Zechariah 10:12

KJV

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will strengthen {H1396} them in the LORD {H3068}; and they shall walk up and down {H1980} in his name {H8034}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will strengthen [Isra'el] in ADONAI; they will travel here and there in his name," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I will strengthen them in the LORD,and in His name they will walk,”declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will strengthen them in Jehovah; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 10:12 delivers a profound divine promise of strength and confident living for God's restored people. It declares the LORD's active and direct involvement in empowering them, enabling them to live securely, freely, and authoritatively under His divine character and presence. This verse serves as a triumphant capstone to the chapter's promises of restoration, affirming that their future vitality and secure dwelling come solely from the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 10:12 concludes a pivotal chapter within Zechariah's larger prophetic section (chapters 9-14) that focuses on the future restoration and triumph of God's people, Judah and Israel. Chapter 10 begins with a call for rain from the LORD, contrasting it with the futility of diviners and idols ([Zechariah 10:1-2](/zechariah/10-1-2 "Zechariah 10:1-2 - Seeking Rain from the LORD")). The prophet then pivots to God's direct intervention, lamenting the past reliance on false shepherds and idols. The LORD promises to visit His flock, make them His majestic war-horse in battle ([Zechariah 10:3](/zechariah/10-3 "Zechariah 10:3 - God's Visitation and Use of Judah")), and gather them from exile, bringing them back to their land from places like Egypt and Assyria ([Zechariah 10:6-11](/zechariah/10-6-11 "Zechariah 10:6-11 - The LORD Gathers His People")). Verse 12 serves as a triumphant summary, affirming that their future strength and secure dwelling come directly from the LORD, not from human or worldly sources, thereby solidifying the themes of divine initiative and complete restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period, after the return of the first wave of Jewish exiles from Babylon under Persian rule. The people were engaged in rebuilding the temple and re-establishing their community in Jerusalem. This era was marked by a deep longing for full restoration, political autonomy, and a return to former glory, yet they faced internal struggles, external opposition, and spiritual apathy. The prophecy addresses their past failures, particularly their reliance on false leaders and idolatry, which led to their dispersion. Culturally, "walking" was a common metaphor for one's way of life or conduct, and "in his name" signified acting under the authority, character, and power of the one whose name was invoked. The promise of strength and free movement would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced weakness, oppression, and confinement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic books. The primary theme is **Divine Empowerment**, emphasizing that God Himself is the ultimate source of strength and capability for His people. This contrasts sharply with human efforts or reliance on false gods, which Zechariah frequently critiques. Another key theme is **Restoration and Security**, as the promise of "walking up and down in his name" signifies a future of freedom, peace, and dominion after periods of exile and oppression. It speaks to a people living without fear, moving freely, and possessing their land securely. This echoes the broader prophetic vision of a restored Israel, as seen in passages like [Micah 4:4-5](/micah/4-4-5 "Micah 4:4-5 - Peace and Security for God's People"), where each person dwells securely under their vine and fig tree, and nations walk in the name of their gods, but God's people walk in His name forever. Finally, the theme of **Living in God's Name** is central, implying a life lived in complete alignment with God's authority, character, and power, where their very existence and actions reflect His glory and presence as His representatives on earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strengthen (Hebrew, _gâbar'_):** From H1396, a primitive root meaning "to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently; exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant." In Zechariah 10:12, it signifies God's active imparting of inner fortitude, resilience, and capability to His people, enabling them to overcome challenges and stand firm. It is a divine act of empowerment.
* **walk up and down (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** From H1980, a primitive root meaning "to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl." The phrase "walk up and down" (often a specific grammatical construction emphasizing continuous or unhindered movement) here denotes free, confident, and secure activity, implying dominion and safety within their land.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, a primitive word meaning "an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report." To "walk in his name" means to live under His authority, embodying His character, and acting with His backing. It signifies an identity completely bound up in God, where their actions and very existence reflect His glory and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will strengthen them in the LORD;":** This clause initiates the divine promise, declaring God's sovereign initiative. The "I" refers to the LORD (Yahweh), emphasizing that the power and capability bestowed upon His people originate solely from Him. The phrase "in the LORD" further clarifies that this strength is not merely from God, but is rooted in their relationship with Him, drawing from His very being and covenant faithfulness. It speaks to an inner fortitude and resilience that is divinely supplied.
* **"and they shall walk up and down in his name,":** This second clause describes the outcome of God's strengthening. "Walk up and down" signifies unhindered movement, security, and freedom within their territory, implying a restored dominion and peace. The crucial phrase "in his name" indicates that their confident living and authority are derived from God's character, presence, and backing. It means living as His representatives, embodying His values, and acting under His divine authority, reflecting His glory to the world.
* **"saith the LORD.":** This concluding phrase serves as a divine affirmation, lending absolute certainty and authority to the entire promise. It is an oracle directly from God, guaranteeing the fulfillment of what has been declared. This declaration underscores the sovereignty and faithfulness of Yahweh, ensuring that His word will come to pass.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 10:12 prominently features a **Divine Oracle**, indicated by the concluding phrase "saith the LORD." This device immediately establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the promise, emphasizing that these are not human predictions but direct pronouncements from God Himself. The phrase "walk up and down in his name" employs **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. "Walking up and down" symbolizes freedom, security, and confident movement, contrasting with the previous state of exile and oppression. It metaphorically represents a life lived with unhindered purpose and dominion. "In his name" is highly symbolic, representing not just a label but the full character, authority, and presence of God. To walk "in his name" is to live under His banner, embodying His attributes, and acting as His authorized agents in the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's active and sovereign involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in providing strength and establishing their secure identity. It underscores that true empowerment comes not from human might or worldly alliances, but from a deep, covenantal relationship with the LORD. The promise of walking "in his name" speaks to the concept of bearing God's reputation and authority, a theme central to the identity of Israel and, by extension, the church. It implies a life lived in alignment with God's will, where His character is reflected through His people's actions and presence in the world. This divine strengthening enables a life of confident freedom and purpose, fulfilling God's restorative plans.

