Zechariah 9:7
What does Zechariah 9:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Zechariah 9:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zechariah 9:7 means
In a remarkable turn, this verse describes a transformative cleansing and inclusion for a remnant among the Philistines. God declares, "I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth." This imagery symbolizes a purification from idolatrous practices, particularly those involving blood sacrifices or unclean foods. The cleansed Philistine then "shall also be a remnant for our God," indicating a surprising conversion and inclusion into God's people. Furthermore, they will be assimilated into Judah, functioning "as a chieftain in Judah," and Ekron will be "as a Jebusite," implying they will be fully incorporated, serving and dwelling among God's chosen, losing their distinct hostile identity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also shall be a remnant for our God; and he shall be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also shall be a remnant for our God; and he shall be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I will take away his blood from his mouth, and his disgusting things from between his teeth; and some of his people will be kept for our God: and he will be as a family in Judah, and Ekron as one living in Jerusalem.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And turned aside his blood from his mouth, His abominations from between his teeth, And he hath remained, even he, to our God, And he hath been as a leader in Judah, And Ekron as a Jebusite.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: and even he shall be left to our God, and he shall be as a governor in Juda, and Accaron as a Jebusite.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; but he that remaineth, he also shall belong to ourGod, and shall be as a leader in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
Context
This verse introduces a dramatic shift in the prophetic pronouncements against the Philistines. While verses 5 and 6 predict their judgment and the cutting off of their pride, this verse offers a redemptive hope: a purified remnant will be incorporated into God's people. This surprising mercy for former enemies sets a precedent for God's protection of His own house, which is secured in the following verse, as God's commitment to His people remains.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 58:6
Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Jehovah.
- 1 Chronicles 11:4
And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (the same is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there.
- Ezekiel 16:57
before thy wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Syria, and of all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, that do despite unto thee round about.
- 1 Chronicles 21:15
And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was about to destroy, Jehovah beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the destroying angel, It is enough; now stay thy hand. And the angel of Jehovah was standing by the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
- Amos 3:12
Thus saith Jehovah: As the shepherd rescueth out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the children of Israel be rescued that sit in Samaria in the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed.
- 1 Samuel 17:34
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant was keeping his father’s sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Zechariah 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Zechariah 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Honesty
Biblical honesty means living truthfully in word and deed, reflecting God’s character in all aspects of life and interactions.
Topic
Bible Verses About Justice
God’s perfect character and righteous standards guide all justice, which we are called to pursue in our lives and communities.
Topic
Bible Verses About Kindness
The Bible consistently promotes kindness as a fruit of the Spirit and a necessary trait for believers.