῶνα ζήσονται

Your fathers, where are they? And shall the prophets live forever?

Rhetorical confrontationasyndeton

Two questions strip away false security. Neither the disobedient ancestors nor the mediating prophets remain on the stage of history, so the hearers must face the enduring word itself.

Word-by-word analysis· 12 words

ποῦwhereD · ποῦindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseποῦ: interrogative adverb meaning "where?"

εἰσινisV9 PAI3P · εἰμίmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingεἰμί: verbal lexeme rendered here as "is"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

μὴnotD · μήindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseμή: negative particle, used especially with non-indicative forms, prohibitions, and dependent expressions.

αἰῶναforeverN3W ASM · αἰώνaccusative element functioning as object or goalαἰών: lexical item rendered here as "αιων"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ζήσονταιthey shall liveVF FMI3P · ζάωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardζάω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "they shall live"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

πλὴν τοὺς λόγους μου καὶ τὰ νόμιμά μου δέχεσθε ὅσα ἐγὼ ἐντέλλομαι ἐν πνεύματί μου τοῖς δούλοις μου τοῖς προφήταις οἳ κατελάβοσαν τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν καὶ ἀπεκρίθησαν καὶ εἶπαν καθὼς παρατέτακται κύριος παντοκράτωρ τοῦ ποιῆσαι κατὰ τὰς ὁδοὺς ὑμῶν καὶ κατὰ τὰ ἐπιτηδεύματα ὑμῶν οὕτως ἐποίησεν ὑμῖν

Yet receive my words and my ordinances, all that I command in my Spirit to my servants the prophets, which overtook your fathers. And they answered and said, “Just as the Lord Almighty appointed to deal with us according to our ways and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.”

Judgment rememberedasyndeton

The contrastive opening drives the point home: prophetic words caught up with the fathers. The closing confession acknowledges that divine judgment matched Judah's own ways and practices.

Word-by-word analysis· 47 words

πλὴνyetD · πλήνindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseπλήν: adversative particle meaning "yet, nevertheless, except" according to context.

λόγουςwordN2 APM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalλόγος: lexical item rendered here as "word"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

νόμιμάordinance / lawful requirementA1 APN · νόμιμοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalνόμιμος: lexical item rendered here as "ordinance / lawful requirement"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

δέχεσθεreceiveV1 PMI2P · δέχομαιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingδέχομαι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "δεχομαι"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ὅσαall thatA1 APN · ὅσοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalὅσος: lexical item rendered here as "οσος"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐγὼIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseἐγώ: lexical item rendered here as "I"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐντέλλομαιcommandV1 PMI1S · τέλλομαι + ἐνmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingτέλλομαι + ἐν: verbal lexeme rendered here as "command"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

πνεύματίspiritN3M DSN · πνεῦμαdative complement within the clauseπνεῦμα: lexical item rendered here as "spirit"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

τοῖςtheRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

δούλοιςservantsN2 DPM · δοῦλοςdative complement within the clauseδοῦλος: lexical item rendered here as "δουλος"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

προφήταιςprophetN1M DPM · προφήτηςdative complement within the clauseπροφήτης: lexical item rendered here as "prophet"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οἳwhoRR NPM · ὅςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseὅς: lexical item rendered here as "who"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

κατελάβοσανkataVBI AAI3P · λαμβάνω + καταmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeλαμβάνω + κατα: verbal lexeme rendered here as "kata"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἀπεκρίθησανansweredVCI API3P · κρίνω + ἀποmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeκρίνω + ἀπο: verbal lexeme rendered here as "answered"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

εἶπανsaidVAI AAI3P · εἶπονmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeεἶπον: verbal lexeme rendered here as "said"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καθὼςjust asD · καθώςindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseκαθώς: comparative or subordinating adverb, commonly "just as" or "according as."

