Zechariah 9:11
What does Zechariah 9:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Zechariah 9:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zechariah 9:11 means
God addresses Judah directly, revealing His covenant faithfulness as the basis for their deliverance. "As for thee also, because of the blood of thy covenant I have set free thy prisoners from the pit wherein is no water." The phrase "blood of thy covenant" refers to the foundational Mosaic covenant, particularly its ratification through sacrifice, emphasizing God's commitment to His people. The "prisoners from the pit wherein is no water" vividly describes suffering exiles or those in desperate circumstances, symbolizing a place of deep distress and hopelessness. God's action here is a powerful demonstration of His loyalty to His promises, extending salvation even in dire situations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000As for thee also, because of the blood of thy covenant I have set free thy prisoners from the pit wherein is no water.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901As for thee also, because of the blood of thy covenant I have set free thy prisoners from the pit wherein is no water.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And as for you, because of the blood of your agreement, I have sent out your prisoners from the deep hole in which there is no water.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Also thou--by the blood of thy covenant, I have sent thy prisoners out of the pit, There is no water in it.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou also by the blood of thy testament hast sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit, wherein is no water.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant, I will send forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Context
This verse shifts the focus from the King's universal reign of peace in verse 10 to a specific promise of deliverance for God's covenant people. It highlights the *reason* for this deliverance—God's covenant faithfulness. This immediately precedes the direct call to the "prisoners of hope" in verse 12, offering them a secure refuge and promising a double restoration, linking God's past faithfulness to future action.
v.10And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off; and he shall speak peace unto the nations: and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
v.11This passage
v.12Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even to-day do I declare that I will render double unto thee.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:20
And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for you.
- Psalms 69:33
For Jehovah heareth the needy, And despiseth not his prisoners.
- Hebrews 10:29
of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
- Colossians 1:13
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;
- Luke 16:24
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.
- Isaiah 51:14
The captive exile shall speedily be loosed; and he shall not die and go down into the pit, neither shall his bread fail.
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