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Zechariah 9:2

Zechariah 9:2 in Multiple Translations

and also against Hamath, which borders it, as well as Tyre and Sidon, though they are very shrewd.

And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.

and Hamath, also, which bordereth thereon; Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise.

As well as Hamath, which is by its limit, and Tyre and Zidon, because they are very wise.

and Hamath too since it is close by. Also Tyre and Sidon for they are very wise.

And Hamath also shall border thereby: Tyrus also and Zidon, though they be very wise.

And also Hamath doth border thereon, Tyre and Zidon, for — very wise!

and Hamath, also, which borders on it, Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise.

And Hamath also shall border by it; Tyre and Zidon, though it be very wise.

Emath also in the borders thereof, and Tyre, and Sidon: for they have taken to themselves to be exceeding wise.

I will also punish the people in nearby Hamath city. I will also punish the people in Tyre and Sidon cities, even though they are considered to be [IRO] very wise.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 9:2

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 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/גַם חֲמָ֖ת תִּגְבָּל בָּ֑/הּ צֹ֣ר וְ/צִיד֔וֹן כִּ֥י חָֽכְמָ֖ה מְאֹֽד
וְ/גַם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM
חֲמָ֖ת Chămâth H2574 Hamath N-proper
תִּגְבָּל gâbal H1379 to border V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
בָּ֑/הּ Prep | Suff
צֹ֣ר Tsôr H6865 Tyre N-proper
וְ/צִיד֔וֹן Tsîydôwn H6721 Sidon Conj | N-proper
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
חָֽכְמָ֖ה châkam H2449 be wise V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מְאֹֽד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 9:2

וְ/גַם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
חֲמָ֖ת Chămâth H2574 "Hamath" N-proper
Hamath is an ancient city in Syria, mentioned in 2 Kings as a key location. It was a major city in the region, known for its fortress.
Definition: § Hamath = "fortress" the principle city of upper Syria in the valley of the Orontes
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Hamath, Hemath. See also: Numbers 13:21; 1 Chronicles 18:9; Isaiah 10:9.
תִּגְבָּל gâbal H1379 "to border" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to set a border or boundary, like a rope marking a limit. It appears in various forms, including setting bounds for a territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe marking out areas of land.
Definition: 1) to bound, border 1a) (Qal) to bound, border 1b) (Hiphil) to set bounds, set bounds for
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be border, set (bounds about). See also: Exodus 19:12; Deuteronomy 19:14; Zechariah 9:2.
בָּ֑/הּ "" Prep | Suff
צֹ֣ר Tsôr H6865 "Tyre" N-proper
Tyre refers to a city on the Mediterranean coast, mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city, translated as Tyre or Tyrus, meaning a rock. It appears in books like Matthew and Acts. The city was an important trade center.
Definition: § Tyre or Tyrus = "a rock" the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Tyre, Tyrus. See also: Joshua 19:29; Jeremiah 27:3; Psalms 45:13.
וְ/צִיד֔וֹן Tsîydôwn H6721 "Sidon" Conj | N-proper
Sidon was an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast, named after a son of Canaan, and is mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city.
Definition: Sidon = "hunting" ancient Phoenician city, on Mediterranean coast north of Tyre Another name of tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Sidon, Zidon. See also: Genesis 10:15; Isaiah 23:2; Isaiah 23:4.
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חָֽכְמָ֖ה châkam H2449 "be wise" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
מְאֹֽד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