παρατέτακταιappointedVK XMI3S · τάσσω + παραmain verbal form advancing the clause→ perfect verbal form presenting a completed action with continuing forceτάσσω + παρα: verbal lexeme rendered here as "appointed"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ποιῆσαιdoVA AAN · ποιέωinfinitival verbal form functioning within the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeποιέω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "ποιεω"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

κατὰaccording toP · κατάpreposition governing the following phraseκατά: lexical item rendered here as "according to"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

τὰςtheRA APF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ὁδοὺςwaysN2 APF · ὁδόςaccusative element functioning as object or goalὁδός: lexical item rendered here as "οδος"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἐπιτηδεύματαpracticesN3M APN · ἐπιτήδευμαaccusative element functioning as object or goalἐπιτήδευμα: lexical item rendered here as "deed"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οὕτωςthusD · οὕτωςindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseοὕτως: adverb meaning "thus, in this way," marking result or correspondence.

ἐποίησενdoVAI AAI3S · ποιέωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeποιέω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "ποιεω"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ὑμῖνyouRP DP · σύpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseσύ: lexical item rendered here as "you"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

τῇ τετράδι καὶ εἰκάδι τῷ ἑνδεκάτῳ μηνί οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ μὴν Σαβατ ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ ἔτει ἐπὶ Δαρείου ἐγένετο λόγος κυρίου πρὸς Ζαχαριαν τὸν τοῦ Βαραχιου υἱὸν Αδδω τὸν προφήτην λέγων

On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, this is the month Shebat, in the second year under Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,

Vision superscriptionasyndeton

A second dated heading introduces the first night vision. The more precise dating marks a shift from general exhortation to a specific revelatory experience.

Word-by-word analysis· 31 words

τῇtheRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

τετράδιtwenty-fourthN3D DSF · τετράςdative complement within the clauseτετράς: lexical item rendered here as "twenty-fourth"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

εἰκάδιtwenty-fourthN3D DSF · εἰκάςdative complement within the clauseεἰκάς: lexical item rendered here as "twenty-fourth"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἑνδεκάτῳeleventhA1 DSM · ἑνδέκατοςdative complement within the clauseἑνδέκατος: lexical item rendered here as "eleventh"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

μηνίmonthN3 DSM · μήνdative complement within the clauseμήν: lexical item rendered here as "month"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οὗτόςthisRD NSM · οὗτοςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseοὗτος: lexical item rendered here as "this"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingεἰμί: verbal lexeme rendered here as "is"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

μὴνmonthN3 NSM · μήνnominative element functioning within the clauseμήν: lexical item rendered here as "month"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ΣαβατShebatN NSM · Σαβατproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΣαβατ: "Shebat," the Babylonian month-name preserved in Greek transcription for the dating of the vision.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

τῷtheRA DSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

δευτέρῳsecondA1A DSN · δεύτεροςdative complement within the clauseδεύτερος: lexical item rendered here as "second"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἔτειyearN3E DSN · ἔτοςdative complement within the clauseἔτος: lexical item rendered here as "year"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ΔαρείουDariusN2 GSM · Δαρείοςproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΔαρείου: proper name preserved in Greek form; its significance here comes from its place in Zechariah's historical or visionary setting.

πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

ΒαραχιουBerechiahN1T GSM · Βαραχιοςproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΒαραχίας/Βαραχιου: the name "Berechiah" in transliterated Greek, functioning within Zechariah's patronymic chain.

ΑδδωIddoN ASM · Αδδωproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΑδδω: "Iddo," Zechariah's ancestral name, left in transliterated form in the genealogical heading.

ἑώρακα τὴν νύκτα καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀνὴρ ἐπιβεβηκὼς ἐπὶ ἵππον πυρρόν καὶ οὗτος εἱστήκει ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν δύο ὀρέων τῶν κατασκίων καὶ ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ ἵπποι πυρροὶ καὶ ψαροὶ καὶ ποικίλοι καὶ λευκοί

I saw in the night, and behold, a man mounted on a red horse, and he stood between the two shadowy mountains; and behind him were red, dapple-gray, variegated, and white horses.

Vision reportasyndeton

The vision opens with vivid color and placement. The mounted figure and the horses create a heavenly patrol scene, while the shadowed mountains lend an otherworldly setting.

