Devine Scripture

Zechariah 9:2

What does Zechariah 9:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Zechariah 9:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Zechariah 9:2 means

The divine burden continues, extending to Hamath, a city bordering Hadrach, indicating a pervasive judgment across the region. The prophecy then specifically names Tyre and Sidon, renowned Phoenician cities. These cities are marked for judgment "because they are very wise," implying a wisdom that was self-reliant, worldly, and apart from God, leading to pride and a false sense of security in their own counsel and achievements. Their wisdom, rather than being a source of blessing, becomes a contributing factor to their downfall.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and also [on] Hamath [which] bordereth thereon; on Tyre and Zidon, though she be very wise.

Context

Building upon the initial declaration of judgment in verse 1, this verse expands the scope to include additional significant cities. It details *why* Tyre and Sidon face judgment—their self-assessed wisdom—which links directly to the detailed description of their material wealth and fortifications that follows in verse 3. This progression shows a deliberate unveiling of the reasons for judgment before describing its execution.

v.1The burden of the word of Jehovah upon the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be its resting-place (for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward Jehovah);

v.2This passage

v.3And Tyre did build herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Numbers 13:21

    So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath.

  • 2 Kings 25:21

    And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away captive out of his land.

  • Amos 6:14

    For, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah, the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entrance of Hamath unto the brook of the Arabah.

  • 1 Kings 17:9

    Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain thee.

  • 2 Kings 23:33

    And Pharaoh-necoh put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of a hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.

  • Jeremiah 49:23

    Of Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad; for they have heard evil tidings, they are melted away: there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

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