Zechariah study section
Zechariah word studies
A handful of Hebrew words carry the theology of Zechariah. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
שׁוּב (shuv) — “To Return, Repent”
Usage: Zechariah 1:3-4
Meaning: To turn, return, repent. “Return to me... and I will return to you.”
Theological Significance: The book’s opening appeal is the heart of covenant renewal: God’s people turn to Him and find Him turning to them in mercy. It anticipates the gospel call to repentance and the God who runs to meet the returning sinner (Zechariah 1:3; Luke 15:20).
צֶמַח (tsemach) — “Branch”
Usage: Zechariah 3:8; 6:12
Meaning: A branch, sprout, growth; a title for the coming Davidic Messiah.
Theological Significance: “The Branch” is the promised King-Priest who builds God’s true temple and removes sin. He is fulfilled in Jesus, the righteous Branch of David, who reigns and intercedes as both King and Priest (Zechariah 6:12-13; Jeremiah 23:5; Hebrews 7:1-2).
רוּחַ (ruach) — “Spirit”
Usage: Zechariah 4:6
Meaning: Spirit, breath, wind. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my ruach.”
Theological Significance: God’s work is accomplished by His Spirit, not human strength. This truth underlies the advance of Christ’s kingdom, built not by force but by the Spirit poured out through the risen Christ (Zechariah 4:6; Acts 1:8).
דָּקַר (daqar) — “To Pierce”
Usage: Zechariah 12:10
Meaning: To pierce, thrust through. “They shall look on me, on him whom they have pierced.”
Theological Significance: This astonishing prophecy is fulfilled when Christ was pierced on the cross, and points to the day when every eye will see the pierced One and mourn or be moved to faith (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37; Revelation 1:7).
מָקוֹר (maqor) — “Fountain, Spring”
Usage: Zechariah 13:1
Meaning: A fountain, spring, source of flowing water. “A fountain opened... to cleanse them from sin.”
Theological Significance: The fountain for sin and uncleanness is fulfilled in the cleansing blood of Christ, the true source that washes away sin and gives the water of life (Zechariah 13:1; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 22:1).
My notes
Private to this browser — saved on this device only, never uploaded.