Word-by-word analysis· 31 words

ἑώρακαseeVX XAI1S · ὁράωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ perfect verbal form presenting a completed action with continuing forceὁράω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "see"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

νύκταnightN3 ASF · νύξaccusative element functioning as object or goalνύξ: lexical item rendered here as "night"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἰδοὺbeholdI · ἰδούinterjection or deictic particle heightening attention within the clauseἰδού: deictic particle, usually rendered "behold," drawing the hearer's attention to a sudden or significant detail.

ἀνὴρmanN3 NSM · ἀνήρnominative element functioning within the clauseἀνήρ: lexical item rendered here as "ανηρ"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐπιβεβηκὼςmountedVX · χαπνσμ βαίνω + ἐπιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ verbal form carrying the clause forward in contextχαπνσμ βαίνω + ἐπι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "mounted"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἵππονhorseN2 ASM · ἵπποςaccusative element functioning as object or goalἵππος: lexical item rendered here as "horse"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

πυρρόνredA1A ASM · πυρρόςaccusative element functioning as object or goalπυρρός: lexical item rendered here as "red"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

οὗτοςthisRD NSM · οὗτοςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseοὗτος: lexical item rendered here as "this"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

εἱστήκειstoodVXI YAI3S · ἵστημιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ verbal form carrying the clause forward in contextἵστημι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "ιστημι"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἀνὰbetweenP · ἀνάpreposition governing the following phraseἀνά: preposition rendered here with distributive or spatial force, often meaning "up," "through," or "between" depending on the phrase.

μέσονmidstA1 ASN · μέσοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalμέσος: lexical item rendered here as "midst"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

δύοtwoM · δύοindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseδύο: lexical item rendered here as "δυο"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ὀρέωνmountainsN3E GPN · ὄροςgenitive dependent within the phraseὄρος: lexical item rendered here as "mountains"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

κατασκίωνshadowyA1B GPN · κατάσκιοςgenitive dependent within the phraseκατάσκιος: "shadowy, shaded"; used of the mountains to give the night vision a dark and numinous setting.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ὀπίσωbehindP · ὀπίσωpreposition governing the following phraseὀπίσω: lexical item rendered here as "behind"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

αὐτοῦhimRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseαὐτός: lexical item rendered here as "him"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἵπποιhorseN2 NPM · ἵπποςnominative element functioning within the clauseἵππος: lexical item rendered here as "horse"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

πυρροὶredA1A NPM · πυρρόςnominative element functioning within the clauseπυρρός: lexical item rendered here as "red"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ψαροὶdapple-grayA1A NPM · ψαρόςnominative element functioning within the clauseψαρός: a color term for a dappled or grayish horse; the nuance helps distinguish the members of the visionary patrol.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ποικίλοιvariegatedA1 NPM · ποικίλοςnominative element functioning within the clauseποικίλος: lexical item rendered here as "variegated"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

λευκοίwhiteA1 NPM · λευκόςnominative element functioning within the clauseλευκός: lexical item rendered here as "white"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶ εἶπα τί οὗτοι κύριε καὶ εἶπεν πρός με ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ λαλῶν ἐν ἐμοί ἐγὼ δείξω σοι τί ἐστιν ταῦτα

And I said, “What are these, lord?” And the angel who spoke in me said to me, “I myself will show you what these are.”

Request for interpretationasyndeton

As in many apocalyptic scenes, the prophet does not interpret the symbols alone. The mediating angel promises disclosure and establishes the pattern of guided explanation.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

εἶπαsaidVAI AAI1S · εἶπονmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeεἶπον: verbal lexeme rendered here as "said"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

τίwhatRI NSN · τίςnominative element functioning within the clauseτίς: lexical item rendered here as "what"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οὗτοιthisRD NPM · οὗτοςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseοὗτος: lexical item rendered here as "this"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

κύριεLordN2 VSM · κύριοςvocative element used in direct addressκύριος: lexical item rendered here as "Lord"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

εἶπενsaidVBI AAI3S · εἶπονmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeεἶπον: verbal lexeme rendered here as "said"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

πρόςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

ἄγγελοςangelN2 NSM · ἄγγελοςnominative element functioning within the clauseἄγγελος: lexical item rendered here as "angel"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

λαλῶνspeakingV2 · παπνσμ λαλέωparticiple contributing verbal aspect while modifying a nearby noun or supplementing the clause→ participial verbal form expressing action in relation to a nearby substantive or clauseπαπνσμ λαλέω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "speaking"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

ἐμοίIRP DS · ἐγώpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseἐγώ: lexical item rendered here as "I"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

δείξωshowVF FAI1S · δεικνύωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardδεικνύω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "show"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

σοιyouRP DS · σύpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseσύ: lexical item rendered here as "you"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ταῦταtheseRD NPN · οὗτοςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseοὗτος: lexical item rendered here as "this"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἐφεστηκὼς ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν ὀρέων καὶ εἶπεν πρός με οὗτοί εἰσιν οὓς ἐξαπέσταλκεν κύριος τοῦ περιοδεῦσαι τὴν γῆν

And the man who stood between the mountains answered and said to me, “These are the ones whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth.”

Initial interpretationasyndeton

The rider identifies the horsemen as commissioned agents. Their task is not conquest but inspection, surveying the condition of the earth on the Lord's behalf.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἀπεκρίθηansweredVCI API3S · κρίνω + ἀποmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeκρίνω + ἀπο: verbal lexeme rendered here as "answered"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἐφεστηκὼςstandingVXI XAPNSMI(/STHMI · ἐπιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ verbal form carrying the clause forward in contextἐφίστημι (perfect participial form): here "standing by / stationed"; the form marks the angelic or mounted figure as already in position within the vision scene.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

πρόςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

οὗτοίthisRD NPM · οὗτοςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseοὗτος: lexical item rendered here as "this"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οὓςwhoRR APM · ὅςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseὅς: lexical item rendered here as "who"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐξαπέσταλκενhas sent outVX XAI3S · στέλλω + ἐκ + ἀποmain verbal form advancing the clause→ perfect verbal form presenting a completed action with continuing forceστέλλω + ἐκ + ἀπο: verbal lexeme rendered here as "has sent out"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

περιοδεῦσαιpatrolVA AAN · ὁδεύω + περιinfinitival verbal form functioning within the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeὁδεύω + περι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "patrol"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

γῆνearthN1 ASF · γῆaccusative element functioning as object or goalγῆ: lexical item rendered here as "earth"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶ ἀπεκρίθησαν τῷ ἀγγέλῳ κυρίου τῷ ἐφεστῶτι ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν ὀρέων καὶ εἶπον περιωδεύκαμεν πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν καὶ ἰδοὺ πᾶσα ἡ γῆ κατοικεῖται καὶ ἡσυχάζει

And they answered the angel of the Lord who stood between the mountains and said, “We have patrolled all the earth, and behold, all the earth is inhabited and at rest.”

Report of the patrolasyndeton

The patrol brings back a report of settled quiet across the world. In the chapter's logic that calm is unsettling, because Zion still awaits redress and rebuilding.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἀγγέλῳangelN2 DSM · ἄγγελοςdative complement within the clauseἄγγελος: lexical item rendered here as "angel"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐφεστῶτιstanding byVXI XAPDSMI(/STHMI · ἐπιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ verbal form carrying the clause forward in contextἐφίστημι (perfect participial form): here "standing by / stationed"; the form marks the angelic or mounted figure as already in position within the vision scene.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

εἶπονsaidVBI AAI3P · εἶπονmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeεἶπον: verbal lexeme rendered here as "said"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

περιωδεύκαμενpatrolVX XAI1P · ὁδεύω + περιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ perfect verbal form presenting a completed action with continuing forceὁδεύω + περι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "patrol"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

πᾶσανallA1S ASF · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object or goalπᾶς: lexical item rendered here as "all"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

πᾶσαallA1S NSF · πᾶςnominative element functioning within the clauseπᾶς: lexical item rendered here as "all"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phraseὁ: lexical item rendered here as "the"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

γῆearthN1 NSF · γῆnominative element functioning within the clauseγῆ: lexical item rendered here as "earth"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

κατοικεῖταιdwellV2 PMI3S · οἰκέω + καταmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingοἰκέω + κατα: verbal lexeme rendered here as "dwell"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἡσυχάζειis at restV1 PAI3S · ἡσυχάζωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingἡσυχάζω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "is at rest"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου καὶ εἶπεν κύριε παντοκράτωρ ἕως τίνος οὐ μὴ ἐλεήσῃς τὴν Ιερουσαλημ καὶ τὰς πόλεις Ιουδα ἃς ὑπερεῖδες τοῦτο ἑβδομηκοστὸν ἔτος

And the angel of the Lord answered and said, “O Lord Almighty, how long will you not have mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, which you have overlooked this seventieth year?”

