Zechariah 1:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then I looked up and saw four horns.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then I looked up and saw four horns.

American Standard Version:

And I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, four horns.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then lifted I up^{H5375} mine eyes^{H5869}, and saw^{H7200}, and behold four^{H702} horns^{H7161}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Zechariah 1:18

Zechariah 1:18 is a part of the Old Testament and is found within the Book of Zechariah, which is a prophetic book. The verse itself is succinct, yet it carries significant symbolic imagery that is characteristic of prophetic literature in the Bible. In the historical context, Zechariah is writing during a time when the Jewish people have returned from exile in Babylon and are working to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This period is marked by challenges and opposition to the rebuilding efforts, and the people are in need of encouragement and divine guidance.

In the verse, Zechariah describes a vision where he sees four horns. In the ancient Near East, horns often symbolize power and strength, and in biblical symbolism, they frequently represent kings or kingdoms. The number four in the Bible can signify universality or completeness, as in the four corners of the earth. Therefore, these four horns could be interpreted as representing the total or complete power of the worldly kingdoms that have oppressed Israel. This vision would have resonated with the contemporary audience as a reflection of the nations that had scattered and oppressed Judah: Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, and Persia.

The theme of Zechariah 1:18 is one of divine sovereignty over the nations and their rulers. It serves as a reassurance to the people that, despite the seemingly insurmountable power of their oppressors, God is in control and will ultimately triumph over these kingdoms. This verse sets the stage for further revelation and interpretation in the subsequent verses, where the prophet goes on to describe how these horns will be cast down by God, symbolizing the defeat of the oppressive powers. The vision is meant to encourage the returned exiles to continue their work on the Temple, trusting in God's protection and sovereignty over their circumstances.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5375
   There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָשָׂא
   Transliteration: nâsâʼ
   Pronunciation: naw-saw'
   Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).
   
3. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
4. Strong's Number: H702
   There are 383 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַרְבַּע
   Transliteration: ʼarbaʻ
   Pronunciation: ar-bah'
   Description: masculine אַרְבָּעָה; from רָבַע; four; four.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7161
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קֶרֶן
   Transliteration: qeren
   Pronunciation: keh'-ren
   Description: from קָרַן; a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e. ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a mountain), a ray (of light); figuratively, power; [idiom] hill, horn.