* [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint")
* [Psalm 23:4](/psalm/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Deuteronomy 28:10](/deuteronomy/28-10 "Deuteronomy 28:10 - All Peoples Shall See That You Are Called by the Name of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 10:12 offers profound encouragement and a clear directive for believers today. It reminds us that our strength for navigating life's challenges, fulfilling our calling, and standing firm in faith does not originate from our own capabilities, resources, or worldly influence, but directly from the Lord. When we feel overwhelmed, weak, or uncertain, this verse calls us to lean into the divine promise that God Himself "will strengthen" us. To "walk up and down in his name" means to live with confidence, purpose, and security, knowing that we bear His name as followers of Christ. This implies living a life that reflects His character, operates under His authority, and trusts in His constant presence and backing. We are called to live boldly, not timidly, recognizing that our identity in Christ grants us spiritual authority and that the Lord's name is a strong tower, a refuge in times of trouble. Our daily walk should be a testament to His power and presence in us, demonstrating His glory to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most feel the need for God's strengthening?**
* **What does it practically look like for you to "walk up and down in His name" in your daily life?**
* **How does the promise of God's strength and authority impact your confidence in facing challenges or pursuing your calling?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "strengthen them in the LORD"?**

Answer: To "strengthen them in the LORD" means that God Himself is the direct source of power, fortitude, and resilience for His people. It's not about human effort or external circumstances, but an internal, divinely imparted strength that enables them to endure, overcome, and thrive. This strength is rooted in their covenant relationship with Yahweh, drawing from His infinite power and faithfulness. It implies that their reliance is entirely on Him, and their ability to stand firm comes from being "in the LORD," meaning in union with Him and under His protective care.

**Is this promise of Zechariah 10:12 only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Zechariah 10:12 is the restoration of ancient Israel from exile, the theological principles embedded in the verse are timeless and universally applicable to all of God's people. The promise of divine strengthening and the call to live "in His name" transcend specific historical periods. As New Testament believers, we are spiritual descendants of Abraham and part of God's restored people through Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers us, and we are called to live by God's authority and character, bearing the name of Christ. Therefore, the core promise of God strengthening His people and enabling them to live confidently under His authority applies profoundly to believers today, as affirmed in passages like [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ") and [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing All in the Name of the Lord Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 10:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant He inaugurated. The promise that God "will strengthen them in the LORD" is realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our strength and the very embodiment of God's power ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, providing the ultimate spiritual empowerment that enables believers to live a new life. Furthermore, the promise that "they shall walk up and down in his name" is beautifully fulfilled in the Christian's identity and mission. Believers are called to live "in the name of the Lord Jesus" ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus")), meaning by His authority, according to His character, and as His representatives in the world. The freedom and security implied by "walking up and down" are found in the spiritual liberty Christ provides ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")), where believers are no longer enslaved to sin but walk in newness of life by the power of the Holy Spirit ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). Thus, Zechariah's prophetic vision of a strengthened, free, and God-honoring people is fully realized in the church, the body of Christ, empowered by Him to live out His name in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 2:5

O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Zechariah 10:6

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.

Micah 4:5

For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

2 Timothy 2:1

¶ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 2:6

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: