Zechariah 12:10

KJV

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will pour {H8210} upon the house {H1004} of David {H1732}, and upon the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, the spirit {H7307} of grace {H2580} and of supplications {H8469}: and they shall look {H5027} upon me whom they have pierced {H1856}, and they shall mourn {H4553} for him, as one mourneth {H5594} for his only {H3173} son, and shall be in bitterness {H4843} for him, as one that is in bitterness {H4843} for his firstborn {H1060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will pour out on the house of David and on those living in Yerushalayim a spirit of grace and prayer; and they will look to me, whom they pierced." They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son; they will be in bitterness on his behalf like the bitterness for a firstborn son.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

American Standard Version

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 12:10 is a pivotal messianic prophecy foretelling a future divine outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the people of Israel, specifically the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This outpouring will lead to a profound spiritual awakening, enabling them to recognize and mourn over the one whom they have historically rejected and "pierced"—the Messiah. The depth of their collective repentance and sorrow is vividly compared to the inconsolable grief of losing an only son or a firstborn, signifying a national turning to God in deep contrition and faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 12:10 is situated within the latter half of the book of Zechariah (chapters 9-14), often referred to as the "Burden" or "Oracle" concerning the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. This section is highly eschatological, describing climactic events leading up to and including the Day of the Lord. Chapter 12 specifically details a future siege against Jerusalem, where God supernaturally intervenes to protect His people, turning the tide against all nations that gather against them. Amidst this intense physical conflict, the focus abruptly shifts in verse 10 from military victory to a profound spiritual transformation, highlighting that God's ultimate victory includes the redemption and restoration of His people's hearts. This verse serves as the spiritual climax of the chapter, moving from outward conflict to inward conviction, setting the stage for the cleansing and renewal described in [Zechariah 13](/zechariah/13 "Zechariah 13 - Cleansing from Sin and Idolatry").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period (around 520-518 BC), alongside Haggai, urging the returned exiles to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. The people were living under Persian rule, a time of national vulnerability and spiritual apathy, yet also a period of renewed hope in God's covenant promises. Culturally, the concept of mourning for an "only son" or "firstborn" carried immense weight in ancient Israel. An only son represented the continuation of the family line and the fulfillment of promises, while the firstborn held a special, often consecrated, status and the right to a double portion of the inheritance. The loss of such a child was considered the most profound and devastating grief imaginable, as seen in the lamentations of [Jeremiah 6:26](/jeremiah/6-26 "Jeremiah 6:26 - Mourning as for an Only Son") or the plague on Egypt in [Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29-30 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn"). This cultural understanding underscores the unparalleled depth of sorrow Zechariah describes.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 12:10 contributes significantly to several major themes throughout the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history and His direct involvement in the spiritual awakening of His people. Secondly, it is a cornerstone of **Messianic Prophecy**, providing a clear foretelling of the Messiah's suffering ("pierced") and His future recognition by Israel. This theme is foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan, echoing earlier prophecies like the suffering servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the theme of **National Repentance and Restoration**, portraying a future moment when Israel will collectively turn back to God in deep contrition, fulfilling promises of a renewed covenant and a transformed heart, as envisioned in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Finally, the "spirit of grace and supplications" underscores the **Empowering Work of the Holy Spirit** in enabling true repentance and prayer, a theme that culminates in the New Testament outpouring of the Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pour (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** H8210. This verb signifies a forceful, abundant, and often dramatic outpouring, like shedding blood or gushing water. When applied to the Spirit, as here, it denotes a lavish, unreserved, and sovereign act of God, not a mere trickle but an overwhelming flood of divine influence. It implies a complete and transformative saturation.
* **pierced (Hebrew, _dâqar'_):** H1856. This word means to stab, pierce, or thrust through, often implying a fatal wound inflicted by a weapon like a sword or spear. Its use here is highly significant, pointing to a violent and lethal act. In the context of "me whom they have pierced," it prophetically foreshadows the violent death of the Messiah, specifically His crucifixion.
* **only (Hebrew, _yâchîyd'_):** H3173. This adjective means "united," "sole," or "unique." When referring to a son, it emphasizes the singular, irreplaceable nature of the child, highlighting the profound and unique bond. The mourning for an "only son" is therefore the most intense and inconsolable grief imaginable, underscoring the unparalleled depth of sorrow and repentance described in the verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications:"** This opening clause reveals God as the sovereign initiator of a profound spiritual work. The "house of David" represents the leadership and royal line, while "inhabitants of Jerusalem" signifies the broader populace. The "spirit of grace and of supplications" refers to the Holy Spirit imparting both divine favor (grace) and a deep, earnest desire for prayer and intercession (supplications). This is a divinely enabled spiritual awakening, empowering genuine repentance and a turning to God.
* **"and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced,"** This is the pivotal messianic core of the verse. The "me" is Yahweh, the speaker, yet the one "pierced" is clearly the Messiah. This paradoxical statement points to the divine nature of the one who would suffer a violent, piercing death. It foretells a future moment when the Jewish people will collectively recognize Jesus, the one crucified, as their true God and Messiah. Their "looking" implies a revelatory understanding and a profound recognition of truth.
* **"and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son],"** Following their recognition, a deep and agonizing national repentance ensues. The mourning is not for themselves or their circumstances, but "for him"—the one they pierced. The simile to mourning an "only son" emphasizes the unparalleled, heart-wrenching, and irreplaceable loss, signifying a grief of the deepest personal and collective magnitude.
* **"and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn."** This second simile reinforces the intensity and profound nature of their sorrow. To be "in bitterness" signifies a deep, internal anguish and sorrow. The comparison to mourning a "firstborn" child, who held special status and hope within the family, further amplifies the depth of their contrition and the profound sense of loss and regret over their historical rejection of their Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 12:10 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its prophetic message. The verse employs powerful **Symbolism**, where "the spirit of grace and of supplications" symbolizes a divine empowerment for spiritual transformation, conviction, and prayer. The act of "piercing" is a stark **Metaphor** for the violent rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah, becoming a literal act of fulfillment in the New Testament. The repeated use of **Simile**—"as one mourneth for his only son" and "as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn"—is particularly potent, drawing on the deepest human experience of grief to convey the profound, agonizing, and national repentance that will occur. This use of hyperbole underscores the unparalleled nature of their future sorrow. Furthermore, the verse contains profound **Prophecy**, foretelling future events with remarkable precision. The shift in pronoun from "me" (Yahweh) to "him" (the one pierced) creates a powerful **Paradox** or **Divine Enigma**, hinting at the mysterious unity of the speaker (God) and the suffering Messiah, a theological truth fully revealed in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 12:10 stands as a profound theological statement on God's redemptive plan, revealing His steadfast faithfulness to Israel and His ultimate purpose for their spiritual restoration. It underscores the necessity of divine grace for true repentance, as the "spirit of grace and of supplications" is poured out by God Himself, enabling the people to turn to Him. The verse also highlights the centrality of the Messiah's suffering and His identity as both God and man, whose piercing is the catalyst for national conviction and mourning. This future spiritual awakening of Israel, marked by deep contrition for their historical rejection of Christ, is a testament to God's enduring covenant love and His power to transform hearts, leading to a profound and national recognition of their Savior.

