Zechariah 10:7

KJV

And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they of Ephraim {H669} shall be like a mighty {H1368} man, and their heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H8055} as through wine {H3196}: yea, their children {H1121} shall see {H7200} it, and be glad {H8055}; their heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H1523} in the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Efrayim's men will be like warriors; their hearts will be cheered as if from wine. Their children will see it and rejoice, their hearts will be glad in ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Ephraim will be like a mighty man,and their hearts will be glad as with wine.Their children will see it and be joyful;their hearts will rejoice in the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine; yea, their children shall see it, and rejoice; their heart shall be glad in Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 10:7 prophesies a future divine restoration and empowerment for the scattered people of Israel, specifically referencing Ephraim as a symbol for the northern tribes. It foretells a time when God's people will be imbued with supernatural strength, likened to a mighty warrior, and experience profound, uninhibited joy that surpasses worldly exhilaration, a joy deeply rooted in their relationship with the Lord. This restoration will be so evident and transformative that it will bless and inspire future generations, solidifying a legacy of God-given strength and delight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 10 is part of a larger prophetic section (chapters 9-14) that shifts from the immediate post-exilic concerns of rebuilding the Temple to broader eschatological and messianic themes. Chapter 9 introduces the coming of the humble King and the defeat of Israel's enemies, leading into a vision of God's future deliverance. Chapter 10 specifically addresses God's intention to gather His scattered people, particularly the "house of Judah" and "house of Joseph" (Ephraim), promising them strength and leadership. This verse, Zechariah 10:7, serves as a powerful declaration of the spiritual and physical revitalization that awaits these restored tribes, setting the stage for further prophecies of their return and triumphant future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Zechariah's prophecy, the northern kingdom of Israel (represented by Ephraim, its dominant tribe) had been dispersed for centuries following the Assyrian captivity (722 BCE). The southern kingdom of Judah had recently returned from Babylonian exile, but the northern tribes remained scattered, seemingly lost to history. Culturally, wine was a common symbol of celebration and joy, often associated with feasts and prosperity. The imagery of a "mighty man" (Hebrew: *gibbor*) evoked the ideal of a valiant warrior, a figure of strength and courage. Zechariah's prophecy, therefore, speaks to a deeply held hope for national reunification and a return to former glory, drawing on familiar cultural metaphors to convey the magnitude of God's promised intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to the **Restoration and Reunification of All Israel**, promising to bring back even the long-dispersed northern tribes, signifying a complete national healing as seen in [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37-15-28 "Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The Two Sticks and Reunification"). A prominent theme is **Divine Empowerment**, where God Himself infuses His people with strength, transforming them from weakness to valor, a concept echoed in [Isaiah 40:29-31](/isaiah/40-29-31 "Isaiah 40:29-31 - God Gives Power to the Faint"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **God-Centered Joy**, emphasizing that true and lasting gladness is found not in worldly pleasures but in the Lord, a truth consistently proclaimed throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"). Finally, it speaks to **Generational Blessing and Testimony**, indicating that God's work of restoration will be so profound that it will be witnessed and experienced by succeeding generations, reinforcing the enduring nature of His covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephraim (Hebrew, _ʼEphrayim'_):** From a root meaning "double fruit," Ephraim was a son of Joseph and became the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel. In prophetic literature, "Ephraim" often serves as a metonymy for the entire ten northern tribes, which were scattered by the Assyrians. Its inclusion here signifies God's comprehensive plan to restore and reunite all twelve tribes of Israel, not just the southern kingdom of Judah that returned from Babylonian exile.
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term denotes someone powerful, a warrior, a champion, or a valiant man. It suggests extraordinary strength and prowess, often in a military or heroic context. When applied to Ephraim, it indicates a divine transformation from a state of weakness and dispersion to one of formidable strength and capability, empowered by God for victory and flourishing.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root signifies to brighten up, to be blithe or gleesome, to be glad, or to make joyful. It describes an intense, uninhibited gladness or jubilation. The repetition of this word in the verse underscores the depth and abundance of the joy that God's restored people will experience, a joy that is not fleeting but profoundly satisfying.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man],"**: This clause declares a dramatic transformation for Ephraim, symbolizing the scattered northern tribes. From a state of weakness and dispersion, they will be divinely empowered to possess the strength, valor, and effectiveness of a formidable warrior. This is a promise of supernatural enablement, enabling them to overcome obstacles and stand firm.
* **"and their heart shall rejoice as through wine:"**: This vivid simile describes an overflowing, uninhibited joy. Just as wine can produce exhilaration and a sense of freedom, the joy experienced by God's people will be intense and pervasive, filling their innermost being (the heart). It suggests a deep, profound gladness that is not superficial but transformative.
* **"yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad;"**: This clause emphasizes the generational impact of God's promised restoration and joy. The blessings and transformation bestowed upon Ephraim will be so evident that future generations will witness them, recognize God's hand in them, and consequently share in the gladness. This speaks to the enduring legacy of God's faithfulness and the visible testimony of His work.
* **"their heart shall rejoice in the LORD."**: This concluding phrase clarifies the source and object of their profound joy. Unlike the temporary and potentially destructive joy derived from worldly pleasures (like excessive wine), this joy is pure, lasting, and divinely sourced. The ultimate wellspring of their gladness is the Lord Himself, indicating a deep, covenantal relationship and a profound satisfaction found in His presence and His saving acts.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 10:7 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of restoration and joy. The most prominent is **Simile**, seen in "Ephraim shall be like a mighty man" and "their heart shall rejoice as through wine." These comparisons vividly illustrate the transformation and intensity of experience. "Like a mighty man" conveys a shift from weakness to formidable strength, while "as through wine" captures the uninhibited, overflowing nature of their joy. **Metonymy** is also at play with "Ephraim" representing the entire northern kingdom of Israel, symbolizing the comprehensive scope of God's restoration plan. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, particularly in the repetition of "their heart shall rejoice," which serves to emphasize the central theme of joy and its ultimate source. The shift from a general comparison to wine to the explicit declaration of rejoicing "in the LORD" also demonstrates a form of **Climax**, building to the ultimate and true source of their delight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 10:7 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to the restoration of His people, not merely to their physical land but to a state of spiritual vitality, strength, and profound joy. The prophecy underscores that true power and lasting gladness are divinely sourced, flowing from a covenant relationship with the Lord rather than from human might or worldly pleasures. It speaks to the transformative power of God's grace, capable of turning weakness into strength and sorrow into unbridled delight. This divine empowerment and joy are not insular but are intended to be a visible testimony that impacts future generations, demonstrating the enduring nature of God's faithfulness and the blessed legacy of those who trust in Him.