Angel's intercessionasyndeton

The interpreting scene turns into intercession. The question of “How long?” frames Jerusalem's plight against the seventy-year horizon of judgment and delayed mercy.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

παντοκράτωρAlmightyN3R VSM · παντοκράτωρvocative element used in direct addressπαντοκράτωρ: "Almighty" or "Ruler of all"; a characteristically Septuagintal divine title that underscores the universal sovereignty of the Lord in judgment and restoration alike.

ἕωςuntilP · ἕωςpreposition governing the following phraseἕως: particle or preposition meaning "until, as far as, how long" according to context.

τίνοςwhatRI GSM · τίςgenitive dependent within the phraseτίς: lexical item rendered here as "what"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

οὐnotD · οὐindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseοὐ: the ordinary negative particle for straightforward negation in statements.

μὴnotD · μήindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseμή: negative particle, used especially with non-indicative forms, prohibitions, and dependent expressions.

ἐλεήσῃςhave mercyVA AAS2S · ἐλεέωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeἐλεέω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "have mercy"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ΙερουσαλημJerusalemN ASF · Ἰερουσαλήμproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΙερουσαλημ: proper name preserved in Greek form; its significance here comes from its place in Zechariah's historical or visionary setting.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

πόλειςcitiesN3I APF · πόλιςaccusative element functioning as object or goalπόλις: lexical item rendered here as "cities"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ΙουδαJudahN GSM · Ιουδαproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΙουδα: proper name preserved in Greek form; its significance here comes from its place in Zechariah's historical or visionary setting.

ἃςwhoRR APF · ὅςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseὅς: lexical item rendered here as "who"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ὑπερεῖδεςoverlookedVBI AAI2S · ὁράω + ὑπερmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeὁράω + ὑπερ: verbal lexeme rendered here as "overlooked"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

τοῦτοthisRD ASN · οὗτοςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseοὗτος: lexical item rendered here as "this"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἑβδομηκοστὸνseventiethA1 ASN · ἑβδομηκοστόςaccusative element functioning as object or goalἑβδομηκοστός: lexical item rendered here as "seventieth"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἔτοςyearN3E ASN · ἔτοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalἔτος: lexical item rendered here as "year"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶ ἀπεκρίθη κύριος παντοκράτωρ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῷ λαλοῦντι ἐν ἐμοὶ ῥήματα καλὰ καὶ λόγους παρακλητικούς

And the Lord Almighty answered the angel who spoke in me with good words and comforting words.

Divine responseasyndeton

The content is summarized before it is unpacked. The answer is characterized as both good and consoling, preparing for the restoration oracle that follows.

Word-by-word analysis· 15 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

λαλοῦντιspeakingV2 · παπδσμ λαλέωparticiple contributing verbal aspect while modifying a nearby noun or supplementing the clause→ participial verbal form expressing action in relation to a nearby substantive or clauseπαπδσμ λαλέω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "speaking"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

ἐμοὶIRP DS · ἐγώpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseἐγώ: lexical item rendered here as "I"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ῥήματαwordsN3M APN · ῥῆμαaccusative element functioning as object or goalῥῆμα: lexical item rendered here as "words"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καλὰbeautifulA1 APN · καλόςaccusative element functioning as object or goalκαλός: lexical item rendered here as "beautiful"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

παρακλητικούςcomfortingA1 APM · παρακλητικόςaccusative element functioning as object or goalπαρακλητικός: "consoling, encouraging"; the adjective marks the divine answer as genuinely restorative after prolonged judgment.

