Zechariah 13:9
Zechariah 13:9 in Multiple Translations
This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.
And I will make the third part go through the fire, cleaning them as silver is made clean, and testing them as gold is tested: and they will make their prayer to me and I will give them an answer: I will say, It is my people; and they will say, The Lord is my God.
I will place this one third in the fire, and I will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on me for help, and I will answer them. I will say, “These are my people,” and they will say, “The Lord is my God.”
And I will bring that third part thorowe the fire, and will fine them as the siluer is fined, and will trye them as golde is tryed: they shall call on my Name, and I will heare them: I will say, It is my people, and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
And I have brought the third into fire, And refined them like a refining of silver, And have tried them like a trying of gold, It doth call in My name, and I answer it, I have said, 'My people it [is],' And it saith, 'Jehovah [is] my God!'
I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is my people;’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined: and I will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say: Thou art my people: and they shall say: The Lord is my God.
And I will test the ones that remain alive by causing them to experience great difficulties, to find out if they will continue to worship me. I will purify them like [MET] a man purifies gold or silver by putting it into a very hot fire. Then my people will call to me [MTY] for help, and I will answer them. I will say to them, ‘You are my people,’ and they will say, ‘Yahweh is our God.’ ”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 13:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zechariah 13:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֤י
אֶת
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁית֙
בָּ/אֵ֔שׁ
וּ/צְרַפְתִּי/ם֙
כִּ/צְרֹ֣ף
אֶת
הַ/כֶּ֔סֶף
וּ/בְחַנְתִּ֖י/ם
כִּ/בְחֹ֣ן
אֶת
הַ/זָּהָ֑ב
ה֣וּא
יִקְרָ֣א
בִ/שְׁמִ֗/י
וַֽ/אֲנִי֙
אֶעֱנֶ֣ה
אֹת֔/וֹ
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
עַמִּ֣/י
ה֔וּא
וְ/ה֥וּא
יֹאמַ֖ר
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֤י
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁית֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Art | N-fs
בָּ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
וּ/צְרַפְתִּי/ם֙
tsâraph
H6884
to refine
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
כִּ/צְרֹ֣ף
tsâraph
H6884
to refine
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/כֶּ֔סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Art | N-ms
וּ/בְחַנְתִּ֖י/ם
bâchan
H974
to test
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
כִּ/בְחֹ֣ן
bâchan
H974
to test
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/זָּהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Art | N-ms
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יִקְרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בִ/שְׁמִ֗/י
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַֽ/אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אֶעֱנֶ֣ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עַמִּ֣/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
יֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 13:9
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֤י
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁית֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
בָּ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ/צְרַפְתִּי/ם֙
tsâraph
H6884
"to refine"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
כִּ/צְרֹ֣ף
tsâraph
H6884
"to refine"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/כֶּ֔סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Art | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וּ/בְחַנְתִּ֖י/ם
bâchan
H974
"to test"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
כִּ/בְחֹ֣ן
bâchan
H974
"to test"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/זָּהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Art | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יִקְרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בִ/שְׁמִ֗/י
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
וַֽ/אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֶעֱנֶ֣ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עַמִּ֣/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Zechariah 13:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 13:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 13:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 13:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 13:9
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 13:9
- Sermons on Zechariah 13:9
Context — The Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scattered
7Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.
8And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it.
9This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 29:11–12 | For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. |
| 3 | Acts 2:21 | And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ |
| 4 | Isaiah 65:23–24 | They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD— they and their descendants with them. Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. |
| 5 | Isaiah 48:10 | See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 1:6–7 | In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
| 7 | Psalms 34:15–19 | The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. |
| 8 | Psalms 91:15 | When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. |
| 9 | Revelation 21:7 | The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. |
Zechariah 13:9 Summary
Zechariah 13:9 says that God will refine His people like silver and test them like gold, which means He will help them become pure and strong through difficult times. This process is not meant to hurt them, but to help them trust and love Him more, as seen in Romans 8:28. When God's people go through the fire, they will call on His name, and He will answer them, saying 'They are My people' and they will say 'The LORD is our God', showing a deep and loving relationship between God and His people, much like in Hosea 2:23. This verse reminds us that God is always with us, even in hard times, and He wants us to know and love Him deeply (Psalm 23:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be refined like silver and tested like gold in Zechariah 13:9?
This process refers to the purification and strengthening of God's people through trials and hardships, much like silver and gold are refined through fire, as seen in Isaiah 48:10 and Job 23:10.
Why does God bring His people through the fire in Zechariah 13:9?
God brings His people through the fire to refine and purify them, to remove impurities and strengthen their faith, as stated in 1 Peter 1:7, where our faith is refined like gold in the fire.
What is the outcome of God's refining process in Zechariah 13:9?
The outcome is a deepened relationship between God and His people, where they call on His name and He answers, and they acknowledge Him as their God, as promised in Jeremiah 31:33 and Ezekiel 36:28.
How does Zechariah 13:9 relate to the concept of salvation?
Zechariah 13:9 points to the salvation of God's people, where they are refined and purified, and ultimately, they will be presented holy and blameless before God, as seen in Colossians 1:22 and Jude 1:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'fires' in my life that God may be using to refine and purify me, and how can I trust Him in those situations?
- How can I, like the people in Zechariah 13:9, call on God's name and experience His answer and presence in my life?