* [Isaiah 35:10](/isaiah/35-10 "Isaiah 35:10 - Everlasting Joy"): "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
* [Joel 2:21-27](/joel/2-21-27 "Joel 2:21-27 - Restoration and Joy"): "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things... And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed."
* [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"): "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 10:7 offers a timeless message of hope and encouragement for believers in every age. It reminds us that our true strength does not lie in our own capabilities, resources, or worldly alliances, but in the divine empowerment that God provides. When we feel weak, overwhelmed, or discouraged, we are called to look to the Lord, who promises to make us "like a mighty man" through His Spirit. Furthermore, this verse challenges us to examine the source of our joy. Is it fleeting, dependent on circumstances, or is it a deep, abiding gladness rooted in our relationship with God? The "joy in the LORD" is a profound, spiritual exhilaration that transcends outward conditions, offering stability and peace. Living out this God-centered strength and joy not only transforms our own lives but also serves as a powerful testimony to those around us, especially our children and future generations, inviting them to witness and experience the goodness of God for themselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel weak or inadequate, and how can you invite God to empower you to be "like a mighty man"?**
* **What are the primary sources of joy in your life? How can you cultivate a deeper, more consistent joy that is rooted "in the LORD"?**
* **How might your experience of God's strength and joy serve as a testimony and blessing to your family, community, or future generations?**
* **How does the promise of God's restoration for Ephraim encourage you about God's faithfulness to fulfill all His promises, even those that seem long delayed or impossible?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Ephraim" in this verse, considering the historical context?**

Answer: In Zechariah 10:7, "Ephraim" is highly significant because it represents the ten northern tribes of Israel, which had been dispersed and seemingly lost after the Assyrian captivity in 722 BCE. While the southern kingdom of Judah had returned from Babylonian exile, the fate of the northern tribes remained a poignant concern for many prophets. Zechariah's mention of Ephraim here is a powerful prophetic declaration that God has not forgotten these scattered tribes. It signifies His comprehensive plan for the full restoration and reunification of all Israel, bringing together both the "house of Judah" and the "house of Joseph" (Ephraim) under His divine leadership. This promise of a complete national restoration underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with all of Jacob's descendants, as also prophesied in [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37-15-28 "Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The Prophecy of the Two Sticks").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 10:7 speaks directly to the restoration of physical Israel, its profound themes of divine empowerment, spiritual joy, and generational blessing find their ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His New Covenant work. The "mighty man" imagery, representing strength and victory, is supremely realized in Christ, who is the true Warrior and Champion, conquering sin and death through His cross and resurrection. Believers, through union with Christ, are empowered by His Spirit, becoming spiritually strong and capable of overcoming the world, as Paul declares in [Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Ephesians 3:16 - Strength through the Spirit") that God would grant us "to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." The "joy as through wine" finds its purest expression in the New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit fills believers with "joy in the Holy Ghost" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit")), a joy that is not dependent on earthly circumstances but flows from the presence of Christ and the assurance of salvation. This deep, abiding joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")), and Jesus Himself promised His disciples a fullness of joy that no one could take from them ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy")). Furthermore, the generational blessing is fulfilled in the expansion of God's kingdom through the Church, where the good news of Christ's victory and the joy of salvation are passed down through the ages, creating a spiritual legacy that transcends ethnic boundaries, as foretold in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Great Multitude from Every Nation").

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

Zechariah 9:15

The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Psalms 104:15

And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Psalms 28:7

The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.