καὶ εἶπεν πρός με ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ λαλῶν ἐν ἐμοί ἀνάκραγε λέγων τάδε λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ ἐζήλωκα τὴν Ιερουσαλημ καὶ τὴν Σιων ζῆλον μέγαν

And the angel who spoke in me said to me, “Cry out, saying, Thus says the Lord Almighty: I have been jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.”

Restoration proclamationasyndeton

The prophet is commanded to publish the divine answer. Jealousy here is covenantal zeal: the Lord's ardor for Jerusalem and Zion means he will not leave them to their condition.

Word-by-word analysis· 24 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

πρόςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

ἀνάκραγεcry outVB AAD2S · κράζω + ἀναimperatival verbal form issuing a command or exhortation→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeκράζω + ἀνα: verbal lexeme rendered here as "cry out"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἐζήλωκαam jealousVX XAI1S · ζηλόωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ perfect verbal form presenting a completed action with continuing forceζηλόω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "am jealous"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ΣιωνZionN ASF · Σιωνproper name functioning within the clause or phraseΣιων: proper name preserved in Greek form; its significance here comes from its place in Zechariah's historical or visionary setting.

ζῆλονjealousyN2 ASM · ζῆλοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalζῆλος: lexical item rendered here as "jealousy"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

μέγανgreatA1P ASM · μέγαςaccusative element functioning as object or goalμέγας: lexical item rendered here as "μεγας"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶ ὀργὴν μεγάλην ἐγὼ ὀργίζομαι ἐπὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὰ συνεπιτιθέμενα ἀνθ' ὧν ἐγὼ μὲν ὠργίσθην ὀλίγα αὐτοὶ δὲ συνεπέθεντο εἰς κακά

And with great anger I am angry against the nations that join in attacking, because while I was angry a little, they themselves added to the evil.

Judgment on the nationsasyndeton

The nations are condemned not simply for participating in Judah's chastisement but for overreaching it. The verse distinguishes between the Lord's measured disciplinary anger and the destructive excess of the imperial powers.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ὀργίζομαιbe angryV1 PMI1S · ὀργίζωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ present verbal form portraying the action as ongoingὀργίζω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "be angry"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἔθνηnationsN3E APN · ἔθνοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalἔθνος: lexical item rendered here as "εθνος"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

συνεπιτιθέμεναjoining in attackingV7 · πμπαπν τίθημι + συν + ἐπιparticiple contributing verbal aspect while modifying a nearby noun or supplementing the clause→ participial verbal form expressing action in relation to a nearby substantive or clauseπμπαπν τίθημι + συν + ἐπι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "joining in attacking"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἀνθ'instead ofP · ἀντίpreposition governing the following phraseἀντί: preposition meaning "instead of, in place of," marking substitution or exchange.

ὧνwhoRR GPM · ὅςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseὅς: lexical item rendered here as "who"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

μὲνindeedX · μένindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseμέν: discourse particle that often sets up a contrast later completed by δέ.

ὠργίσθηνbe angryVSI API1S · ὀργίζωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ aorist verbal form viewing the action as a wholeὀργίζω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "be angry"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ὀλίγαlittleA1 APN · ὀλίγοςaccusative element functioning as object or goalὀλίγος: lexical item rendered here as "little"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

αὐτοὶhimRD NPM · αὐτόςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseαὐτός: lexical item rendered here as "him"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

δὲbutX · δέindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseδέ: connective particle, often mildly adversative, moving the discourse to the next clause.

συνεπέθεντοaddedVE AMI3S · τίθημι + συν + ἐπιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ middle verbal form highlighting the subject's participation in the actionτίθημι + συν + ἐπι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "added"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing the following phraseεἰς: preposition meaning "into" or "toward," often marking movement, goal, or resulting state.

κακάevil thingsA1 APN · κακόςaccusative element functioning as object or goalκακός: lexical item rendered here as "κακος"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

διὰ τοῦτο τάδε λέγει κύριος ἐπιστρέψω ἐπὶ Ιερουσαλημ ἐν οἰκτιρμῷ καὶ ὁ οἶκός μου ἀνοικοδομηθήσεται ἐν αὐτῇ λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ καὶ μέτρον ἐκταθήσεται ἐπὶ Ιερουσαλημ ἔτι

Therefore thus says the Lord: I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and my house shall be rebuilt in her, says the Lord Almighty, and a measuring line shall yet be stretched over Jerusalem.