Study Notes — Zechariah 9:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.
2 Ezekiel 28:12 “Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
3 Ezekiel 28:2–5 “Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries. By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it.
4 Ezekiel 26:1–21 In the eleventh month of the twelfth year, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken; it has swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will be filled,’ therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock. She will become a place to spread nets in the sea, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. She will become plunder for the nations, and the villages on her mainland will be slain by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’ For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops. He will slaughter the villages of your mainland with the sword; he will set up siege works against you, build a ramp to your walls, and raise his shields against you. He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls and tear down your towers with his axes. His multitude of horses will cover you in their dust. When he enters your gates as an army entering a breached city, your walls will shake from the noise of cavalry, wagons, and chariots. The hooves of his horses will trample all your streets. He will slaughter your people with the sword, and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground. They will plunder your wealth and pillage your merchandise. They will demolish your walls, tear down your beautiful homes, and throw your stones and timber and soil into the water. So I will silence the sound of your songs, and the music of your lyres will no longer be heard. I will make you a bare rock, and you will become a place to spread the fishing nets. You will never be rebuilt, for I, the LORD, have spoken, declares the Lord GOD.’ This is what the Lord GOD says to Tyre: ‘Will not the coastlands quake at the sound of your downfall, when the wounded groan at the slaughter in your midst? All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men— she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’ For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When I make you a desolate city like other deserted cities, and when I raise up the deep against you so that the mighty waters cover you, then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living. I will make you an object of horror, and you will be no more. You will be sought, but will never be found,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
5 Isaiah 23:1–18 This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. Be ashamed, O Sidon, the stronghold of the sea, for the sea has spoken: “I have not been in labor or given birth. I have not raised young men or brought up young women.” When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre. Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coastland! Is this your jubilant city, whose origin is from antiquity, whose feet have taken her to settle far away? Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose traders are princes, whose merchants are renowned on the earth? The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth. Cultivate your land like the Nile, O Daughter of Tarshish; there is no longer a harbor. The LORD has stretched out His hand over the sea; He has made kingdoms tremble. He has given a command that the strongholds of Canaan be destroyed. He said, “You shall rejoice no more, O oppressed Virgin Daughter of Sidon. Get up and cross over to Cyprus— even there you will find no rest.” Look at the land of the Chaldeans — a people now of no account. The Assyrians destined it for the desert creatures; they set up their siege towers and stripped its palaces. They brought it to ruin. Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed! At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years—the span of a king’s life. But at the end of seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot: “Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.” And at the end of seventy years, the LORD will restore Tyre. Then she will return to hire as a prostitute and sell herself to all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. Yet her profits and wages will be set apart to the LORD; they will not be stored or saved, for her profit will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothing.
6 Joel 3:4–8 Now what do you have against Me, O Tyre, Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you rendering against Me a recompense? If you retaliate against Me, I will swiftly and speedily return your recompense upon your heads. For you took My silver and gold and carried off My finest treasures to your temples. You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, to send them far from their homeland. Behold, I will rouse them from the places to which you sold them; I will return your recompense upon your heads. I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans—to a distant nation.” Indeed, the LORD has spoken.
7 2 Kings 25:21 There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land.
8 Obadiah 1:20 And the exiles of this host of the Israelites will possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath; and the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad will possess the cities of the Negev.
9 Amos 1:9–10 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Tyre, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they delivered up a whole congregation of exiles to Edom and broke a covenant of brotherhood. So I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre to consume its citadels.”
10 2 Kings 23:33 And Pharaoh Neco imprisoned Jehoahaz at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he could not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

Zechariah 9:2 Summary

[Zechariah 9:2 is a verse that talks about God's judgment on several cities, including Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon. These cities were known for being wise and shrewd, but God is saying that their wisdom will not be enough to save them. As we read in Psalm 20:7, some people trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. This verse reminds us that our own strength and wisdom are not enough to save us, and that we need to trust in God's plans and purposes. By looking at other verses like Jeremiah 9:23-24, we can see that God values knowledge, but also justice, righteousness, and humility.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Hamath in Zechariah 9:2?

Hamath is a city mentioned in the Bible as a border city, and in Zechariah 9:2, it is included in the list of cities that will be judged by God, as seen in the context of Jeremiah 49:23, which also mentions Hamath as a city that will be conquered.

Why are Tyre and Sidon mentioned specifically in this verse?

Tyre and Sidon are mentioned because of their reputation for being wise and shrewd, but despite their wisdom, they will still be subject to God's judgment, as stated in Ezekiel 28:3, which says that the king of Tyre is wise, but his wisdom will not save him.

What does it mean that Tyre and Sidon are 'very shrewd'?

The phrase 'very shrewd' in Zechariah 9:2 refers to the cunning and cleverness of the people of Tyre and Sidon, but as seen in Proverbs 21:30, human wisdom is no match for God's plans and purposes.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?

Zechariah 9:2 is part of a larger prophecy about God's judgment on the nations, as seen in Isaiah 13:1-22, which declares God's judgment on Babylon, and serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and will ultimately bring justice to the world.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I try to rely on my own wisdom and cunning, rather than trusting in God's plans and purposes?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of Zechariah 9:2 to my own life, recognizing that my own strength and wisdom are not enough to save me?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my own shrewdness and trust in God's sovereignty?
  4. How can I pray for the cities and nations mentioned in this verse, that they would turn to God and seek His wisdom and guidance?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 9:2

And Hamath also shall border thereby,.... By the land of Hadrach, or by Damascus; and that it was near Damascus is clear from Isaiah 10:9 it is called Hamath the great in Amos 6:2 and according to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 9:2

And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise. And Hamath also - a Syrian kingdom, with a capital of the same name, north of Damascus.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 9:2

Hamath; a principal noted town of Syria, once called Epiphania; it was near neighbour to the Jews, for it was a boundary of the Land of Promise. Shall border thereby; shall be so near to this storm which cometh, that they shall be the. worse for it. The country called by this name, in which Riblah was, and where the barbarous murder of many nobles of the Jews, the murder of Zedekiah’ s children, and his eyes were put out; all which cruelty and such-like Hamath must suffer, for now God rides his circuit, and judgeth. Tyrus; a famous mart as ever the world had, on which Ezekiel bestows his 26th, 27th, and 28th chapters, which see. Zidon; another mart, and on the same sea, more ancient than Tyrus, and as much an enemy to the Jews; threatened, as here, so by Ezekiel, Ezekiel 28, Tyrus, , Zidon, , which see. Though it be very wise; each of them, i.e. the people, the governors, and counsellors of both these cities are subtle, and think by craft to save themselves, but this shall not be, God derides their wisdom, .