* [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - God's Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh")
* [John 19:37](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - Fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10 at the Cross")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 12:10 offers profound insights for believers today, inviting us to reflect on the nature of true repentance and the transformative power of God's Spirit. Just as Israel will one day mourn over their rejection of the Messiah, we are called to a similar, deeply personal contrition for our own sins and for any ways we have rejected or neglected Christ. This verse reminds us that genuine sorrow for sin is not merely regret over consequences, but a heartfelt grief over offending a holy and loving God, a grief that is divinely enabled by the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to cultivate a "spirit of grace and supplications" in our own lives, recognizing that our ability to pray, seek God, and experience His favor is a gift from Him. Furthermore, it instills hope in God's sovereign plan for all people, including the future restoration of Israel, and calls us to pray for revival and spiritual awakening in our communities and around the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of mourning in Zechariah 12:10 challenge or deepen your understanding of repentance?**
* **In what ways do you experience or long for "the spirit of grace and of supplications" in your own prayer life?**
* **What does this prophecy about Israel's future recognition of Christ teach us about God's faithfulness and His redemptive timeline?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "me" whom they have pierced, and why does the pronoun shift to "him"?**

Answer: The "me" is Yahweh, the Lord God, who is speaking in the first person. The shift to "him" refers to the one who was pierced. This seemingly paradoxical phrasing is a profound messianic prophecy, revealing the divine identity of the suffering Messiah. It indicates that the one pierced is none other than God Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament explicitly confirms this, with [John 19:37](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - Fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10 at the Cross") quoting Zechariah 12:10 in reference to Jesus' crucifixion, and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him") reiterating the future recognition. This linguistic structure points to the mystery of the Incarnation, where God Himself would take on human flesh and suffer.

**When will this prophecy be fulfilled?**

Answer: This prophecy is primarily understood to have a future fulfillment, specifically at the end of the age, often associated with the Second Coming of Christ. While Jesus was literally "pierced" at His crucifixion (a partial fulfillment), the collective national mourning and recognition by "the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" has not yet occurred on a widespread scale. Many scholars believe this will take place when Jesus returns to establish His kingdom, as described in [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him"), when "every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him." It signifies a national spiritual awakening and repentance of Israel before or at the time of Christ's glorious return.

**What is the "spirit of grace and of supplications"?**

Answer: The "spirit of grace and of supplications" refers to the Holy Spirit, who is poured out by God to enable two specific spiritual capacities. "Grace" (Hebrew: *chên*) denotes divine favor, kindness, and the unmerited enablement from God. "Supplications" (Hebrew: *tachănûwn*) refers to earnest pleas, petitions, and fervent prayer. Together, this phrase describes a divinely imparted spiritual gift that leads to a profound sense of God's favor and a deep, genuine desire and ability to pray with heartfelt humility and earnestness. It is the Holy Spirit's work that convicts hearts, reveals truth, and empowers individuals and a nation to turn to God in repentance and seek His mercy, as seen in the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 12:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The prophecy's declaration, "they shall look upon me whom they have pierced," is a direct foretelling of the crucifixion of Jesus. While Yahweh is speaking, the one who is "pierced" is Jesus, demonstrating His divine identity and His atoning sacrifice. The Apostle John explicitly links this prophecy to Christ's death on the cross, noting that the soldiers did not break Jesus' legs but one pierced His side with a spear, fulfilling the scripture: "[They shall look on Him whom they pierced](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - Fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10 at the Cross")" ([John 19:37](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - Fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10 at the Cross")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was pierced not only physically but also spiritually by the rejection of His own people and the weight of humanity's sin. His suffering and bloodshed were the necessary atonement for sin, for "[without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). The future outpouring of "the spirit of grace and of supplications" upon Israel will enable them to recognize Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah and mourn for their historical rejection of Him, leading to a national spiritual regeneration. This future event, often associated with Christ's glorious return, will be a dramatic display of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the ultimate triumph of His Son, when "[every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")).

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

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Ezekiel 39:29

Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Joel 2:29

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

Jeremiah 6:26

O daughter of my people, gird [thee] with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, [as for] an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

John 19:34

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.