- In what ways can I, as a follower of God, reflect His character and acknowledge Him as my God, as stated in Zechariah 13:9?
- What does it mean for God to say 'They are My people' to me, and how can I live out this identity in my daily life?
- How can I, like the purified people in Zechariah 13:9, say 'The LORD is our God' with confidence and conviction, and what does this mean for my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 13:9
And I will bring the third part through the fire,.... Into tribulation, as the Targum explains it; or into great distresses, comparable to fire, as Kimchi observes; this is the hour of temptation
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 13:9
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
I will bring the third part through the fire; that part that is preserved shall be brought into afflictions, hot as fire. And will refine them as silver is refined; these afflictions shall purify them, and so better them, as silver and gold are bettered by the furnace, made fitter to be vessels of honour. They shall call on my name; pray to me, and own me for their God. I will hear; I will answer them, and own them for my people, my purified people, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.Ver. 9. And I will bring the third part through the fire] Few they were, but not faultless; they must, therefore, go through the fire, that there they may leave their dregs and dross behind them. For Quod ignis est auro, lima ferro, ventilabrum tritico, lixivium panno, sal carni, hoc tribulatio est viro iusto, saith Corn. a Lapide upon this text; that is, what the fire is to the gold, the file to iron, the fan to wheat, the soap to clothes, the salt to flesh, that is tribulation sanctified to a righteous man. God is said to have his "fire in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem," Isaiah 31:9, to carry his through fire and through water, Psalms 66:12, from above to send fire into their bones, Lamentations 1:13, to put them to the fiery trial, 1 Peter 4:12; yea, he himself is a refiner’ s fire unto them, and fullers’ soap. Malachi 3:2 He knows them to be right gold, which will endure the seventh fire (alchemy gold will not so), and, therefore, he puts them to it; "that the trial of their faith, being much more precious than that of gold that perisheth, though tried in the fire, may be found to praise and honour and glory," 1 Peter 1:7; himself, meanwhile, goeth with them into the fire and pulleth them out as a brand, Zechariah 3:2 Non sic impii, not so the ungodly, Psalms 1:4. True it is, the trial of their works also shall be by fire, 1 Corinthians 3:13, and they shall give an account one day with all the world on a light flame about their ears, 2 Peter 3:12. Then shall they find that the law they are judged by is a fiery law, the tribunal is of fire, Ezekiel 1:27, the judge a consuming fire, Hebrews 12:29, his attendants seraphims, that is, flaming creatures, Hebrews 1:7, his pleading with sinners in fire of flame (ενπυριφλογος), 2 Thessalonians 1:8, the place of punishment a lake of fire fed with a river of brimstone, Isaiah 30:33, a formidable fire it is, fed with tormenting temper, and kindled by God’ s own breath instead of bellows. Bellarmine is of the opinion that one glimpse of this fearful fire were enough to make a man not only turn Christian and sober, but hermit and monk, and to live after the strictest order that can be. Pope Clement V, upon the death of a nephew of his, and one of his catamites, sent his chaplain to a conjuror, to inquire how it fared with him in the other world. The conjuror showed him to the chaplain, lying in a bed of fire in hell.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
(9) The third part.—Amidst all the calamities which should overtake the land, a remnant should be saved and purified. In the light of the Gospel we may (if we retain them in their present context) understand these words as fulfilled in those who embraced Christianity; but the prophet, from the Old Testament stand-point, speaks vaguely, and after the analogy of the past captivity (Isaiah 6:13).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 13:9
Verse 9. I will bring the third part through the fire] The Christian Church shall endure a great fight of afflictions, by which they shall be refined-not consumed. They shall call on my name] In this way shall they offer all their prayers and supplications to God. I will say, It is my people] The Church that I have chosen in the place of the Jews who have filled up the measure of their iniquity. And they shall say, The Lord is my God] And thus communion shall be established between me and them for ever. Thus there shall be a general restoration.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 13:9
9. the third part] Comp. Romans 11:5.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 13:9
I will bring the third part through the fire - Such is always God’s ways. “Thou hast proved us, O God; Thou hast tried us, like as silver is tried.
Sermons on Zechariah 13:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Refined by John Bunyan | John Bunyan emphasizes that suffering for righteousness is a source of happiness and spiritual growth, as it refines believers much like fire refines precious metals. He asserts th |
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The Dross Purged by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of trials and tribulations in the life of a believer, likening them to the refining process of silver and gold. He encourages the congregatio |
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The Old Refiner by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about God refining His people like a skilled refiner purifying precious metals in the fire, highlighting the meticulous process of removing impurities to |
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Their Dregs and Dross by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God uses severe providences and fiery trials to refine and purify His people from sin, much like how gold and silver are refined in fire. He illustrat |
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Purified in God's Love by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston, through the analogy of refining silver and gold, emphasizes the meticulous process of purification that God undertakes in our lives. Just as a refiner careful |
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A Test: Do You Have the True Jesus? by Matt Slick | Matt Slick preaches about the importance of recognizing the true Jesus of the Bible, distinguishing Him from distorted versions presented in cult theologies like Mormonism and Jeho |
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The Lord My Joy by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound joy that comes from recognizing the Lord as our portion and salvation. He encourages believers to rejoice always, highlighting that true jo |