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 9:2

Zechariah 9:2 And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.Ver. 2. And Hamath also shall border thereby] i.e. Shall share in the same punishment with Damascus, and fare the worse for its neighbourhood. Though it be very wise] And think to outwit the enemy, to be too hard for him that way, as Midian was for Israel, by his wiles rather than by his wars, Numbers 25:18. God taketh these wizards in their own craft, δρασσομενος, 1 Corinthians 3:19, πανουργια, as beasts in a toil, and makes very fools of them, notwithstanding their many fetches; specially when they boast of their wit, as Tyre did, Ezekiel 28:3-4, &c., and trust in it, Proverbs 3:5. The Phoenicians and Tyrians were wont to boast that they first found out the use of letters, &c. Sure it is that by much trading by sea they were growing cunning and crafty merchants, to defraud others; and this they coloured with the name of wisdom. Wise they were in their generation, Luke 16:8; but so is the fox, the serpent, and the devil; who when he was but young outwitted our first parents. And we are still sensible of his sleights, and not ignorant of his wiles, his methods, and his stratagems.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 9:2

(2) And Hamath . . . thereby.—Better, And even upon Hamath, [which] borders on it: viz., on Damascus. Thus far concerning Syria; now he speaks of Phœnicia. The terms of the denunciation of Syria are so general, that if they stood alone we should be at a loss to fix the era of their fulfilment. But the case is different with Tyre (Zechariah 9:2-4); for, though Tyre was besieged by Shalmanezer, and perhaps even taken by Nebuchadnezzar, it was certainly never “devoured with fire” until (B.C. 333) Alexander, “having slain all save those who fled to the temples, ordered the houses to be set on fire” (Q. Curtius). At the same time, though he attacked Phœnicia with the main body of his army, he sent a detachment under Parmenio to operate against Syria. To this date, then, we consider this prophecy to refer. (On the mention of these nations in particular, and the argument founded on the supposed similarity of Zec 1:1-8, and Amos 1:1 to Amos 2:6, see Introduction, B. 2.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 9:2

Verse 2. And Hamath also shall border thereby] Hamath on the river Orontes; and Tyre and Sidon, notwithstanding their political wisdom, address, and cunning, shall have a part in the punishment. These prophecies are more suitable to the days of Jeremiah than to those of Zechariah; for there is no evidence - although Alexander did take Damascus, but without bloodshed - that it was destroyed from the times of Zechariah to the advent of our Lord. And as Tyre and Sidon were lately destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, it is not likely that they could soon undergo another devastation.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 9:2

2. shall border thereby] i.e. as it is near Damascus in situation and like it in character, so shall it be the neighbour or companion of Damascus in the calamities which shall come upon it. The clause may, however, be rendered, And also Hamath, which borders by it (Damascus), shall be its rest, i.e. the rest of the burden of the Lord, as Damascus was said to be in the former verse. Which bordereth thereon, R. V. though it be very wise] Or, because she is, R. V. This is best referred to Tyre, the words, “and Zidon,” being almost parenthetical, “Tyre with Zidon.” Though Sidon was the mother city it had long been eclipsed by Tyre, to which in the predictions of other prophets (Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 27:28), as here (Zechariah 9:3-4), the chief place is assigned. The “wisdom” of Tyre is specially mentioned by Ezekiel, “Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel” (Ezekiel 28:3), and as here (Zechariah 9:3) its practical application to the amassing of wealth is noted (Zechariah 9:4-5), and this is made the cause of the judgment that comes upon her (Zechariah 9:6-7).

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 9:2

And Hamath also shall border thereby - o. Near to it in place and character, it shall share its subdual. After the betrayal of Damascus, Parmenio was set over all Syria.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 9:2

THE FINAL TRIUMPH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, Zechariah 9:1 to Zechariah 14:21.

Sermons on Zechariah 9:2

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Bob Utley Pride Is a Family Characteristic by Bob Utley In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of pride and arrogance in both individuals and nations. He emphasizes that the root problem of evil is the desire to focus everyt
Chuck Smith Perfect in Beauty by Chuck Smith This sermon delves into the story of Job, highlighting how Satan seeks to strip away God's blessings and bring pain and suffering. It emphasizes the contrast between the fallen ang
Zac Poonen Knowing Satan's Schemes by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the tactics of Satan, focusing on how he deceives through pride, rebellion, accusation, and drawing people to himself. It emphasizes the importance of being
Zac Poonen (The Real Truth) 1. the Real Truth About Evil by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen addresses the profound mystery of evil in a world created by a good and wise God, exploring its origins in the heart of Lucifer, who fell from grace due to pride and reb
Lewis Sperry Chafer The Career of Satan by Lewis Sperry Chafer Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the past, present, and future of Satan, starting from his creation and perfect state to his rebellion and ultimate defeat. The Scriptures reveal Sat
T. Austin-Sparks The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of God's purpose in our lives. He warns that if we lose sight of this purpose, our Christian l

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