Promise of rebuildingasyndeton

The answer becomes concrete. Divine return, temple reconstruction, and the stretching of the line all depict restoration as ordered, visible, and already set in motion.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

διὰthroughP · διάpreposition governing the following phraseδιά: preposition meaning "through" or "because of," with its exact force determined by the construction.

ἐπιστρέψωreturnVF FAI1S · στρέφω + ἐπιmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardστρέφω + ἐπι: verbal lexeme rendered here as "return"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

οἰκτιρμῷmercyN2 DSM · οἰκτιρμόςdative complement within the clauseοἰκτιρμός: lexical item rendered here as "mercy"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

οἶκόςhouseN2 NSM · οἶκοςnominative element functioning within the clauseοἶκος: lexical item rendered here as "house"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἀνοικοδομηθήσεταιbe rebuiltVC FPI3S · οἰκοδομέω + ἀναmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardοἰκοδομέω + ἀνα: verbal lexeme rendered here as "be rebuilt"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

αὐτῇhimRD DSF · αὐτόςpronominal element linking or specifying a noun phraseαὐτός: lexical item rendered here as "him"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

μέτρονmeasuring lineN2N NSN · μέτρονnominative element functioning within the clauseμέτρον: lexical item rendered here as "measuring line"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐκταθήσεταιbe stretched outVC FPI3S · τείνω + ἐκmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardτείνω + ἐκ: verbal lexeme rendered here as "be stretched out"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

ἔτιyetD · ἔτιindeclinable or adverbial element functioning within the clauseἔτι: adverb meaning "still, yet," especially important in restoration contexts where it signals continuing divine action.

καὶ εἶπεν πρός με ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ λαλῶν ἐν ἐμοί ἀνάκραγε λέγων τάδε λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ ἔτι διαχυθήσονται πόλεις ἐν ἀγαθοῖς καὶ ἐλεήσει κύριος ἔτι τὴν Σιων καὶ αἱρετιεῖ ἔτι τὴν Ιερουσαλημ

And the angel who spoke in me said to me, “Cry out, saying, Thus says the Lord Almighty: My cities shall yet overflow with good things, and the Lord shall yet have mercy on Zion and shall yet choose Jerusalem.”

Closing reassuranceasyndeton

The final proclamation widens from temple rebuilding to the flourishing of the cities. Repeated ἔτι language presses the theme of renewed future: mercy and election are not exhausted.

Word-by-word analysis· 32 words

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

πρόςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing the following phraseπρός: preposition commonly rendered "to" or "toward"; here it marks direction, address, or relational orientation.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

διαχυθήσονταιoverflowVC FPI3P · χέω + διαmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardχέω + δια: verbal lexeme rendered here as "overflow"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

πόλειςcitiesN3I NPF · πόλιςnominative element functioning within the clauseπόλις: lexical item rendered here as "cities"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing the following phraseἐν: preposition commonly rendered "in" or "within"; it marks location, sphere, or instrument depending on context.

ἀγαθοῖςgood thingsA1 DPN · ἀγαθόςdative complement within the clauseἀγαθός: lexical item rendered here as "good things"; in this context it contributes its ordinary nominal or adjectival sense within Zechariah's prophetic discourse.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

ἐλεήσειhave mercyVF FAI3S · ἐλεέωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ future verbal form projecting the action forwardἐλεέω: verbal lexeme rendered here as "have mercy"; in this context it carries the action, process, or speech-act that moves Zechariah's vision or oracle forward.

καὶandC · καίconnective linking this clause or phrase to the surrounding discourseκαί: coordinating conjunction, usually rendered "and," linking words, clauses, or larger discourse units.

αἱρετιεῖchooseVF2 FAI3S · αἱρετίζωmain verbal form advancing the clause→ verbal form carrying the clause forward in contextαἱρετίζω: "choose, choose again"; in this restoration context it restates the Lord's renewed election of Jerusalem.

The Book of Zechariah, Chapter 1ΖΑΧΑΡΙΑΣ Α′

Theme

Translation & textual notes